At the dealer
Equipped with all your research, you’ll have an easier time at the dealership or with a private seller than if you went without any preparation. You’ll also be better placed to get the best deal possible. However, there’s still lots more to do before you get to the fun of haggling.
1. Vehicle inspection
Always examine the car, from top to bottom and inside and out. A common question, however, is: what to look for when buying a used car? Simply put, you want to look for signs of damage, that mileage matches the age, and that the overall condition of the vehicle is in top quality. You can perform this car inspection yourself or you can pay for a technician to do it on your behalf.
There are lots of things to check, which is why we’ve put together this separate vehicle inspection checklist. Even if you have no mechanical experience, this guide will give you practical advice on what to look for, how, why, and where. It could help you spot various problems, damage, and faults, giving you essential information for buying a used car. For those in a hurry, here’s a quick outline of what to check in a vehicle inspection:
- Bodywork – look for scratches, dents, and damage and window cracks
- Interior – again look for any damage, but also check all the electrics
- Documents – inspect the V5C, MOT, and service history
- Engine – look for leaks and inspect the radiator, timing belt, coolant, battery and radiator
Use all your senses when doing the checks, as odour can be a key indicator as much as sight. In addition, you want to inspect the panel gaps as large gaps could be a sign of repair following damage. On top of that, check the:
- Exhaust – do a cold start: thick white, grey, or light blue smoke from the exhaust are problem signs
- Wheels and tyres – check tyre tread and test the suspension by pushing the car’s corners
- Test drive – listen out for clunking sounds and see if there’s any steering drift or body shaking
- Gearbox and clutch – ensure the transmission is smooth and test the clutch’s biting point
2. Questions to ask
What to ask when buying a used car is also important. The right questions will help you build a better picture of the vehicle’s past, filling in any blanks that may be present. You want to ask the seller the following:
- What checks the seller has carried out and when?
- How many previous owners are there?
- Has the car ever been involved in a collision?
- When is the car’s next service and MOT due?
There are other things worth asking too. You could inquire:
- If the car has any modifications (this can affect insurance and car depreciation)
- If the car is still under warranty and, if so, how long is left
- About the vehicle’s service history and ask for more info on specific points
- About any specific requirements you have, for example towing capabilities
You could also ask how it’s been driven, whether predominantly on the motorway or in the city? One of which is better than the other… See our City vs Motorway Driving to find out which and why that’s the case.
3. Space and practicality
Get inside and sit in every seat to get a feel for the car from every point of view. You want to make sure it’s spacious enough for your needs and practical too. So check the cubbies, storage areas, and of course, the size, shape, and lip of the boot. Ask yourself:
- Are the seats comfortable?
- Can you adjust them and move them easily to meet your needs?
- Can you get in and out easily?
- Is the boot the right shape and size for your requirements?
4. Check documents
Now you can see the documents in person, it’s time to give them a proper look over. Pay attention to the following:
- V5C document – look for the DVLA watermark, and ensure the registration and car’s VIN numbers match the V5C. Also, ensure the seller is the one registered on the V5C, and that it’s their address.
- MOT certificate – check the expiry date and pay close attention to notes from the mechanic. Look for any recurring issues that are listed too.
- Service history – look through this document to see how well the car has been cared for. You want to see if the seller has all (or the majority) of the receipts too. If they do, it’s a good sign they looked after their car.
- Vehicle handbook – make sure they have it present. You should never have to buy a new handbook, as well as a new car.
If you want even more info, check out our car documents guide. It goes through every car document you need and what to check, providing an in-depth look at the subject.
5. Warranty
You want to see if the car has any remaining warranty left on it and, if so, how long for. You can find out too if the dealer is offering any additional warranty. Either way, check the warranty’s terms and conditions to see what is and what’s not included.
6. Mileage
Of course, you’ll have checked the mileage during your vehicle inspection. However, it’s also an important subject to garner its own spot on this vehicle checklist. After all, it’s one of the important things to look out for when buying a used car. In terms of mileage, inspect the following:
- The odometer for any signs of tampering, such as worn or replaced screws
- That the car’s mileage is in accordance with the MOT certificate
- That the mileage matches the age and condition of the car
- Use a full vehicle history check to help spot mileage fraud and car scams, such as clocking
7. Test drive
Taking the car for a test drive will let you see if it meets your drive-ability standards. It’s also a great way to see if there are any faults or underlying issues with the used vehicle. When you take the car out on the tarmac, be sure to:
- Drive at different speeds
- Do a 90-degree turn to see its turning circle
- Test the brakes and gears
- Test all the electronics, the air con, and heating
At the same time, keep an eye out for any potential problems. Look out for:
- Any steering drift or the car pulling to one side
- Any unusual noises when you brake, corner, or change gear
- Body shaking at low speed
- Any unusual odours and/or thick white, grey, or light blue smoke from the exhaust
We have a whole separate guide on test drives, as well as a list of things you need to check on a used car test drive. Take a look at both if you need more info on the subject.