Tips on Buying a Used Car in the UK

Inspect the Car

" Check tyres to make sure they're road legal. " Check
suspension. Push down hard at each corner and let go. The car
should spring straight back up and immediately settle at the
original level " Check bodywork panels line up correctly and
look out for mismatched paint. Either could indicate a crash "
Doors that don't close properly and signs of a repaint around
rubber door seals are two more signs of a possible crash " Check
under the rug between the front and back doors for welding. This
could indicate a 'cut and shut' car (where front and back halves
from two different cars of the same model are welded together to
make a 'new' one) " Stickers can hide damage so peek underneath
" Check the exhaust. If it needs replacing, barter the cost off
the asking price " While underneath the car, check the ground
for oil leaks " Ensure that the gears operate smoothly and the
clutch engages correctly " If the car shows low mileage, yet the
pedals and seats are worn, the car may have been 'clocked' (i.e.
the car's mileage has been altered) " Start the car and check
that the oil light goes out straight away " Check the steering
wheel moves smoothly and silently from lock to lock " Check the
electrics (windows, lights, wipers, radio etc) " Check for
exhaust smoke. Excessive smoke of any colour is a sign of
trouble " Once the car's warmed up, check that the engine idles
smoothly " Walk away from a car that makes rattling or knocking
sounds while the engine is running " Check dipstick and inside
the oil filler cap. A 'mayonnaise' type residue could mean an
expensive repair bill

Tip: Always view a car in daylight when it's dry as raindrops or
poor light can hide all manner of superficial, or sometimes
serious, problems. Find cheap car insurance with Confused.com
Test Drive Always test drive before buying. Try the car out in
various conditions, e.g. slow through town and fast on a dual
carriageway. Listen for unusual engine sounds; ensure gauges and
dials work; use all gears including reverse; listen for
suspension knocks when going over speed bumps; test breaks;
check whether steering drifts to the left or right when going in
a straight line. Also Check...

A full service history (FSH) indicates a well-maintained car.
Check last service mileage looks appropriate to the car's
current mileage.

If the seller doesn't have the registration document - walk
away! Check car number plate matches what's on the document, and
ensure the vehicle identification (VIN) number matches what's
stamped on the small plaque under the bonnet.

Every car over three years old must have a valid MOT certificate
to prove road worthiness. If the MOT's due to expire, ask the
seller to get it re-tested. Look at the tax disc to see when the
tax runs out - you'll need a valid one before even parking it on
the road, let alone driving it. Also check the registration
shown on the disc matches the car's number plate, and if there's
little or no tax left, ask for its renewal cost to be lopped off
the asking price. Car insurance is legally required for any car
on the road. You may also want to purchase breakdown cover or a
car warranty for further peace of mind.

Car Fraud

If you buy a car that is stolen, illegal (e.g. a 'cut and shut')
or has outstanding credit, you have no legal right of ownership
and it can be confiscated or returned to the rightful owner. If
buying from a dealer, ask what checks they've performed, or you
could pay for a 'history report' from companies such as HPI to
check whether a car was previously written off, damaged, stolen,
or has any outstanding finance.

Tip: If buying privately, always view the car at the seller's
home to be sure of their address.

Paying for a Car

When haggling, stay firm and don't be intimidated, keep
negotiations calm, and know what you're talking about. This is
why it's so important to check the car thoroughly beforehand.
Faults uncovered or any imminent expiry of tax or MOT can be
used to lower the price.

Paying cash is one of the strongest bargaining chips when
negotiating on price as sellers get their money straight away
and dealers avoid paying credit card transaction fees.

Credit Cards are a safe and convenient way to buy, but you may
not get the best price from a dealer because they'll have to pay
a card transaction fee.

If paying by cheque you'll probably have to wait for funds to
clear before picking up the car keys. Note: if buying privately,
see as much of the seller's ID and proof of address as you can
before leaving their home - basically, don't hand over the
cheque until you're satisfied the seller will still be there
when you return to collect the car.

Bankers Draft's are welcomed by dealers, though a bank will
charge a fee for issuing one.