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

• 

  How To Get The Right Price For Your Part-Exchange

  We know how much your car is really worth. Get an accurate valuation before part-exchanging your car, then follow our tips for an easy trade-in.

  Advice1 year ago

• 

  Used car warranties

  Is it worth taking out a warranty on your used car? We explore your options.

  Guide1 year ago

• 

  Are flood-damaged cars worth buying?

  Flood-damaged cars can be dangerous to drive, yet they still find their way into the used car market. Follow these tips to spot and avoid flooded...

  Advice2 years ago

• 

  Rory’s Roulette: The Ultimate Three Car Garage

  Watch the first episode of Rory's Roulette now - could you build a better three car garage?

  News2 years ago

• 

  What is a convertible?

  Learn about the different types of convertible car and their pros and cons in this article.

  Advice3 years ago

• 

  What is an SUV?

  SUVs, otherwise known as Sports Utility Vehicles, are amongst the most popular body types in the UK. But what are they, and are they right for you?

  Advice3 years ago

• 

  Insurance write off categories

  Everything you need to know about write off category vehicles, including whether you can buy or sell a write off and what Cat A, Cat B, Cat S and...

  Advice3 years ago

• 

  Returning a car: What to do if you've been sold a faulty car in 2025

  Need to return a car you just bought? Don’t stress; these Statutory rights and advice on how to return should help you out.

  Guide3 years ago

• 

  Buying a car online: top tips and advice

  Follow these easy steps for help buying a new car online

  Guide3 years ago

• 

  How to test drive a used car

  Test driving a used car? Here’s what to check, from the vehicle’s exterior to the paperwork.

  Advice4 years ago

• 

  Should I buy a car with outstanding finance? (2025 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...

  Advice4 years ago

• 

  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...

  News4 years ago

• 

  New, nearly new or used cars: which one should I buy?

  Don’t get confused by the terminology. Find out what new, nearly new and used cars mean, and work out which one is best for your budget.

  Advice6 years ago

• 

  Finding the right car: Vehicle Highlights and Auto Trader ad features explained

  Choosing your car can be overwhelming, so we’ve introduced a host of great ad features to help browsing and buying easy – including our new Vehicle...

  Advice6 years ago

• 

  The best time to buy a car in the UK | 2025 update

  Wondering if now is a good time to buy a car? Keep reading to know when the car prices drop and the best time of the year to buy a new or used car...

  Advice6 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.

  Advice6 years ago

• 

  What is a Cat A, Cat B, Cat S or Cat N write-off? (2025)

  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...

  Advice6 years ago

• 

  Where is the best place to buy a used car? (2025 update)

  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...

  Advice6 years ago

• 

  How to transfer car ownership and update car tax (2025 update)

  Just bought a car? Learn more about the V5C form and how you can fulfil your legal obligation of transferring car ownership.

  Advice6 years ago

• 

  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 -...

  Best of6 years ago