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Used car checklist
Before buying a used car, check its MOT history and mileage (free), its finance, theft and write-off records (from £4.99), the V5C logbook against the seller's ID, the VIN in three places, and drive it for at least 20 minutes.
Step one: check the reg
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Before you go
- Run the free check: MOT history, mileage, ULEZ and tax match the advert
- Look up the model's common faults and best years on its reliability page
- Run a finance, stolen and write-off check (Full Check £9.99)
- Get an insurance quote for this exact car
- Arrange to see it at the seller's home, in daylight, dry weather
Questions for the seller
- How long have you owned it, and why are you selling?
- Is there any finance on it? Has it ever been written off or in an accident?
- Do you have the V5C logbook, the service history and the MOT certificates?
- When were the cambelt, brakes and tyres last done?
- Has the engine been warm when I arrive? (Ask them not to start it before you get there.)
Outside
- Panel gaps even, paint the same shade on every panel (resprays hide repairs)
- No rust on sills, wheel arches and under the doors
- Tyres: legal tread (1.6mm minimum), even wear, matching brands
- All lights, indicators and the number plates working and legal
- Windscreen free of chips in the driver's line of sight
Inside and under the bonnet
- No warning lights stay on after starting
- Wear on the seat, wheel and pedals matches the mileage
- Air conditioning blows cold, every window and lock works
- Oil level right, no white 'mayonnaise' under the filler cap
- No leaks under the car where it was parked
Test drive
- Starts cleanly from cold, no smoke from the exhaust
- Clutch bites in the middle, gears change smoothly
- Brakes pull straight, no grinding or juddering
- Steering straight, no knocks over bumps
- At least 20 minutes, including a faster road
Paperwork
- V5C name and address match the seller's ID and where you are
- VIN on the V5C, windscreen and door pillar all match
- Service history stamps and invoices match the mileage record
- Get a written receipt with the price, date, mileage and both names
- Pay by bank transfer, never cash in full, never before you've checked the documents
Know the model's weak spots before you look: car reliability by make and model.
Questions
Buying a used car: questions
What should I check when buying a used car?
Before buying a used car, check its MOT history and mileage (free), its finance, theft and write-off records (from £4.99), the V5C logbook against the seller's ID, the VIN in three places, and drive it for at least 20 minutes.
What documents should come with a used car?
The V5C logbook, the service history, MOT certificates (all online too), the spare key and the owner's manual.
Should I pay cash for a used car?
Bank transfer is safer: it leaves a record. Never pay in full before you've checked the documents and the history.
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