Before buying a used car it is important to check its condition thoroughly, test it out on the road and ask yourself a few questions:


•    How does it feel on the road?
•    Do the brakes provide smooth and reassuring braking?
•    Is the car quiet, or are there rattles and clunks when it is moving?

Find out if the car has a current MOT certificate. If the car is more than three years old, it must have one, to prove it complied with the criteria of the MOT at the last test date. However, remember that this is not a guarantee that any subsequent faults will be put right by the dealer.
A full service history should ensure that the vehicle has been properly looked after. It might be an idea to check that the mileage is warranted in writing to avoid potential problems in the future. Mileage can be checked, for a small fee. Find out more at www.hpicheck.com.
Always ask to see the registration document and service record. Does everything match up? Does the logbook show how many owners the car has had?


Having test driven the car and looked at its documents, it is vital to inspect the car itself thoroughly:

•    Check the underside for signs of rust, and welding. Any mysterious welding could signify that the car is a ‘cut and shut’.
•    Check the exhaust system.
•    Check the bodywork and fittings.
•    Ensure that all tyres including the spare have the correct tread (1.6mm or more) and pressure.
•    Paintwork should be in a good condition.
•    Make sure no panels are a slightly different shade, or rippled, uneven, or heavily chipped by stones.
•    Check all locks are in working order.
•    Make sure rubber seals are intact, as leaks can be expensive to rectify.
•    Windscreen wipers, and doors sills should also be checked.

The interior of a car can reveal a lot about the way it has been looked after and the mileage it has covered:
•    Seatbelts should be free from damage.
•    Carpets can hide high mileage; does the condition compare with the mileage and age of the car?
•    Milometer, dashboard instruments and pedal condition should also be checked.

When you buy from a reputable dealer, the car’s financial history should have been checked to show there is no outstanding hire purchase agreement on it and there is neither an insurance total loss, nor has it been stolen. Ask the dealer for written proof that this check has been made.
Buyers should always be careful when parting with their money. Before entering into any finance agreement, accepting any warranty or indeed accepting a used car, make sure you read and understand all the documentation before signing or handing over any cash.

When buying a used car, it is best to buy from a reputable garage. Main dealers and independents that belong to the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) are bound by the conditions of their membership to provide a good service to their customers.’