What to Check When Buying a Used Car
Complete used car buying checklist. Essential checks to do before buying to avoid costly mistakes and ensure you get a reliable car.
Buying a Used Car: Be Prepared
Over 7 million used cars are sold in the UK every year. While most sales go smoothly, knowing what to check protects you from expensive problems and gives you confidence in your purchase.
⚠️ Remember: Take your time, ask questions, and never feel pressured. If something feels wrong, walk away - there are always more cars available.
Before You View the Car
1. Run an HPI/Vehicle History Check (£20-30)
Essential checks include:
- Outstanding finance: Is money still owed on the car?
- Stolen: Is it registered as stolen?
- Written off: Has it been in a serious accident (Cat S/N/C/D)?
- Mileage history: Has the mileage been clocked?
- Number of previous owners
🚫 If finance is outstanding, you could lose the car AND your money if the owner doesn't pay it off!
2. Check MOT History (Free on gov.uk)
Visit: www.check-mot.service.gov.uk
- Check current MOT status and expiry date
- Review mileage history - look for inconsistencies
- Look at advisory notes - what needs attention soon?
- Check failure history - same issues repeatedly = concern
3. Research the Model
- Read owner reviews - are there common problems?
- Check insurance group - will it be expensive to insure?
- Research typical running costs (fuel, tax, servicing)
- Check reliability ratings
At the Viewing: Your Checklist
📄 Check Documents First
- V5C logbook: Must match seller's name and address. Check VIN matches car
- Service history: Full or partial? Stamps from reputable garages?
- MOT certificate: Current and valid
- Owner's manual and service book
- Spare keys: How many are included?
🚫 Red flag: Seller doesn't have V5C or it's in someone else's name
🚗 Exterior Checks
- Panel gaps: Should be even - uneven = poor repair or accident damage
- Paint: Check for different shades between panels (resprayed after accident?)
- Rust: Check wheel arches, sills, door bottoms, around fuel cap
- Tyres: Tread depth (minimum 1.6mm), even wear, same brand on each axle
- Glass: Chips or cracks in windscreen? Stone chips normal, cracks fail MOT
- Lights: All working? No condensation inside light units
- Exhaust: Secure? Excessive rust? Listen for blowing noise
💺 Interior Checks
- Seats: Condition appropriate for mileage? Wear or tears?
- Pedals: Worn rubber = high mileage (doesn't match recorded miles?)
- Smell: Musty/damp smell = water leak. Check carpets for dampness
- Dashboard: All warning lights off when running?
- Controls: Test everything - windows, mirrors, aircon, heater, radio
- Seat belts: Work properly? Click in securely?
🔧 Engine Bay
- Oil: Check level and condition (not black and gritty?)
- Coolant: Correct level? No rust or gunk in reservoir?
- Leaks: Look under car for puddles or wetness
- Belts & hoses: No cracks or fraying?
- Battery: Clean terminals? Age written on battery?
- Oil cap: Remove and check for white gunk (head gasket problem)
🏁 The Test Drive - Essential!
NEVER buy a car without a proper test drive. Aim for 15-20 minutes covering different roads.
| What to Test | What You're Looking For |
|---|---|
| Cold Start | Should start easily. Blue smoke = engine wear. Black smoke = running rich |
| Steering | Smooth, no pulling to one side, no strange noises |
| Brakes | Stop straight, no pulling, no grinding noises, pedal feels firm |
| Gears | Change smoothly. Manual: no crunching. Auto: no jerks or slipping |
| Clutch (manual) | Bites halfway up pedal travel. No slipping on hills |
| Engine | Pulls well, no misfiring, no strange noises, warning lights stay off |
| Suspension | No clunking over bumps. Car doesn't bounce excessively |
| Temperature | Gauge reaches normal temp in 5-10 mins. Doesn't overheat |
💡 Tip: Drive with the radio OFF so you can hear any unusual noises
🚩 Red Flags - Walk Away If:
- • Seller refuses to let you get an independent inspection
- • No V5C logbook or it's in someone else's name
- • Outstanding finance shows on HPI check
- • Mileage discrepancies between MOT history and current odometer
- • Service history is missing or incomplete
- • Engine warning lights on dashboard
- • Seller pushy or evasive with answers
- • Won't let you test drive or wants deposit before viewing
- • Meeting in car park/layby instead of their home (dealer excepted)
- • Price seems too good to be true
Before You Hand Over Money
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