Used-car guide
Buying a used car: a practical UK checklist
A listing is only the start. Work through these checks before committing to a vehicle.
Before viewing
Compare similar cars so you know the normal price range. Ask for the registration, mileage, service history and reason for sale. Run independent history and MOT checks before travelling.
Identity and paperwork
Check that the VIN on the car matches the V5C and other records. The seller's name and address should make sense. A V5C is not proof of ownership, so resolve anything unusual before paying.
Exterior and tyres
View the car in daylight and when it is dry. Look for mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps, warning lights, windscreen damage and uneven tyre wear. Tyres should have legal tread and match the stated specification.
Engine and fluids
Ask to see the car from cold. Listen for unusual noises, check for smoke and look underneath for leaks. Warning lights should illuminate at startup and then go out normally.
Test drive
Test steering, brakes, clutch or automatic transmission, suspension, heating and electronics. The car should track straight, stop cleanly and reach operating temperature without warnings.
Payment and collection
Do not be pressured into paying before your checks are complete. Use a traceable payment method, obtain a dated receipt and confirm insurance and vehicle-tax arrangements before driving away.