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Car finance ›
What to check when buying a used car
Updated: Tuesday, 18 April 2023
Buying a car can be very exciting, but make sure you don’t get carried away. After you’ve decided the type of car you want to buy, you should set a reasonable budget and start looking. There are plenty of online tools that will show you nearby cars for sale.
This guide will list and explain all the used car checks you will need to carry out, so you can buy your next car with peace of mind.
Buying a car can be very exciting, but make sure you don’t get carried away. After you’ve decided the type of car you want to buy, you should set a reasonable budget and start looking. There are plenty of online tools that will show you nearby cars for sale.
This guide will list and explain all the used car checks you will need to carry out, so you can buy your next car with peace of mind.
Check the advert
Before you travel to go look at the car, make sure you do your research. The most important things to check at this stage are things you can find on the advert, including:
Price: Can you afford it? Research similar cars for that mileage, condition, make and model. Is what they’re asking for a fair price compared to other similar cars on the market?
Mileage: What is a good mileage for a used vehicle? Well, it depends on how you are intending on using the vehicle once you’ve bought it, but on average people tend to drive 8,000-12,000 miles a year, so you can figure out if the vehicle has been driven a lot based on it’s age and how many miles it’s done. What is great is that most online tools will be able to tell you if the price and mileage of a used car is slightly higher than the average. You can use this information to barter on the price, or at least find out why this might be the case.
Diesel or petrol: We’ve explored which fuel is best in a different guide, but ultimately it comes down to what sort of driving you will be doing in your new vehicle. In short: if you do a lot of motorway miles, a diesel might be better. But if you live in a town or city and take lots of shorter trips, a petrol car may be better.
Extras: Make sure it has everything you are looking for in your next vehicle. This could be things such as cruise control, parking sensors, leather seats, Bluetooth, or aircon. Have a think about the key features you need and what you would like.
Safety: We recommend checking if the car has been recalled by the manufacturer. It’s unlikely but best to do it for full peace of mind. You can do so using the Government vehicle recall checker.
What to check when buying from a dealer
As well as all the checks outlined in this guide, we’d recommend taking your time when buying a car from a dealer. Check their reviews online to make sure they are a trustworthy place to look for your next car.
When you’re in a dealership looking at a car you might feel pressured by the salesperson to make a decision there and then. Buying a car is a big decision, so take your time, remember you can negotiate the price at the dealership. There are plenty of cars out there so don’t feel pressured if you’re unsure. It might be worth leaving the dealership after a test drive, to give yourself some time to think about it.
What to check when buying privately
If you’re considering buying a car privately, you should know that you don’t have as many buyer’s rights as if you bought from a dealership. Depending on the circumstances of the sale, there could be no comeback if the car breaks down or you discover a fault later on. Because of that, you should be sure to do your research.
Compare the car advert to others online to see if it is priced fairly. If you could get a similar car in a better condition or with lower mileage, that might give you a way to negotiate the price.
Consider the car's history
It’s important that you understand the history of the car. Here’s what you should check:
How many owners has the car had? If its not included in the advert, make sure you ask, as this could indicate whether the car has been well looked after.
What is the MOT history like? If you have the license plate you can use the online MOT checker to see a full overview of the MOT history. Recent failures or advisories give you an indication of what might need repairing in the future.
How much has the car been used? Check the mileage history for any irregularities. It will also give you an idea of how much the car has been used. If it has been through lots of miles recently it might need some servicing, which gives you a point to negotiate price on.
Does the car have a hidden history? Has it been in an accident, written off by insurance, stolen, or have outstanding finance? You might want to get a full vehicle check, there are plenty of options including Experian who offer a HPI check service.
Inspect the bodywork
When you go to see the car in person, the first thing to check is the bodywork:
- Check that all the panels look the same and are aligned
- Are there any dents, scratches, or scuffs?
- Are there any differences in the paint work?
- Look around the car, including under it, for any rust
- Are the lights misty or filled up with water?
- Are there any cracks or chips in the windows, mirrors, or windscreen?
- Check the brake pads, if you can see less than 3mm of the brake pad then they need replacing
By properly inspecting the bodywork for any damage, you may be able to negotiate the sales price if you spot any damage.
Check that the doors, hood and boot open and shut properly, and that the rubber linings are soft but do not let in water. If the car isn’t properly watertight then that can cause very expensive problems for you later down the line.
Check the condition of the tyres
Tyres with low tread are an accident waiting to happen. Replacing tyres can be costly so this is a key thing to look out for when buying a used car.
Legally, the minimum tread tyres must have is 1.6mm across the central ¾ of the tyre. You can check this by using a 20p coin. Place the 20p coin into the main tread grooves of the tyre. If the inner bit of the 20p coin is slightly hidden (the section that has the Queen’s head), then the tread is legal. If not, then that tyre may need to be replaced soon.
Inspect the engine
The engine is a key component of the car – if you spot that work needs doing you can use this to negotiate the price. You can find an illustrated guide on some of the main things to look out for when checking an engine.
Check the interior of the car
Check the seats, rear-view mirror, floor, and ceiling for any damage. If the interior is dirty or damaged it could be an indicator that the car has not been looked after.
Looking inside the car gives you a chance to check interior features to see if you like the feel of the car.
Make sure the electrics work
There are lots of electrical features both on the exterior and interior of a car that you should check.
Start the car up and listen to how it sounds. If something sounds odd, or if it struggles to start, then you could ask the seller when the battery was last replaced. Batteries vary depending on make but they generally last 3-5 years.
Once the car has started, you can check all the lights work correctly:
- Head lights, rear lights, and fog lights
- Indicator lights
- Brake lights
- Hazard lights (a quick way to check most of the exterior lights is by pressing the hazard warning button)
- Number plate lights
- Interior lights
Also, check if the electrical components work properly. Test the stereo, air conditioning, and other optional extras if they are included.
Take the car for a test drive
Taking the car for a test drive means you can see if the car drives as expected. It’ll allow you to test the steering, brakes and other aspects of the car. By doing this you can make sure the car drives safely, and if you like the feel and handling of it.
Check the documents
Does the car come with its official manuals, service history book and V5C vehicle registration document? These are important not just so you can understand the car’s history, but also if you want to resell the car in the future.
What documents to check when buying a used car
Make sure you ask for the following before buying a used car:
V5C registration document: The logbook proves who the registered keeper of the vehicle is. To check if a logbook is authentic, look for a “DVL” watermark. Hold it up to the light and you should be able to see it. If it’s not there, it might be a forged document.
Once you have the V5C we recommend checking the Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN), engine size and colour of the car, match up to the car you are looking at.
Also, make sure the serial number on the V5C is not between BG8229501 to BG9999030, or BI2305501 to BI2800000. If it is, the V5C might be stolen.
Service history book or maintenance receipts: Mechanics recommend that a car is serviced every year or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. If a car has a full service history, then the previous owners have taken good care of it, meaning it’s most likely in better condition. Better still if something has been recently fixed then that’s one less thing that might need fixing soon.
When you ask for these documents, also ask the seller how many sets of keys the car comes with. Usually, a car comes with two sets of keys.
Check the advert
Before you travel to go look at the car, make sure you do your research. The most important things to check at this stage are things you can find on the advert, including:
Price: Can you afford it? Research similar cars for that mileage, condition, make and model. Is what they’re asking for a fair price compared to other similar cars on the market?
Mileage: What is a good mileage for a used vehicle? Well, it depends on how you are intending on using the vehicle once you’ve bought it, but on average people tend to drive 8,000-12,000 miles a year, so you can figure out if the vehicle has been driven a lot based on it’s age and how many miles it’s done. What is great is that most online tools will be able to tell you if the price and mileage of a used car is slightly higher than the average. You can use this information to barter on the price, or at least find out why this might be the case.
Diesel or petrol: We’ve explored which fuel is best in a different guide, but ultimately it comes down to what sort of driving you will be doing in your new vehicle. In short: if you do a lot of motorway miles, a diesel might be better. But if you live in a town or city and take lots of shorter trips, a petrol car may be better.
Extras: Make sure it has everything you are looking for in your next vehicle. This could be things such as cruise control, parking sensors, leather seats, Bluetooth, or aircon. Have a think about the key features you need and what you would like.
Safety: We recommend checking if the car has been recalled by the manufacturer. It’s unlikely but best to do it for full peace of mind. You can do so using the Government vehicle recall checker.
What to check when buying from a dealer
As well as all the checks outlined in this guide, we’d recommend taking your time when buying a car from a dealer. Check their reviews online to make sure they are a trustworthy place to look for your next car.
When you’re in a dealership looking at a car you might feel pressured by the salesperson to make a decision there and then. Buying a car is a big decision, so take your time, remember you can negotiate the price at the dealership. There are plenty of cars out there so don’t feel pressured if you’re unsure. It might be worth leaving the dealership after a test drive, to give yourself some time to think about it.
What to check when buying privately
If you’re considering buying a car privately, you should know that you don’t have as many buyer’s rights as if you bought from a dealership. Depending on the circumstances of the sale, there could be no comeback if the car breaks down or you discover a fault later on. Because of that, you should be sure to do your research.
Compare the car advert to others online to see if it is priced fairly. If you could get a similar car in a better condition or with lower mileage, that might give you a way to negotiate the price.
Consider the car's history
It’s important that you understand the history of the car. Here’s what you should check:
How many owners has the car had? If its not included in the advert, make sure you ask, as this could indicate whether the car has been well looked after.
What is the MOT history like? If you have the license plate you can use the online MOT checker to see a full overview of the MOT history. Recent failures or advisories give you an indication of what might need repairing in the future.
How much has the car been used? Check the mileage history for any irregularities. It will also give you an idea of how much the car has been used. If it has been through lots of miles recently it might need some servicing, which gives you a point to negotiate price on.
Does the car have a hidden history? Has it been in an accident, written off by insurance, stolen, or have outstanding finance? You might want to get a full vehicle check, there are plenty of options including Experian who offer a HPI check service.
Inspect the bodywork
When you go to see the car in person, the first thing to check is the bodywork:
- Check that all the panels look the same and are aligned
- Are there any dents, scratches, or scuffs?
- Are there any differences in the paint work?
- Look around the car, including under it, for any rust
- Are the lights misty or filled up with water?
- Are there any cracks or chips in the windows, mirrors, or windscreen?
- Check the brake pads, if you can see less than 3mm of the brake pad then they need replacing
By properly inspecting the bodywork for any damage, you may be able to negotiate the sales price if you spot any damage.
Check that the doors, hood and boot open and shut properly, and that the rubber linings are soft but do not let in water. If the car isn’t properly watertight then that can cause very expensive problems for you later down the line.
Check the condition of the tyres
Tyres with low tread are an accident waiting to happen. Replacing tyres can be costly so this is a key thing to look out for when buying a used car.
Legally, the minimum tread tyres must have is 1.6mm across the central ¾ of the tyre. You can check this by using a 20p coin. Place the 20p coin into the main tread grooves of the tyre. If the inner bit of the 20p coin is slightly hidden (the section that has the Queen’s head), then the tread is legal. If not, then that tyre may need to be replaced soon.
Inspect the engine
The engine is a key component of the car – if you spot that work needs doing you can use this to negotiate the price. You can find an illustrated guide on some of the main things to look out for when checking an engine.
Check the interior of the car
Check the seats, rear-view mirror, floor, and ceiling for any damage. If the interior is dirty or damaged it could be an indicator that the car has not been looked after.
Looking inside the car gives you a chance to check interior features to see if you like the feel of the car.
Make sure the electrics work
There are lots of electrical features both on the exterior and interior of a car that you should check.
Start the car up and listen to how it sounds. If something sounds odd, or if it struggles to start, then you could ask the seller when the battery was last replaced. Batteries vary depending on make but they generally last 3-5 years.
Once the car has started, you can check all the lights work correctly:
- Head lights, rear lights, and fog lights
- Indicator lights
- Brake lights
- Hazard lights (a quick way to check most of the exterior lights is by pressing the hazard warning button)
- Number plate lights
- Interior lights
Also, check if the electrical components work properly. Test the stereo, air conditioning, and other optional extras if they are included.
Take the car for a test drive
Taking the car for a test drive means you can see if the car drives as expected. It’ll allow you to test the steering, brakes and other aspects of the car. By doing this you can make sure the car drives safely, and if you like the feel and handling of it.
Check the documents
Does the car come with its official manuals, service history book and V5C vehicle registration document? These are important not just so you can understand the car’s history, but also if you want to resell the car in the future.
What documents to check when buying a used car
Make sure you ask for the following before buying a used car:
V5C registration document: The logbook proves who the registered keeper of the vehicle is. To check if a logbook is authentic, look for a “DVL” watermark. Hold it up to the light and you should be able to see it. If it’s not there, it might be a forged document.
Once you have the V5C we recommend checking the Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN), engine size and colour of the car, match up to the car you are looking at.
Also, make sure the serial number on the V5C is not between BG8229501 to BG9999030, or BI2305501 to BI2800000. If it is, the V5C might be stolen.
Service history book or maintenance receipts: Mechanics recommend that a car is serviced every year or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. If a car has a full service history, then the previous owners have taken good care of it, meaning it’s most likely in better condition. Better still if something has been recently fixed then that’s one less thing that might need fixing soon.
When you ask for these documents, also ask the seller how many sets of keys the car comes with. Usually, a car comes with two sets of keys.
For a better road ahead
Moneybarn is a member of the Finance and Leasing Association, the official trade organisation of the motor finance industry. The FLA promotes best practice in the motor finance industry for lending and leasing to consumers and businesses.
Moneybarn is the trading style of Moneybarn No. 1 Limited, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 04496573, and Moneybarn Limited, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 02766324. The registered address for these companies is: Athena House, Bedford Road, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3LJ.
Moneybarn’s VAT registration number is 180 5559 52.
Moneybarn Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services reference No. 702781)
Moneybarn No. 1 Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services reference No. 702780)
