Tips on buying a used car – your questions answered

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

Advice 2 years 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 2 years ago

How do I look for faults on a used car?

There might be a lot to think about with a used car, but taking your time before you buy could save you money and effort further down the line.

Advice 2 years ago

Tips on buying a used car safely

Watch our short film featuring three top tips that will help ensure you stay safe when you're buying a used car.

Advice 2 years 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 2 years ago

Should I negotiate when buying a used car?

Dealers want more transparency and trust in the market, so an increasing number of cars are being priced at market value from the outset. However, there may still be times when you need to negotiate.

Advice 2 years 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 2 years 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 2 years 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 2 years 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 2 years 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 2 years ago

Top 5 family car-buying tips

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

Advice 2 years ago

What’s a Category C or Category D car?

Category C and D cars are changing to Category S and N cars from 1 October 2017. Just because a car has been 'written off', it doesn't necessarily mean you should reject buying it.

Advice 9 months ago

Should I buy a new, nearly new or used car?

Our research has shown many car buyers don’t worry about whether they want a new or a used car, all they’re concerned with is getting their next car. So, what are the pros and cons of new, nearly new and used cars?

Advice 2 years ago

New regulations to control sale of add-on GAP Insurance

From September 1st 2015, new regulations from the Financial Conduct Authority will make it easier for car buyers to shop around to buy GAP insurance.

Advice 2 years 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 2 years 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.

Feature 1 year ago

Best first cars: affordable style for less than £5,000

We pick the best first cars for new and young drivers who want a dash of style from their new wheels, along with cheap insurance, affordable running costs, and driving fun.

Feature 1 year ago

Best first cars for under £2,000

Don't think 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 2 years ago

Is it worth getting a used car inspection?

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

Advice 10 months ago

How to choose a good car retailer

When you’re researching your next car, don’t just think about what to buy, think about where to buy it as well.

Advice 8 months ago

How to spot a flood-damaged car

Floods have caused chaos in recent years, and it's possible flood-damaged cars could make it on to the used car market, but following our tips should help you steer clear of a potentially dangerous buy.

Advice 2 years ago

How do you complain if there's a problem when buying a car?

If you want to make a complaint, the most important things to note are that you have to be reasonable and there must be a fault – you can’t just change your mind.

Advice 2 years ago

Top tips to stay safe online when buying a car

Buying a vehicle can be a safe and straightforward process, as long as you take these few simple steps to protect yourself when buying online.

Advice 2 years ago

How can I transfer a personal car registration?

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

Advice 2 years ago

How important is a used car’s service history?

A full service history is one of the most sought-after qualifications on a used car, but is it vital?

Advice 2 years 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 2 years 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 a bewildering experience.

Advice 9 months ago

How to use Auto Trader’s Owner Reviews

Looked at alongside Auto Trader’s Expert Reviews, our collection of thousands of Owner Reviews will give you the complete picture of what any car you might be interested in is like to live with.

Advice 6 years ago

Moderation rules for Owner Reviews on Auto Trader

We check all reviews before publishing them. Knowing what's allowed will give you the best chance of ensuring your review is passed first time.

Advice 1 year ago

Moderation rules for Dealer Reviews on Auto Trader

We check all reviews before publishing them. Knowing what's allowed will give you the best chance of ensuring your review is passed first time.

Advice 1 year ago

Content standards for Dealer Reviews on Auto Trader

Find out what a dealer review should and shouldn't contain.

More collections from Auto Trader

Collection 21 articles

Frankfurt Motor Show

All the latest news and reviews from our team at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Read about new cars unveiled and other announcements from all the major manufacturers.

Collection 45 articles

Geneva Motor Show

All the latest news and reviews from our team at the Geneva Motor Show. Read about new cars unveiled and other announcements from all the major manufacturers.

Collection 9 articles

Car jargon explained

There are a lot of terms used in the car industry that can be confusing. Whether it's a new piece of car safety or entertainment technology, or how a car works, our experts are here to explain it all.