Buying a used car
Research - Have an idea of the sort of car you are after. Set yourself a budget and take into account the cost of insurance, road tax and any other costs that maybe involved with maintenance of the vehicle.
Contact the seller - It is always a good idea to have some questions ready which you would like answered. Some questions to consider could be:
1. How long have they owned the car?
2. Why are they selling it?
3. Has the car been involved in any accidents?
4. Is it in full working order?
Vehicle check - One of the most basic and effective checks is a HPI check. For a small fee you can obtain a report detailing if the car has been in any accidents, outstanding finance amongst other info.
Inspection - When you go to view the vehicle, always visit the seller at their home address and be sure to check the address is the same as that on the V5C document. The following are some recommended steps to take to ensure there are no faults or damage to the vehicle:
1. Never check the car in the dark or if it is raining as you will not be able to spot defects such as rust, scratches, amongst others.
2. Try and check the car without bringing the attentions of the seller as this will allow you to inspect the car without any distractions from the seller.
3. Check to see the gap between the panels is equal as if they are not, the car could have been repaired after being involved in a crash.
4. Check the tread and general condition of the tyres. The UK minimum tread is 1.6mm.
5. Try to look for rust under the car or carpets and also look for welding marks, which could indicate the car has been in a crash.
6. Inside the car, check to ensure all the switches work, the front seats move and that the dashboard and steering wheel are bolted properly.
Test Drive - Always test drive a car before purchasing it. Before setting off, turn the steering wheel, left and right and listen for any banging or knocking sounds. Test the handbrake to make sure it's capable of holding the car. Take the car on as many different types of road surfaces, check the gear changes are smooth and listen out for any noises from the engine. Also do not let the seller talk too much or turn the radio on, which could be used to disguise any odd noises the car makes.
Documentation - You must ensure to see the following documentation and check it is correct and up-to-date:
1. Logbook (V5C)
2. Valid MOT
3. Service History
4. Tax Disc
If the seller cannot provide an original of any of the documentation, do not accept photocopies and walk away. Check to ensure the address on the logbook is that of the sellers address and that the seller is the registered keeper. If the seller is not, then they cannot legally sell the car.
Payment - Be sure to obtain a receipt for any payment you make. Get a signed copy containing the sellers address and details of the car.
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Contact the seller - It is always a good idea to have some questions ready which you would like answered. Some questions to consider could be:
1. How long have they owned the car?
2. Why are they selling it?
3. Has the car been involved in any accidents?
4. Is it in full working order?
Vehicle check - One of the most basic and effective checks is a HPI check. For a small fee you can obtain a report detailing if the car has been in any accidents, outstanding finance amongst other info.
Inspection - When you go to view the vehicle, always visit the seller at their home address and be sure to check the address is the same as that on the V5C document. The following are some recommended steps to take to ensure there are no faults or damage to the vehicle:
1. Never check the car in the dark or if it is raining as you will not be able to spot defects such as rust, scratches, amongst others.
2. Try and check the car without bringing the attentions of the seller as this will allow you to inspect the car without any distractions from the seller.
3. Check to see the gap between the panels is equal as if they are not, the car could have been repaired after being involved in a crash.
4. Check the tread and general condition of the tyres. The UK minimum tread is 1.6mm.
5. Try to look for rust under the car or carpets and also look for welding marks, which could indicate the car has been in a crash.
6. Inside the car, check to ensure all the switches work, the front seats move and that the dashboard and steering wheel are bolted properly.
Test Drive - Always test drive a car before purchasing it. Before setting off, turn the steering wheel, left and right and listen for any banging or knocking sounds. Test the handbrake to make sure it's capable of holding the car. Take the car on as many different types of road surfaces, check the gear changes are smooth and listen out for any noises from the engine. Also do not let the seller talk too much or turn the radio on, which could be used to disguise any odd noises the car makes.
Documentation - You must ensure to see the following documentation and check it is correct and up-to-date:
1. Logbook (V5C)
2. Valid MOT
3. Service History
4. Tax Disc
If the seller cannot provide an original of any of the documentation, do not accept photocopies and walk away. Check to ensure the address on the logbook is that of the sellers address and that the seller is the registered keeper. If the seller is not, then they cannot legally sell the car.
Payment - Be sure to obtain a receipt for any payment you make. Get a signed copy containing the sellers address and details of the car.
<< Back