Buying a Used Car: The Checks That Matter Most
Most expensive used car mistakes are avoidable with checks that cost little and take under an hour.
Before viewing
Run a history check on the registration. It reveals outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, theft records, plate changes and mileage discrepancies.
Outstanding finance is the significant one: buying a car with finance owing can mean the finance company repossesses it from you.
Check the service history exists and matches the mileage progression.
The cold start
Insist the engine is cold when you arrive. A pre-warmed engine hides starting problems, smoke and noises.
Watch the exhaust on start-up. Blue smoke suggests oil burning, white smoke that persists suggests coolant, black smoke suggests fuelling problems.
Listen for rattles that fade after a few seconds, which frequently indicate timing chain or tensioner wear.
The static inspection
Panel gaps and paint finish differences, which indicate accident repair.
Tyre wear patterns, which reveal alignment and suspension issues.
Corrosion in wheel arches, sills and around the boot seal.
Damp or musty smells inside, suggesting water ingress.
Oil filler cap and dipstick, checking for mayonnaise-like residue that can indicate head gasket problems.
Electrical items individually: windows, mirrors, air conditioning, heated seats, infotainment.
The test drive
Long enough to reach operating temperature, including a variety of speeds.
Brake firmly in a safe place, checking for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal.
Drive with the radio off and listen. Whining that changes with speed suggests bearings; clicking on full lock suggests driveshaft joints.
Check the gearbox through all gears, including reverse, and the clutch bite point.
Paperwork
Registration document in the seller's name at the address you are visiting.
Matching vehicle identification number on the document, the chassis and the plates.
Test certificates and invoices, which corroborate the history.
If unsure
An independent inspection costs a fraction of a serious fault and is money well spent on anything expensive or unfamiliar.
Walk away from anything that feels rushed or where the seller resists checks. There is always another car.
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