Buying a used car – Checklist for buying a used car

March 24, 2022 by Zoe Hicks – 10 mins read

There are many things to be conscious of when you are buying a used car. Nowadays it is easy to get information regarding a used car’s past.

 There are still risks, and that applies whether or not you are purchasing from an independent dealer or dealership, privately or from an authorised dealer. You can purchase with confidence after reading our checklist for buying a used car. 

Before we get into the details, the two important things to think about when buying a used car are to obey your head and not your heart, and secondly, if you aren’t satisfied with anything, don’t fix the deal. There are many choices and a better one will be waiting for you. Because with more than eight million used vehicles bought each 12 months in the UK, the odds are stacked in the buyer’s favour. Before buying a used car collecting all information regarding the used car will assist to assure that the automobile dealership is a true bargain. Follow our checklist for buying a used one before you get started.

Checklist for buying a used car

These are a few things that you have to check before buying a used car. You can depend on an online search for much clarity regarding all the specific make and models.

Tyres

Inspect the tyres properly. Tyres want 1.6mm as a legal minimum, so if they are less than 3mm you will have to think about the price of altering them soon. While the price for brand tyres would possibly be a major concern on an affordable cheap car, if you are spending greater cash especially on an overall performance car you will desire to have matching premium tires. 

Dents and scratches

Bodywork should be inspected. Are there signs and symptoms of curbing on the wheels? It’s vital to check out a vehicle in clear daylight. Don’t be too put off using small dents or scratches, these can be pretty cheap to negotiate, however, do use them to negotiate. 

Panel gaps

While you are searching over the bodywork, take a look at the gaps between panels – giant panel gaps ought to be a signal that an automobile has been badly repaired after a crash, and make certain there aren’t any colour variations between panels.

Fluid

Open the bonnet to check all levels of fluid level including oil, brake, and power steering fluid. If they are low, it should be a signal that the vehicle hasn’t been properly maintained. Make sure that you look out for symptoms of oil leaks underneath the bonnet. It’s well worth looking under the place the automobile is usually kept, too.

As properly as checking the oil level, it’s well worth searching underneath the oil cap for signs and symptoms of a white mayonnaise-like substance. This may want to be induced via condensation, however is normally created through coolant mixing with oil – a signal that the head gasket should have failed. Also, test if the coolant enlargement tank appears clean.

Electrics

Check the windows; flip the radio off, check the air conditioning, radio, etc. Faults may want to be an easy repair; however, at the very least it’s a negotiating factor if something doesn’t work as it should.

Glass

Check for any chips in the windscreen. Later it can turn into cracks which means you will have to substitute the windscreen. Look at the front and rear lights, cracks, and any fogging or interior moisture.

 Spare wheel and accessories

Does it have a spare wheel? Is it in good condition? Is there a jack for lifting the automobile if you get a puncture, and an adapter for any locking wheel nuts equipped to the vehicle?

Wear and tear

While buying a used car check for wear and tear because all secondhand motors will show a sure amount of wear and tear, however, is it consistent with the age and mileage? A car displaying low miles on the clock however displaying heavy wear on the driver’s seat, steerage wheel, and pedals can be a red flag.

Clocked car and Mechanic inspection

Check the mileage anomaly before buying a used car, it will provide you a proper perception into what you want to seem to be out for when inspecting a used car, however, it is continually recommended to take anyone with you who has suitable know-how of automobiles and mechanics, if you do not yourself – mainly if you are spending a good amount on the car. Skilled mechanics will inspect the automobile with you and take a second opinion. They can let you know the exact condition of the car. Before buying a used car vehicle inspection is a great idea.

Accident damage check

  • Any signs of inconsistent gaps between panels or mismatched colours that could be a sign of expansive repairs?
  • Is the paint finished across the car?
  • Check for traces of paint on anywhere
  • Could the car’s colour have been changed? Check thoroughly.
  • Check the boot and bonnet for any unusual looks

Safety

Make sure of your safety before buying a used car therefore check the following for safety measures.

  • Check the tires, are in good condition, and all of the specifications and dimensions. Tyres with lower than 3 mm of tread will have to be replaced soon.
  • Is the spare wheel or tire inflator/ sealant tackle in serviceable condition?
  • Are the jack and other tools present?
  • Do all the seatbelts operate correctly? Check there are no cuts that could affect the way they work.
  • If airbags are fitted, Check that warning lights operate as described in the handbook – typically they will come on with the ignition and also go out?
  • Do all lights and windscreen wipers/ washers work correctly?

Documents

It’s time to check the documents. Before buying a used car make sure that you check all the documents thoroughly. Pay attention to the following before buying a used car.

  • V5C document – look for the DVLA watermark, and registration number, and the car’s VIN figures match the V5C. Also, ensure the dealer is the one registered on the V5C, and that it’s their address.
  • MOT – check the expiry date and pay close attention to the mechanic. 
  • Service history – look through this document to see how well the car has been watched for. You want to see if the dealer has all of the bills too. However, it’s a good sign they looked after the car.
  • Vehicle handbook– makes sure they have it present. You should not have to buy a new handbook, as well as a new car.

Running costs

 When you have finished your exploration, before buying a used car you can go back to your budget to change those running cost estimates to be a little more accurate. You will want to

  • Get quotations for car insurance
  • Check the car tax rates on our free car tax checker
  • Look at the consumption of the fuel
  • Take into account how many miles you are likely to drive each time     

Part-exchange valuation

 While you are buying a used car you will want to find out its value. 

If you are looking to part-exchange or deal with your old vehicle then you can find out how much you will get for dealing your vehicle with a car valuation.

Test drive

 Taking the car for a test drive will let you see if it meets your drive-capability norms. It’s also a great way to see if there are any faults or underpinning issues with the used vehicle. Test drive is a must before buying a used car. When you take the vehicle out be sure to

  • Drive at different speeds
  • Check whether the car is turning a 90degree circle
  • Check the breaks and gears
  • Test all the electronics, the air conditioning, and heating
  • Check out for any steering drift or the car pulling to one side
  • Check for noises when you brake or change gear, anything unusual.
  • Body shaking at low speed
  • Any unusual odours or thick white, slate, or light blue smoke from the exhaust

VIN check and V5C logbook

  • Can the dealer show you the V5C registration document? You will not be able to tax the car without it.
  • Is the seller the registered owner the same as shown on the V5C? If not, why are they dealing with it for someone differently?
  • Is there any watermark on the registration document?
  • Any spelling mistakes on the document?
  • Does the vehicle identification number, engine number, and color match the V5C document?
  • Does the number plate match the V5C?
  • Has the VIN plate been tampered with?
  • Do VIN figures etched on glass or lights match the VIN plate and V5C?
  • Any sign of scrapes on the glass to remove etched-in marks?
  • Does the energy padding look as if it has been forced or replaced?
  • Does the vehicle have a current MOT? You must check the MOT history and MOT status of the car you are going to buy.

MOT check

  • Does the age and appearance of the car look harmonious?
  • Check for screws and any components that might have been tampered with
  • Check the service records, MOT records, and other documents.
  • Does it look harmonious with current avail/ condition and increase steadily time on time?
  • Check MOT status and history online (with a vehicle and make).

Engine

  • Any abnormal noises when the machine is started from a cold?
  • Does the oil warning light work properly?
  • Any signs of excessive visible exhaust emissions?
  • Does the clutch operate typically? A noise when you press the pedal or a high biting point could mean that repairs will be needed soon.
  • Is the catalytic converter in good condition? Look for a recent emission test, either alone or as part of an MOT. This will confirm that emissions are within the strict limits for the cars.
  • Is there sludge on the under part of the oil cap? This could indicate poor servicing or generally short trip use.
  • Is the level of the oil right? Too low shows neglect; too high could be an indication that the engine is using oil but it could just have been overfilled in error.
  • Check for the cam bell whether it is replaced according to the service schedule or not.

Research the variants

If you want to know more you still want to make sure you research all the available variants.

  • Check the price for different variants, including 3 and 5 door performances
  • Read client and press reviews
  • Look at standard and latest features and technology
  • Compare prices and specs for similar models

What are all questions to be asked to a seller?

Still, now is the time to consider what variant and options you want. What If you are buying a used car, what questions have to be asked to a seller?

  • What are the model types, and upgrades – which is the stylish variant to suit your requirements?
  • What features are added?
  • Does the dealer offer an additional warranty and what are the terms and conditions?
  • Does the car have all the documents?

Checklist for buying a used carSummary

  • Engine – Check for leaks, oil levels, head gasket condition, and exhaust smoke. 
  • Gearbox and clutch -Feel and check the smoothness of the gear change, and test the clutch point.
  • Bodywork – Check the outside and underneath – do an ultimate check
  • Wheels and tires – Tread depth, rubber condition, and makes of each tyre.
  • Interior -Check the boot, dash (for avail and warning lights), and electronics completely.
  • Test drive- Don’t hold back then, drive it until you have checked everything you want to.
  • Documents- V5c, service history, and MOT

You can do a complete car history check online. If you are buying a used car you can take a Motorscan check to know more about a vehicle’s past. Only some of the points will be stoppers for your purchase. You can use the problem to your advantage for negotiating the price or insist that the dealer fixes it before the trade.

Still, you will be responsible for spotting all of these problems. If you are buying a used car while the dealer doesn’t have to convey important information, it’s down to you to ask the right questions. Buying a used car from the main dealer-approved scheme is the safest and simplest approach. Approved schemes mean the cars will have a full-service history, a comprehensive mechanical check, and depending on the scheme may indeed come with an extra warranty.

Good luck with your purchase!

 

Read more...

Types of available car finance
Types of available car finance
Car finance is a process that allows you to spread the cost of a new or used car. We breakdown the common ways to finance your next car.