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How to buy a used car

buy a used car
Buying a used car can have potential pitfalls - but it needn't be a painful experience if you follow a simple set of rules and checks.

We bring you the essential guide to buying a used car.

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Do your research

It's vital to research thoroughly before buying a used car. Search our used car ads online or in your local Auto Trader magazine to find out the model’s going price. This can save you paying too much – but also be aware if the price is too low.

Check Glass's guide for an accurate valuation of your car.

It's also important to give yourself a budget, and include insurance, road tax and other running costs when you're doing your sums.

If you're applying for a loan, it's crucial you shop around for the lowest rates.

View our car buying slide show



Find the right car for you

Phoning the seller
contact seller with a set of questions
Prepare a list of questions to ask the seller, and make notes while speaking to them.

1. How long have they owned the car?
2. Has the car had a recent MOT?
3. Is it taxed?
4. What condition is the car in?
5. Why are they selling it?
6. Has the car been involved in an accident?
7. What features does the car have?
8. Is it in full working order?

You should also make sure you have a landline number for the seller – not just their mobile.

Vehicle check

If you do one piece of research, do this. A car history check is the smartest investment you'll make when buying a car.

The check will reveal if the car has been reported stolen, has outstanding finance on it (if so, it's technically still the property of the finance house), has been written-off or scrapped and what the full spec of the vehicle should be.

You’ll be able to confirm the Vehicle’s Idendification Number, so you can match it up to the numbers on the car itself (commonly found on the chassis, on the windscreen or on the floor by the driver's seat).

Find out ten reasons why you need a car data check.

The visit

Always visit the seller at their home address. Don’t arrange to meet them at a motorway service station, lay-by or any other address aside from the one where they live. Check the address is the same as the one listed on the V5C document and check the V5C hasn't been illegally amended. Read our stolen V5C certificate warning for more information.

Take the original advert with you, plus the notes you made during you phone conversation will the seller. This will enable you to check details like mileage and tax are the same as you were told during the call.

Checking the car
get a full car check of a used car
It’s imperative you check the car thoroughly for any faults or damages.

Follow these steps to ensure everything is checked and covered:
• Never check a car in the dark or in the rain. It will make it very difficult to spot dents, scratches, rust, and a multitude of other defects.

• If you can, take a look at the car before you ring the doorbell. This will give you a chance to look at it without being distracted by the seller.

• Always start the car with a cold engine. This will make it easier to spot starting problems or excessive smoke.

• Crouch down in front of each front wheel and look along the length of the car. Both front wheels should be directly in front of the rear – if they're not, it could mean the car has been in a crash with a slightly twisted chassis. This is known as crabbing.

• Check the gaps between the body panels are equal – if they're not, the car could have been refitted badly, or may have been in a crash.

• Take a look at the tyres. Are they in good condition? The minimum legal tread depth for tyres in the UK is 1.6mm.

• Check under the car, beneath the bonnet and the carpet for rust and signs which may suggest the car has been in a crash, such as welding marks.

• When you're inside the car, make sure the seatbelts work correctly; the steering wheel and dashboard are bolted on correctly. Also make sure the front seats move about properly and all switches work.

• Under the bonnet, look for signs of oil leaks on top of the engine, and underneath. Use the dipstick to check the amount of oil. If the level is low, the owner hasn’t been looking after the car properly.

• Look around the oil filler cap for a white mayonnaise-like substance - this is an indication of a damaged head gasket which can be very expensive to put right.

For more information read our How to Check a Car guide.

The test drive
take a test drive of a used car
You should never buy a car without driving it first.

Make sure you’re fully insured to drive the seller's car, and take evidence of this with you.

Before you start the journey, turn the steering wheel from one lock to the other. There should be no screeching, banging, or knocking.

Test the handbrake. Pull it on and drive off gently. If it doesn't hold the car back, something's wrong.

Drive on as many different roads surfaces as possible. Use all the gears, and check the gear change is slick and smooth. The clutch pedal should 'bite' between the top and middle of the pedal's travel.

Listen for odd noises from the engine, and don’t let the seller distract you by talking or turning up the radio.

Read our Used Car Test Drive guide to find out more.

The haggle

Take a moment to remind yourself of any car faults or work you think might need doing to the car. Use this to negotiate the price with the seller.

Ask the seller what they realistically expect to get. Make a lower offer for the car, then stay silent. This gives them two options – accept your offer, or make a counter offer.

When it looks like they’re about to accept your offer, move to shake their hand and confirm the deal.

For a complete insight into haggling, with advice from used car experts Dominic Littlewood and Jason Dawe, read our article on How to Haggle for a Used Car.

The paperwork

Ensure you see all of the following:

1. The logbook (V5C document) - make sure it isn't a stolen V5C certificate
2. The car’s service history
3. MOT details
4. The registration number and vehicle identification number
5. A valid tax disc (if the seller said tax is included)

Everything must be present and correct, or you should walk away from the deal. Make sure all the documents are original – don't accept photocopies.

Examine the logbook (V5C document) carefully. Check the seller is the recorded keeper in the V5C. If not, they're not legally entitled to sell you the car.

Lots of dealer stamps in the logbook means it's likely the car is well maintained. It's always worth calling the garage to check they did carry out the work.

The payment

Make sure you ask for a receipt when making any payment, especially if it’s cash. Get two copies signed - one for you and one for the seller. Make sure the seller's address and car details are on both.

Compare more than 400 loans with Auto Trader Car Loans and Finance.

For more advice about staying safe when buying a car, visit our Safety and Security Centre.

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