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Car Buying Guide

Buying a car should be an enjoyable experience – providing you follow a simple set of rules and checks.

This guide should help you avoid the pitfalls.

 
It is vital to do thorough research before buying a used car. Take a look online, or in popular car magazines and compare the going price for the model you are interested in. This can save you paying too much, but also be cautious if the selling price is too low.

It is also important to set yourself a budget, and include insurance, road tax and other running costs when you're doing your calculations.

Ok, so you’ve found a car you like, before you contact the seller, prepare a list of questions, and make notes while speaking to them.

Your questions should include the following:

1. How long have they owned the car?
2. Has the car had a recent MOT?
3. Is it taxed?
4. What condition is the car in?
5. Why are they selling it?
6. Has the car been involved in an accident?
7. What features does the car have?
8. Is it in full working order?

It is advisable to have a landline contact number for the seller, not just a mobile.

If possible, when viewing the vehicle, try to do at the sellers home address. Never arrange to meet them in a public place, lay-by, or service station etc.

Take the original advert with you, plus the notes you made during you phone conversation will the seller. This will enable you to check details like mileage and tax are the same as you were told during the call.

It’s imperative you check the car thoroughly for any faults or damage.

Follow these simple steps to insure the car you are buying is in good condition.

• Never check a car in the dark or in the rain. It will make it very difficult to spot dents, scratches, rust, and a multitude of other defects.

• If you can, take a look at the car before you ring the doorbell. This will give you a chance to look at it without being distracted by the seller.

• Always start the car with a cold engine. This will make it easier to spot starting problems or excessive smoke.

• Crouch down in front of each front wheel and look along the length of the car. Both front wheels should be directly in front of the rear – if they're not, it could mean the car has been in a crash with a slightly twisted chassis.

• Check the gaps between the body panels are equal – if they're not, the car could have been refitted badly following an accident.

• Take a look at the wheels and tyres.  Are they in good condition? The minimum legal tread depth for tyres in the UK is 1.6mm.

• Inside the car, make everything works correctly. Check all electrics thoroughly as repairs can be costly later.  • Under the bonnet, look for signs of oil leaks in and around the engine. Also, beware if it looks too clean. This can be sign that the seller is trying to cover up an oil leak. Use the dipstick to check the amount of oil. If the level is low, the owner hasn’t been looking after the car properly. Check the consistency on the oil by rubbing some between your fingers. It should feel smooth, and not contain any foreign particles. This may indicate engine wear.

• Look around the oil filler cap for any white deposits. This is known as Emulsification, and is an indication of a worn head gasket which can be very expensive to replace.


The test drive

You should never buy a car without driving it first.

Make sure you’re fully insured to drive the seller's car, and take evidence of this with you.

Before you start the journey, turn the steering wheel from one lock to the other. There should be no screeching, banging, or knocking.

Test the handbrake. Pull it on and drive off gently. If it doesn't hold the car back, something's wrong.

Drive on as many different roads surfaces as possible. Use all the gears, and check the gear change is slick and smooth. The clutch pedal should 'bite' between the top and middle of the pedal's travel.

Listen for odd noises from the engine, and don’t let the seller distract you by talking or turning up the radio.

Read our Used Car Test Drive guide to find out more.

The haggle

Take a moment to remind yourself of any car faults or work you think might need doing to the car. Use this to negotiate the price with the seller.

Ask the seller what they realistically expect to get. Make a lower offer for the car,  and then stay silent. This gives them two options – accept your offer, or make a counter offer.

When it looks like they’re about to accept your offer, move to shake their hand and confirm the deal.

The paperwork

Ensure you see all of the following:
1. The logbook (V5C document) - make sure it isn't a stolen V5C certificate
2. The car’s service history
3. MOT details
4. The registration number and vehicle identification number
5. A valid tax disc (if the seller said tax is included)

Everything must be present and correct, or you should walk away from the deal. Make sure all the documents are original – don't accept photocopies.

Examine the logbook (V5C) carefully. Check the seller is the recorded keeper in the V5C. If not, they're not legally entitled to sell you the car.

Lots of dealer stamps in the logbook means it's likely the car is well maintained. It's always worth calling the garage to check they did carry out the work.

The payment

Make sure you ask for a receipt when making any payment, especially if it’s cash. Get two copies signed - one for you and one for the seller. Make sure the seller's address and car details are on both.