Auto Traders buyers guide in association with Vehicle Check


Auto Trader's Buyers Checklist

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Print off this check list and take it with you when viewing a car.

Tick off the boxes as you perform each check, to ensure the car is in safe condition.

1. Before viewing

  • Get a car history check – visit vehiclecheck.co.uk
  • Have you got a traceable landline number for the seller?
  • Make sure you have the correct funds in your account
  • Meet in daylight hours at the seller’s home address
  • Meet during bank opening hours
  • Ask a friend to accompany you(optional)
  • Bring your driving license
  • Bring proof of insurance which covers you to drive someone else's car
  • Ask to see the seller's ID
  • Get a valuation. If a car is under priced their may be a reason for this. You can get valuations from autotrader.co.uk/CARS/buying/value_your_car.jsp
  • Avoid bringing large sums of cash when meeting a seller
  • Be aware of vehicle scams – visit Auto Trader’s Safety and Security Centre at autotrader.co.uk/safety_and_security/

2. Check the car’s exterior

  • Walk around the car – it should be in a driveable state
  • Check under the car for crash damage
  • Let the seller show you the car, but don't let them distract you from carrying out your own checks
  • Start the car with a cold engine – watch out for delays, starting problems and excessive smoke
  • Check the exhaust for excessive noise
  • Look out for blue smoke, which may indicate an internal oil leak
  • Once the engine has been running for a while, the temperature gauge should sit around the halfway mark
  • Both front wheels should be directly in front of the rear
  • Wheels should sit neatly in the wheel arches, equally on both sides
  • Look out for any sign of rust – especially around wheel arches
  • Watch for uneven wear on tyres – they should have at least 1.6mm tread depth (3mm is recommended)
  • The gaps between panels should be equal. Run your finger along each to feel if the gap is bigger at one end than the other
  • Look carefully at each panel for ripples or overspray
  • Panels should be flat, and free from signs of welding or patching up
  • The number plate should meet UK standards with the correct lettering
  • Check for flecks of paint on the windows. This is a sign the vehicle has been resprayed
3. Under the bonnet
  • Watch for signs of oil leaks, particularly under and around the top of the engine
  • Check the oil level is correct – remove the dipstick, wipe with a cloth and replace for a couple of seconds. It should rest between the min and max marks
  • Look around the oil filler cap for a white mayonnaise-like substance – this could indicate a damaged head gasket
  • Check the water and windscreen washer levels
  • Find the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This can be added to your vehicle check after purchased to provide more history on the vehicle as well as allow you to get data check insurance
4. interior
  • Locate the VIN – check the inner door panel, the base of the windscreen, in the boot or the floor beside the front driver or passenger seat
  • Check the screws on the VIN plate haven’t been tampered with
  • Look around the cabin – a 50,000 mile car shouldn't have a worn steering wheel, gearknob or pedal covers
  • Check all seatbelts work
  • If the car has a mechanical milometer check the barrels are aligned – if not, it could point to clocking
  • Make a note of the mileage and check it tallies with the service history
  • Dashboard and steering column panels should be bolted on correctly
  • Check all switches work – including heaters and air-con
  • Check the vehicle’s last recorded mileage for FREE at the VOSA website: vosa.gov.uk
  • Make sure seats move about properly

    • During the test drive…

  • Check the exhaust for excessive noise before driving
  • Turn the steering wheel from one lock to the other before driving – there should be no screeching, banging or knocking
  • Test the handbrake by pulling it on and trying to drive off gently
  • Use all the gears, including reverse
  • Drive on as many different kinds of roads and surfaces as possible
  • The clutch pedal should 'bite' around the middle of the pedal’s travel
  • Brake sharply – the car shouldn’t pull to one side
  • Listen out for unusual noises

If you're unsure about anything, get an independent mechanical inspection carried out by an expert. Visit Auto Trader vehicle inspections centre.

5. Documentation
  • Check the V5C document (or 'logbook') has the correct number plate, make, model, engine number and VIN
  • Check the V5C document includes a bar code
  • Check the V5C isn't stolen. Serial numbers between BG8229501 and BG9999030 are part of a stolen batch of documents
  • Hold the V5C up to the light. If you can’t see a DVLA watermark it could be a fraudulent photocopy or computer printout
  • Check the V5C is fully complete with a serial number and a mauve tear-off slip (slips which are pink on the reverse may be fraudulent)
  • Make sure the 'New Keeper' part on the V5C is filled in and returned to the DVLA
  • Keep the relevant section of the V5C document
  • The MOT certificate should be printed by computer or embossed with the test station’s stamp
  • Make sure the car’s mileage tallies with MOT certificates and service history
  • Check the car has been serviced at the correct intervals specified by the manufacturer – ask the owner if they have kept servicing receipts
  • Try and hand over cash in a bank, so the seller can pay it in straight away
  • Ask the seller to write two receipts stating the date, amount paid, make, model and registration number, along with the names, addresses and signatures of both parties
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