Buying a used car

All you need to know about buying a second-hand car from dealers and private sellers, what to look for on a test drive and doing the deal

Feature 1 month ago

Best first cars for under £2,000

Don't think that you'll have a limited choice when you buy your first car. On the contrary, with a budget of £2,000, you can have pretty much whatever sort of car you fancy

Advice 1 year ago

Top 5 family car-buying tips

Here's Auto Trader's Top 5 Tips on how to choose your perfect family car

Advice 1 year ago

New regulations to control sale of add-on GAP Insurance

From September 1st, new regulations from the Financial Conduct Authority will make it easier for car buyers to shop around to buy GAP insurance

Advice 1 year ago

How does the number plate system work?

Confused by talk of 60-something plate cars in September? We explain the method behind the apparent madness

Advice 1 year ago

Where is the best place to buy a used car?

Used-car buyers have plenty of choice where to buy their next used car, and each place has its pros and cons. No one choice will be right for everyone, but whether you want a good price, good service or excellent back-up, you have the option.

Advice 1 year ago

Should I negotiate when buying a used car?

An increasing number of cars are being priced at market value from the outset

Advice 1 year ago

How can I be sure I’m getting the right price for my part-exchange?

Get the best possible deal by securing the right valuation for the car you're trading in

Advice 1 year ago

How do I transfer ownership and tax for a used car I've bought?

Just bought a car? Don't forget your legal obligations

Advice 1 year ago

How do I pay a private seller when buying a used car?

There’s no shortage of ways to pay for a car, but some are more advisable than others.

Advice 1 year ago

What documents do I need and which documents should I check when buying a used car?

The paperwork is a crucial part of any car purchase, so make sure you have it all in place

Advice 1 year ago

How can I compare finance rates?

The likelihood is that, if you’re buying a car, you’ll be using some sort of finance – but it can appear a minefield, with almost as many ways to pay for a car as there are cars to choose from.

Advice 1 year ago

Should I take out an extended warranty?

When the new-car warranty on your car expires, you have several options if you want to continue with cover.

Advice 1 year ago

Tips on buying a used car safely

Watch our short film to see Auto Trader's Editor-in-chief Jon Quirk guide you through three top tips that will help ensure that you stay safe when you're buying a used car

Advice 1 year ago

How to spot and avoid clocked, stolen or unsafe cars

Buying a used car should be an exciting experience. To make sure it is, follow our tips below to avoid buying a car that has a hidden past, turns out be stolen or is illegal

Advice 1 year ago

How can I transfer a personal registration?

If you want to move a personal plate from your current car to a new car that you’re buying, it’s relatively simple.

Advice 1 year ago

How do I time the purchase of a car with the sale of my old one?

Get things wrong, and you could end up with two cars at once or, worse still, none at all

Advice 1 year ago

How can I be sure I’m paying the right price for a used car?

For most buyers, knowing they're paying the right price is crucial, but the good news is it's easy to check they are.

Advice 1 year ago

When is the best time of year to buy a used car?

Like the new car market, the used car market operates in cycles, so by taking advantage of these, you can give yourself a better chance of bagging a bargain.

Advice 1 year ago

What can I do with a used car’s remaining warranty?

In many cases, a car's warranty can be transferred to its new owner, but as ever, the devil is in the detail.

Advice 1 year ago

Do I need a vehicle history check?

With a third of all used cars having something to hide, finding out about the history of a potential purchase could be vitally important

Advice 1 year ago

Is it worth getting a used car inspection?

If you don’t feel confident about looking over a car yourself, there are plenty of people who’ll do the dirty work for you

Advice 1 year ago

How do I look for faults on a used car?

There’s an awful lot to think about with a used car, but taking your time before you buy could save you an awful lot more trouble and pain further on down the line.

Advice 1 year ago

How do I test drive a used car?

Test driving a used car is very different to testing a new car. Of course, you need to check that the car meets your needs, but you also need to check that it is in decent condition.

Advice 1 year ago

How do I arrange to test drive a used car?

Not every seller will offer the chance to test drive a used car, so you should always find out in advance if it's possible

Advice 1 year ago

What paperwork do I need when buying a used car?

There's only a little paperwork to worry about when buying a used car, but it is vital

Advice 1 year ago

How can I decide on the right used car for me?

There’s something really exciting about starting the search for your next car, and there’s no reason for it to be the bewildering experience that some people find it.

Advice 1 year ago

How important is a used car’s service history?

FSH are some of the most sought-after qualifications on a used car, but are they vital?

Advice 1 year ago

What’s a Category C or Category D car?

Just because a car has been 'written off', it doesn't necessarily mean you should reject buying it

Advice 2 years ago

Should I buy a new or used car?

Whether to go for a new car or a used model is the eternal question for many car buyers. Each option has its pros and cons, so which is the right choice for you?

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