Buying a used car: the complete checklist and guide
Buying a used car comes down to checking three things: the paperwork, the car's history, and the car itself. Work through each in order and you protect yourself from the most common and expensive mistakes, from outstanding finance to hidden accident damage.
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Before you view: research and budget
Before you go to see anything, set a realistic budget that includes more than the purchase price. Insurance, tax, fuel and likely servicing all add up, and a cheap car in a high insurance group can cost more to run than a dearer one.
Research the model you are interested in, including its common faults and a sensible price range. Knowing what a fair price looks like, and what tends to go wrong, puts you in a far stronger position when you come to view and negotiate.
The paperwork to check
The documents tell you almost as much as the car. Check that the seller's name and address match the V5C logbook, and that the details on it match the car in front of you, including the registration, make and colour.
Ask to see the service history and the MOT certificates, and confirm the mileage is consistent across them. Gaps, mismatches or a reluctance to show paperwork are all reasons to be cautious. A genuine seller will have nothing to hide.
Run a history check
A vehicle history check is one of the most important steps, because it reveals problems you cannot see. It can show outstanding finance, whether the car has been written off, mileage discrepancies, and whether it has been recorded as stolen.
Our guide to HPI checks explains how these checks work and what they cover. If a check flags a previous write-off, our guide to car write-off categories explains what each category means for the car you are considering.
Viewing the car in daylight
Always view a car in good light and dry weather, because rain and darkness hide scratches, dents and mismatched paint. Walk around it slowly and look along the body panels for ripples or uneven gaps that can suggest past accident repairs.
Check the tyres for even wear and legal tread, look for corrosion, and inspect the interior for wear that does not match the claimed mileage. Under the bonnet, look for leaks and a well-maintained engine bay rather than anything freshly steam-cleaned to hide a problem.
The test drive
Never buy a used car without driving it. On the test drive, listen for unusual noises, check the brakes pull up straight and the steering does not wander, and make sure every gear engages cleanly.
Try to drive at a range of speeds, including a faster road if you can, and test the electrics, lights, heating and air conditioning. A car that feels wrong on a short drive will not improve once it is yours.
Outstanding finance and ownership
Buying a car that still has finance on it is a real risk, because the finance company can have a claim over the vehicle even after you have paid for it. A history check is what reveals this before you hand over any money.
Make sure the person selling is the legal owner and has the right to sell. If anything about the ownership or the finance position is unclear, walk away rather than hope it resolves itself.
Negotiating the price
Used car prices usually have some room in them, so it is worth negotiating, politely and from a position of knowledge. Before you view, research what the model sells for in similar condition and mileage, so you know whether the asking price is fair, high or a bargain that should make you cautious.
Use what you find on the viewing as the basis for an offer rather than as criticism. Tyres that will soon need replacing, an MOT due shortly, small cosmetic faults or a service that is coming up are all legitimate, factual reasons to suggest a lower figure. Decide your maximum price in advance and be prepared to walk away if the seller will not move, because there is almost always another car. A private seller often has more flexibility than a dealer, but a dealer may include extras such as a warranty or a fresh MOT instead of dropping the price, which can be worth as much as a discount. Stay polite throughout, because a seller is far more likely to do a deal with a buyer they like and trust than one who only criticises the car.
Paying safely and insuring it
When you are ready to buy, agree the price and get a receipt that records the car, the amount, the date and both parties' details. Avoid large cash payments where you can, and never pay in full before you have seen the car and its paperwork.
You must be insured before you drive the car away. If you are not ready to commit to an annual policy on a car you have only just bought, temporary car insurance covers you from the moment money changes hands, and our guide to driving a car home after a private sale covers the practical side.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check first when buying a used car?
Start with the paperwork: confirm the seller's name and address match the V5C logbook and that the car's details match too. Then run a history check, then inspect and test drive the car. Checking documents and history first can save a wasted viewing.
Why is a history check important when buying a used car?
A history check reveals problems you cannot see, including outstanding finance, a previous write-off, mileage discrepancies and whether the car has been reported stolen. These are exactly the issues that cost buyers the most, so it is worth doing before you pay.
Can I buy a car that still has finance on it?
It is risky. The finance company can have a claim over the car even after you pay the seller, so you could lose both the car and your money. A history check reveals outstanding finance, and if anything is unclear it is safer to walk away.
Do I need insurance before driving a used car home?
Yes. You must be insured before driving on a public road. If you are not ready for an annual policy on a newly bought car, temporary cover insures you from the moment you buy, so you can drive it home legally the same day.
What should I look for on a used car test drive?
Listen for unusual engine, brake or suspension noises, check the car brakes straight and steers true, and make sure all gears engage cleanly. Test the lights, heating and electrics, and drive at a range of speeds rather than just around the block.
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