Do dealers offer more protection than private sellers?

Dealers give you more legal protection and often a warranty, but they usually cost more. Private sales are cheaper, but you buy the car as it is, so checks matter even more.

What should I check before buying a used car from a private seller?

Confirm the V5C's name and address match the seller's ID, and that the VIN on the windscreen, door pillar and V5C matches the car. Then run the free MOT and mileage check, plus a £9.99 Full Check for finance, stolen and write-off records.

How can I spot a clocked car before I buy it?

A drop in mileage between MOTs is the classic sign of clocking. The free GetFreeCarCheck check shows mileage at every MOT and flags clocking warnings. Winding back an odometer is an offence.

What if the car I want still has finance owed on it?

Run a Finance & Stolen Check (£4.99) before paying, since the finance company may still own it. Under the Hire Purchase Act 1964, a private buyer acting in good faith usually gets good title, though dealers and logbook loans aren't covered.

Buying a Used Car Privately vs From a Dealer

Your rights with a dealer

A dealer must sell you a car that matches its description, is fit for the purpose you bought it for, and is of satisfactory quality. If it isn't, you have rights to put it right. For the detail on your case, Citizens Advice is the place to check.

Many dealers also offer a warranty, but cover varies widely. Get the warranty terms in writing before you pay, and check what's covered, for how long, and who backs it. A warranty is never a reason to skip the checks.

Before you sign: - Get the description, mileage and any known faults in writing. - Run a free car check on the mileage and MOT history. - Check the VIN on the car matches the V5C. - Check for open recalls. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

Buying privately

Private sales are usually cheaper than dealer sales. But you buy the car as it is, with no dealer warranty to fall back on, so checks matter even more.

Do every check before you pay. Start with the free car check: it shows MOT history and mileage at each test, with clocking warnings. A drop between MOTs is the classic sign. Then check the V5C. The name and address should match the seller's ID, and the VIN should match the car on the windscreen, door pillar and logbook.

Watch for finance and write-offs. If the car is on hire purchase or PCP, the finance company may own it until the last payment. A Full Check (£9.99) covers finance, stolen and write-off records. Driving without a valid MOT can bring a fine of up to £1,000, and tax doesn't transfer, so tax the car before you drive it.

Which to choose

Dealers usually cost more, but they give you more legal protection and often a warranty. Private sales are cheaper, but you buy the car as it is. If budget is your main concern, a private sale can work. If you want peace of mind, a dealer is the easier choice.

Either way, check before you pay. The average car fails 28.4% of first MOT tests, so a clean look isn't enough. Start with the free check, which covers MOT history, mileage at every MOT, tax and ULEZ.

For a private sale, the extra checks matter most. A Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records. Then check the V5C: the name and address should match the seller's ID, and the VIN should match the car. If anything doesn't add up, walk away.

Buying privately vs from a dealer