Auto Trader

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.

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 what your model’s going price is. This can save you paying too much – but also be aware if the price is too low.

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. You can use the Auto Trader Car Insurance Centre to do this.

Find the right car for you

You can use our brand new online vehicle search to find the exact model you’re after. Simply select the specific features you want from the drop-down boxes and let the search do all the hard work for you. It’s completely free and quick to use.

Phoning the seller

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

You should ask the seller these vital questions:
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 vehicle data 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).

Click here to read 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

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.