Buying a used car is as much about ruling out problems as it is about finding the right one. A methodical check before you hand over any money can save you from an expensive mistake, and it doesn't require specialist knowledge — just patience and a willingness to look properly.
Before you view the car
Do some groundwork first. Check the seller's story matches the car: does the mileage look consistent with its age and condition, and does the registration document match the seller's details where possible? A vehicle history check will flag outstanding finance, whether it's been recorded as stolen, and its MOT history — which is worth reading in full, since patterns of repeated advisories can tell you a lot about how the car's been maintained.
What to check in person
- View the car in daylight, ideally on a dry day, so damage and paint mismatches are easier to spot.
- Walk around checking panel gaps and paint colour consistency for signs of previous accident repair.
- Check tyre wear is even across all four tyres — uneven wear can point to suspension or alignment issues.
- Look under the oil filler cap and on the dipstick for a milky residue, which can indicate head gasket problems.
- Ask to see the service history and check stamps or invoices match the mileage timeline.
- Test all electrics: windows, lights, indicators, infotainment, and dashboard warning lights on start-up.
The test drive
Drive on a mix of roads if you can, including some at motorway speed. Listen for knocks over bumps, feel for the car pulling to one side under braking, and check the steering doesn't vibrate. A cold start is particularly revealing, so try to arrange a viewing before the seller has had the chance to warm the engine up.
None of this replaces an independent inspection for cars you're seriously considering, particularly for anything above a modest price. But working through this checklist before you get that far will filter out the obvious problem cars and leave you negotiating from a position of knowledge rather than hope.
