A Pre-Purchase Checklist for Buying a Used Car

A used car can be excellent value, but only if you know what you are buying. Problems that are obvious to a trained eye are easy to miss when you are excited about a car or feel rushed by a seller. This checklist is designed to be taken with you, so you can work through it calmly, step by step, and walk away if something does not add up.

Before you see the car

Do as much as possible before the viewing.

• Research the model. Look up common faults, recalls and typical maintenance costs for that make, model and year.
• Check the listing details. Note the mileage, service history claims, number of previous owners and any mention of accidents.
• Run a history check using the official or reputable services available in your country. Look for outstanding finance, theft records, write-offs or major damage, and mileage inconsistencies.
• Check recall status with the manufacturer or official recall database.
• Get an insurance quote so there are no surprises later.
• Ask the seller to make sure the engine is cold when you arrive. A cold start can reveal problems a warm engine hides.

Paperwork

Ask to see the documents before you look at the car itself.

1. Registration or title documents in the seller’s name, at the address where you are viewing
2. Service history, with stamps, invoices or digital records
3. Receipts for major repairs
4. Inspection or roadworthiness certificates where required
5. Owner’s manual and spare keys

Check that the vehicle identification number on the documents matches the one on the car, usually visible at the base of the windscreen and on a plate in the door frame or engine bay.

Exterior

Walk around the car slowly in good daylight.

• Panel gaps. Uneven gaps between panels can suggest accident repairs.
• Paint. Look for colour differences between panels, overspray on rubber seals or trim, and bubbling that might indicate rust.
• Rust. Check wheel arches, sills, door bottoms and under the boot floor.
• Glass. Look for chips and cracks in the windscreen.
• Lights. Make sure lenses are not cracked or misted, and that all lights work.
• Tyres. Check tread depth and look for uneven wear, which can indicate alignment or suspension problems. Check that the tyres match and look at the spare.

Under the bonnet

You do not need to be a mechanic to spot warning signs.

• Oil level and colour on the dipstick
• Coolant level and colour
• Signs of leaks around the engine and on the ground underneath
• A creamy residue under the oil filler cap, which can be a warning sign worth having checked
• Cracked or worn belts and hoses
• Corrosion on battery terminals

Interior

The interior tells you how the car has been treated.

• Wear versus mileage. A very worn steering wheel, pedals or driver’s seat on a low-mileage car is worth questioning.
• Warning lights. All should light up briefly when the ignition is turned on, then go out once the engine starts.
• Electrics. Test windows, mirrors, locks, lights, wipers, heating, air conditioning, infotainment and every switch.
• Smells. Damp or mustiness can indicate leaks.
• Seatbelts. Pull each one out fully and check it retracts properly.
• Boot. Lift the floor and check for damp, rust or signs of repair.

The test drive

Drive for long enough to get a real feel, ideally on a mix of roads.

1. Starting. The engine should start easily without unusual noises or smoke.
2. Gears. Changes should be smooth in both manual and automatic cars.
3. Clutch. On a manual, a clutch that bites very high may be worn.
4. Brakes. The car should stop straight without pulling, juddering or squealing.
5. Steering. It should feel straight and responsive without vibration or pulling to one side.
6. Suspension. Listen for knocks over bumps.
7. Noises. Turn off the radio and listen for whining, grinding or rattling.
8. Temperature. Watch the gauge to make sure it stays steady.

After the drive, look under the car again for any fresh drips.

Questions to ask the seller

• Why are you selling?
• How long have you owned it?
• Has it been in any accidents?
• When was it last serviced, and what was done?
• Are any repairs needed or known issues present?
• Is there any outstanding finance?
• Has the timing belt or chain been replaced, if the model needs it at a certain mileage?

Get an independent inspection

If you are serious about a car, pay for an independent mechanic or inspection service to examine it. They can spot problems that are hard to see without a lift or diagnostic tools. A reasonable seller should allow this.

Red flags to walk away from

• Documents that do not match the car or seller
• A seller who will not let you see the car at their home or business
• Pressure to pay a deposit before viewing
• Refusal of an independent inspection
• Mileage that does not match the service records
• Requests for unusual payment methods

Before you pay

Agree the price, get a written receipt with the date, price, vehicle details and both parties’ names, and make sure you receive all keys and documents. Complete any official ownership transfer straight away and have insurance in place before you drive away.