A guide to buying used cars

If you’re not very vehicle savvy and not sure what to look out for when buying a used car, don’t fret, as we’ve put together this guide to help you with the main points you need to consider when buying a used car.

1) How much are you looking at spending?

Work out your monthly outgoings and how much spare money you have available after these for finance or to put towards your savings for your new car.

To get an idea on pricing, visit a site like Parkers, who provide used car prices by manufacturer.

2) Do your research

What type of car do you want and most importantly need? A hatchback won’t be ideal if you have a family. Once you decide on the type of car, you then need to narrow it down to a specific model.

Start reading articles, consumer reports, and watching youtube videos on reviews of the vehicle you’re interested in. Another great resource is Auto Express’ used car buying guides which break down things such as the cost, practicality and drivability of a particular make and model of car.

3) Where will you buy it?

Buying with a dealership gives you access to more consumer protection than buying with a private seller, which is why you need to do your background checks properly. Look at reviews online to gauge other customers' experiences and make sure you don’t pay for the car before you go to view it.

4) Check the documents

So now you’ve found a car you like, the most important document to check is the V5C, also known as the vehicle registration certificate. This is used to register and tax the vehicle so you don’t want to buy a car without one of these. Ensure the chassis number matches the one on the vehicle, the colour is correct and the engine.

If you’re buying privately, you need to check where you’re buying from matches the address on the form. This is because if you’re not, and you have a history check carried out on the vehicle, it won’t come with a guarantee. If you’re buying from a dealership, they should have already carried out a vehicle history check for you.

5) Check the mileage

Take the latest MOT certificate or check the cars MOT history online on the gov’s website, to see the recorded mileage for previous MOT tests. Check this against the odometer to make sure it all adds up.

If you’re having a vehicle history check carried out, this should highlight any mileage discrepancies too.

6) Perform some electrical checks

When you turn the car on, all the warning lights on the dash should appear and then switch off. Then try all the switches, such as the electric windows, the stereo, the heater, all the lights and the wipers.

7) Check the interior

Have a look around the cabin and ensure the upholstery is still up and together, and there’s no loose stitching or fraying. Check the parcel shelf as these can be easily damaged, and the operation of the seats.

8) Check the engine

You also want to look under the bonnet at the coolant, screenwash, and brake fluid levels to ensure they’re fully topped up. If they’re low, it could suggest the vehicle has been neglected. The major one to check though, is the engine oil. To do this, remove the dipstick, wipe it thoroughly, insert it back in all the way, then remove it again to check the level. A vehicle running without oil or a low level could cause serious damage to the engine. The oil should be a translucent, brown colour which suggests its fairly fresh. If the oil is black, this means it’s old, however on a diesel car this is normal. Lastly, if the oil is of a gloopy consistency and you find some in the coolant, this could suggest there is a major issue with the engine.

9) Check the tyres

This is one of the easiest parts to check on a used car. Start by looking at the tread depth, and remember you need a minimum of 1.6mm to be able to legally drive the vehicle. Look out for any cuts or grazes around the outer perimeter of the tyre as these can cause an MOT failure. Also look at the wear of the whole tyre to make sure it’s not uneven, as this could suggest the alignment is off.

Don’t forget to check the condition of the spare wheel too, and that all the necessary tools are there.

10) Look for signs of accident damage

This is key when buying a used car as some repairs may have been completed outside of insurance so there will be no record of them. Check the gaps between the bodywork panels to ensure they’re even, look for overspray inside the doors and under the seals, inside the wheel arches, in the fuel filler cap and inside the boot. Also keep an eye out for any mismatched paint colours or dimpling or blemishes in the finish as all of these could suggest some sort of bodywork repair.

11) View the MOT and service history

Use gov.uk’s website to find out when the next MOT is due and any advisories it’s had as this can cause the vehicle to fail next time.

If you can, you want to view the service history, to ensure the vehicle has been properly and regularly maintained. In particular though, look out for if there is a major service coming up, such as a cambelt change, as this can mean you shelling out a lot of extra money. 

12) Take it for a test drive

Start the vehicle from cold if you can as a damaged engine will make all kinds of awful noises before it warms up.

Remember, you need to make sure you’re insured first, and then you want to pick a route that takes you on an array of roads such as dual carriageways, tight twisting roads and town roads.

A test drive is an essential part of buying a used car to not only look for any faults, but to see if the car is right for you.

13) Be patient

Finally, be patient. Buying a car is a big purchase, and you want to make sure you’re making the right decision. The used car market is always evolving, with new cars added everyday. 

Looking to buy a used car in Staffordshire? We have a selection of quality used vehicles from the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Mazda and so many more. All of our used cars are HPI clear and come with a minimum of 6 months MOT so you can buy with confidence. View our selection today.