Most bad used car buys could have been avoided with checks that take an hour or less. This checklist goes in the order you will need it: before you travel to see the car, when you look at it, on the test drive, and before you pay.
1. Before you see the car
- Run a free check on the registration. Make sure the make, model, colour and engine match the advert, and read the MOT history: failures, advisories and the mileage at each test. A car that suddenly has fewer miles than at its last MOT has been clocked; see our mileage check.
- Check the tax and MOT dates. A car with an MOT running out next month will need a test soon after you buy it. Tax does not pass to you, so you will tax it yourself before driving away; see the car tax check.
- Get a full car history check. The records a seller may not mention are only in a full check: outstanding finance, an insurance write-off (Cat S or Cat N), a police stolen marker, plate changes and the number of previous owners.
- Ask questions on the phone. Why are they selling, how long have they had it, is there service history, has it been in an accident? Our list of questions to ask when buying a used car helps.
- Compare the price with similar cars of the same age and mileage. A price far below the rest is the most common sign of a scam or a hidden problem.
2. The paperwork
- V5C log book: the seller's name and address should match their ID and the place you view the car. Do not buy a car without a V5C. The V5C also shows the number of former keepers.
- VIN: compare the 17-character VIN on the windscreen, the door pillar and the V5C. They must all match. See where to find the VIN.
- Service history: stamps or invoices at the right intervals, and recent work such as a cambelt change if it was due. See how to check a car's service history.
- Receipts for big repairs, and proof that any safety recall work was done.
3. The outside
- Look at the car in daylight and in the dry. Rain hides scratches and paint differences.
- Panels in slightly different shades, uneven gaps between panels and overspray on rubber seals point to accident repairs; see our car accident check.
- Rust on the sills, wheel arches, door bottoms and around the boot.
- Tyres: at least 1.6mm of tread (more is better), the same brand on each axle, and even wear. Wear on one edge can mean the alignment is out.
- Chips or cracks in the windscreen, and all lights working.
4. The inside
- Wear on the steering wheel, gear knob, pedals and driver's seat should fit the mileage. A shiny steering wheel on a car showing 20,000 miles is a warning sign.
- Damp carpets, a musty smell or water in the boot well can mean leaks or flood damage.
- Try everything: windows, mirrors, central locking, air conditioning, heater, infotainment and seat adjustment.
- Two keys, both working. Replacement keys can be expensive.
5. Under the bonnet
- Ask for the engine to be cold when you arrive, so you hear how it starts.
- Oil level and colour; a milky residue under the oil cap can mean a head gasket problem.
- Coolant at the right level, and no leaks under the car.
- Blue or thick white smoke from the exhaust once the engine is warm.
6. The test drive
- Drive for at least 20 minutes on different roads, including faster ones if you can.
- No warning lights should stay on after starting.
- The car should brake in a straight line, the steering should not pull, and the gears should change smoothly. Listen for knocks over bumps.
- Make sure you are insured to drive it first.
Our test drive checklist goes through this step by step.
7. Before you pay
- Run the history check again on the day if a few days have passed, in case finance was added or the car was reported stolen.
- Pay by bank transfer or a method you can trace, never cash for the whole amount, and get a receipt with the seller's details, the car's registration and VIN. See how to pay safely for a used car.
- Know your rights: a car from a dealer must be of satisfactory quality and as described, but private sales give you far less protection. See buying from a dealer or a private seller.
- Arrange insurance and tax the car before driving it away, and make sure the seller tells the DVLA about the sale. See telling the DVLA you have bought a car.
Used car checklist: the short version
- Free check on the reg: details match the advert, MOT history and mileage make sense.
- Full history check: no finance, write-off or stolen marker.
- V5C and seller match; VINs match.
- Service history and two keys.
- No signs of accident repair, rust or leaks.
- A 20-minute test drive with no warning lights or strange noises.
- Traceable payment, receipt, insurance and tax before you drive away.
Watch out for the most common used car scams, and if something does not feel right, walk away: there are always other cars.