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

Should I buy a car with outstanding finance? 2021 update
With more and more cars being bought on finance, it’s possible the car you’re looking to buy might have finance owing on it. Here's what you can do in
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Twitter Q&A with Erin Baker
Erin Baker, Auto Trader's Editorial Director, recently held a live Twitter Q&A on everything from looking after cars in lockdown to turning electric in
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New, nearly new and used cars explained
What's the difference between new, nearly new and used, and what are the pros and cons of each?
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When is the best time to buy a car?
The price of a car is rarely final. You can find the best car deals or dealers willing to negotiate prices in certain months of the year. But you may find
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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.
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What are Category S and Category N cars?
Learn the difference between Category S and Category N cars, whether you can drive them after they’ve been written off and what you should consider before
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Where is the best place to buy a used car?
Used-car buyers have plenty of choice for places to buy their next used car, and each has its pros and cons. We’ll help you decide where you’ll find your
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How do I transfer ownership and tax for a used car I've bought?
Just bought a car? Learn more about the V5C form and how you can fulfil your legal obligation of transferring car ownership.
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Best car gadgets; now and in the future
Everyone loves a gadget, and car manufacturers are constantly falling over themselves to satisfy buyers demands. We take a look at the cleverest - and
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The best used cars 2019
Our pick of some of the best value used cars you can get for less than £5,000 in 2019.
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How to buy a car at an Independent Dealer
We know that some potential buyers are put off by the image of independents, but that’s not fair, as Vicki Butler-Henderson found when she visited the
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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
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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,
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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
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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.
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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,
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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
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Content standards for Dealer Reviews on Auto Trader
Find out what a dealer review should and shouldn't contain.
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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.
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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
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