Used car buying checklist
While the used car market is full of well-kept models at bargain prices, it’s vital you make all the necessary checks to avoid expensive repair bills. We share how...
Millions of used cars exchange hands in the UK every year, with many drivers preferring to buy pre-owned to get behind the wheel of an attractive model for a fraction of what it would cost new.
However, no matter what kind of used car you’re interested in buying, it’s important to check that it’s been properly looked after. This is particularly the case if you plan to buy a model that’s being advertised privately, because these are typically ‘sold as seen’ – meaning you won’t be able to return the car for a refund if any faults occur.
To lower the risk of buying a poorly maintained vehicle that could cause you a string of problems later down the road, we’ve put together a list of all the areas you should check before deciding whether or not to buy a used car.
1. Tyres
While they’re a consumable part of the car, typically needing to be replaced every five to 10 years, it’s important you check the condition of the tyres. In particular, make sure they have plenty of tread depth to sweep away rain and dig into mud, and that the sidewalls aren’t cracked. Uneven wear can also suggest that the wheels are not correctly aligned.
Buying a car with worn-out tyres not only shows that the seller has a poor attitude to maintenance but also means you’ll have to spend hundreds of pounds to stay safe, prevent fines and avoid failing an MOT.
2. Bodywork
While dents and scratches can affect the value of a car, the most important thing to check here is rust. In particular, check the sills (underneath the doors) and the wheel arches for any signs of surface rust or bubbling paintwork.
It’s also worth checking that all of the body panels line up correctly. If the gaps between each panel are inconsistent, it could suggest that the car has been involved in a serious accident and has been repaired. Signs of flaking paint also suggest that the car has been fixed.
3. Rust
Don’t be afraid to get on the ground and check the underside for any signs of corrosion. Rust on structural components of the car can result in an MOT failure and cost a fortune to fix.
Moreover, if the car sounds like it belongs on a rally stage during the test drive, there’s a serious chance that the exhaust is corroded and will need to be replaced.
4. Doors
Although it may seem trivial, it’s always worth making sure all of the doors open and close correctly. Inspect the rubber seals for cracks, which might lead to water entering the interior, and specs of paint – another indication of crash-damage repairs.
5. Electricals
When looking around the car, be sure to make sure that all electronic components are working as they should. This includes high-end features, such as heated or electrically-adjusted seats. However, you shouldn’t neglect common electricals, such as the windows and lights either.
6. Clocking
To find out whether there’s a risk that a used car has been clocked, compare the recorded mileage with the general condition of the interior. If a low-mileage car has faded seats, shiny patches on the steering wheel and gearstick, and worn-out pedals, it might have been clocked.
It’s also a good idea to look up the car’s registration number through an online history checking service, which can show you mileage recordings from previous MOTs.
7. Exhaust
With the engine idling, take a look at the smoke coming out from the exhaust pipe. While no modern car should produce excessive amounts of smoke, unless it’s warming up in cold weather, the following colours could be a sign that there’s a fault with the car:
White smoke – this might be a sign that coolant is leaking into the engine system, likely caused by a blown head gasket.
Blue-grey smoke – if the smoke is a dull blue, oil is being burned somewhere in the engine. Darker blue smoke would suggest that the issue is more serious.
Black smoke – this would suggest that the engine is using too much fuel or not burning it correctly. This could be caused by bad fuel injectors or a restricted air intake line for petrol cars or a clogged diesel particulate filter (DPF) for diesel models.
8. Steering wheel
During a test drive, turn the steering wheel from lock to lock. The car should be able to do this without any unusual noises or vibrations. If either issue is present, the car might have a problem with its steering rack or even suspension components. In either case, fixing the fault could cost hundreds or possibly thousands of pounds.
9. Gearbox
If the used car you’re interested in has a manual gearbox, you should be able to shift gears easily and without any grinding when the clutch is fully depressed. You’ll be able to tell if the clutch is worn-out by a weak or extremely stiff pedal which makes smooth shifting very difficult.
It’s even more important to check that an automatic gearbox is in good condition because they can be very pricey to repair if things go wrong. The easiest way to do this is by taking the car for a test drive. A worn-out automatic gearbox will likely rev erratically and jolt or judder when shifting up and down.
10. Engine
To check whether a used car’s engine has been properly maintained, lift up the bonnet and make sure all of the fluids have been topped up to the levels recommended by the manufacturer. In particular, check the oil dipstick and the inside of the oil filler cap. If you find a brown sludge or a white mayonnaise-like substance, walk away; the engine is damaged and will need expensive repairs.
Similarly, while some drivers take great pride in making sure their car is thoroughly cleaned, be weary of used models with a spotless engine bay – a potential sign that the seller is trying to hide a known issue.
If everything looks fine under the bonnet, fire up the engine and listen to how it revs. A well-maintained engine will sound smooth at idle and rev at an even rate.
11. Brakes
Serious problems with the brakes should result in a warning light appearing on the dashboard. In either case, it’s worth giving the brakes a thorough check during the test drive. If the braking system has been properly maintained, the pedal should feel responsive and consistent and the brakes should provide adequate stopping power when travelling at speed.
