What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car can feel like diving headfirst into a murky pool of unknowns. Will it break down next week? Has it been written off? Why is it £1,000 cheaper than others of the same model? These are the kinds of questions budget conscious drivers wrestle with. But fear not if you know what to look for, a second hand car can be one of the savviest purchases you’ll ever make.

Whether you’re spending £2,000 or stretching to £7,000, here’s everything you need to check before you shake hands, transfer cash, and drive off into the sunset or more realistically, the Monday morning commute.

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1. Set Your Budget And Stick to It

Start with your max budget and be realistic. Don’t forget the hidden costs like insurance, road tax, MOT, and any immediate repairs or servicing. If your car budget is £4,000, aim to spend no more than £3,500 on the car itself leave room for post purchase needs.

Pro tip: Check the insurance group and road tax band before buying. Some “bargain” cars cost a fortune to run annually.

2. Check the Service History

This is your first layer of protection. A fully stamped service book or detailed digital record shows the car’s been looked after. Ideally, you want:

• Regular oil changes (every 10k miles or annually)

• Timing belt replacements (if applicable)

• Brake servicing and tyre rotations

• MOTs with minimal advisories

  
  

Gaps in service history? Be cautious. It may suggest neglect or hidden problems.

3. MOT History Tells a Story

Before viewing the car, run the reg through the gov.uk MOT history checker. It’s free and shows:

• Pass/fail records

• Advisories (e.g., worn tyres, brake pads)

• Odometer readings

  
  

Watch for cars that fail MOTs repeatedly or have inconsistent mileage these are red flags.

4. Look Out for Outstanding Finance or Write Offs

Always do a car history check (HPI or AutoTrader’s checks are decent). For a few quid, it’ll tell you if:

• The car’s been written off or stolen

• There’s outstanding finance (meaning it's not legally the seller’s to sell)

• It’s had a plate change, mileage anomalies, or import status

  
  

Cheap cars with no checks can become expensive mistakes.

5. Do a Thorough Visual Inspection

If you're not mechanically inclined, bring someone who is. Otherwise, run this basic checklist:

• Exterior: Look for rust, dents, mismatched panels, uneven gaps

• Tyres: Check tread depth (1.6mm is the legal minimum, 3mm is safer)

• Glass: No large chips or cracks in windscreen

• Lights: All working, no condensation inside

• Fluids: Oil, coolant, brake fluid levels healthy

• Engine Bay: Clean but not freshly scrubbed (could hide leaks)

  
  

6. Start It Cold and Listen Closely

Start the engine from cold if possible warm starts can mask issues. Listen for:

• Knocking or ticking from the engine

• Struggling idle

• Excessive smoke from the exhaust (blue = burning oil, white = coolant)

  
  

Take your time. If it sounds off, walk away.

7. Take It for a Proper Test Drive

Don't just cruise around the block. Drive for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Here’s what to test:

• Clutch bite: It should be firm, not spongy or too high

• Gears: Smooth shifting through all gears

• Brakes: Strong, straight braking with no squeals or pulling

• Suspension: No knocks over bumps

• Steering: Responsive with no pulling left/right

  
  

Noisy cabin? Rattling trim? You’re going to hear that every day don’t ignore it.

8. Beware of Clocked or Curb Shiny Cars

If the interior looks overly worn but the mileage is low something’s off. Look at:

• Steering wheel, pedals, gear knob: Excess wear suggests high mileage

• Driver’s seat bolster: Sagging or torn? That’s a high use car

• Odometer digits: Misaligned numbers can mean tampering

  
  

Also, if the car’s had a cheap valet job but still smells like a wet dog, that could mean damp problems.

9. Don’t Skip the Paperwork

Before handing over any cash:

• Confirm the V5C logbook is present and matches seller’s ID

• VIN numbers on car and paperwork must match

• Ask to see the MOT certificate and any service invoices

• Get a receipt signed by both parties with car details, date, price, and terms (“sold as seen” if private)

  
  

10. Buy from Trusted Sources Not Just the Cheapest Ad

Private sales are cheaper, but you get fewer legal protections. Dealers must ensure the car is:

• As described

• Roadworthy

• Fit for purpose

  
  

If you’re buying private, do your homework. Avoid cash in hand deals in pub car parks. If a deal looks too good to be true it probably is.

Final Thoughts

A used car can be your best financial friend or your worst enemy. Take your time, ask questions, and walk away if something feels off. In 2025, with a rising number of used EVs and petrol cars on the market, now’s the perfect time to bag a great motor at a sensible price.

Get clued up, be thorough, and you’ll drive off with confidence without breaking the bank.

Darren Holt

Cost-Savvy Gear Reviewer, Best Buys Column