Buying a Used Car? Here’s the Checklist That Could Save You £1,000s (and Your Sanity)

Buying a used car is a bit like online dating – looks good in the pictures, says all the right things, and then three months later you realise it’s leaking fluids and making a funny smell.

The trick is spotting the red flags before you commit.

We went to a friend who has worked in the car industry for 20+ years to check what he thought. Here’s the ultimate 15-minute pre-purchase checklist. Do this and you’ll stand a much better chance of driving away with a decent car rather than a four-wheeled money pit.

The Ultimate 10ways Used Car Buying Checklist

Before You Even Step Foot Out The Door

1. Check the Paper Trail First
   • Run the reg or VIN through a history check for accident damage, outstanding finance, stolen status, and mileage discrepancies.
   • But don’t trust it 100% – history reports can be incomplete. Think of them like weather forecasts: useful, but don’t bet your house on them.
   • Tools: RAC Vehicle Check, AA Vehicle Check, Car Vertical or Car Owl
2. Get an Insurance Quote Now, Not Later
   • A “cheap” car can become an expensive nightmare if the premium is triple what you expected.
3. Bring a Few Small Tools
   • Warning lights off doesn’t mean all’s well. Cars hide “pending” faults like a teenager hides dirty plates.
   • A Bluetooth OBD2 reader + free app will tell you if codes have been cleared recently and translate tech-speak into English.
   • Tool: Carly – easy to use, works with most cars or CarPal A, far cheaper but does a good job.

Exterior & Structural Checks

4. Look for Rust in the Right Places
   • Surface rust on body panels? Usually fine. Frame or suspension rust? Bank-drainer.
   • Pay attention to inner wheel arches, sills, and chassis rails.
5. Detect Dodgy Paint Jobs
   • Use a torch at head height to spot mismatched paint.
   • Look for overspray on door seals and panel edges — a sign of accident repair.
6. Check Panel Fit & Gaps
   • Uneven gaps or doors that don’t shut smoothly can mean accident damage or poor repairs.
7. Tyres Tell the Story
   • Look for low tread, cracks, or uneven wear (could mean bad alignment).
   • Tyres are pricey now – budget £300-£2000 for a set if they’re shot.
   • Don’t forget the spare tyre – it might be balder than your uncle at Christmas. It can also show you signs of issues (e.g. if the wear is uneven).
   • Tool: Digital Tyre Tread Depth Gauge – £7 well spent.
   
8. Will It Fit Where You Park?
   • Think about your driveway, garage, or street parking space — and your ability to get in/out without drama.

Interior & Comfort

9. Test the Driving Position
   • Can you get comfy? Does the seat adjust properly? Can you see all the dials without ducking?
10. Check Passenger Space
    • Sit in the back — would adults survive a long trip without plotting revenge?
11. Press Every Button
    • Windows, locks, mirrors, lights, heated seats, wipers, infotainment — test it all.
12. Climate Control Works Both Ways
    • Heat should roast you, AC should chill you. Check all vents for airflow.

Under the Bonnet (No Spanners Required)

13. Fluids Don’t Lie
    • Oil, coolant, brake fluid — low or dirty fluids can point to neglect.
14. Belts & Hoses
    • Look for cracks, frays, or bulges.
15. Leaks
    • Check the ground after the engine’s been running.

Test Drive Like a Pro

16. Listen With Windows Down
    • Knocks, rattles, squeaks, or grinding noises are all red flags.
17. Check Pull-Away & Gears
    • Smooth acceleration, no judder, and gear changes that don’t feel like wrestling a gearbox.
18. Test the Brakes & Clutch
    • Gentle braking, emergency stop, handbrake on a hill.
    • The car should track straight without pulling.
19. Drive on Different Roads
    • Try rough streets, bends, and a stretch of motorway to see how it handles and rides.
20. Hill Test
    • Does it climb smoothly without excessive gear changes?
21. Suspension & Handling
    • Soaks up bumps without crashing, corners without feeling like a boat.
22. Bring a Mechanic (If You Can)
    • £50-£100 for a pre-purchase inspection can save you thousands. A pro with a lift will find things you can’t.

Negotiating & Closing the Deal

23. Always Negotiate
    • Dealers and private sellers expect it — never pay the first price.
24. Ask for Extras
    • If they won’t lower the price, push for mats, a service, or other freebies.
25. Use Silence to Your Advantage
    • State your offer and wait. The awkward pause is their move, not yours.
26. Play Dealers Off Against Each Other
    • Get multiple quotes and make them compete.
27. Use Flaws as Leverage
    • Every scratch or scuff is a reason for a discount.
28. Be Likeable but Firm
    • Charm works, but make it clear you’re serious about your price limit.
29. Walk Away if Needed
    • The best deals often happen after you leave — and they call you back.
30. Get a Warranty
    • Going via a dedicated showroom usually means some form of warranty. Other companies may offer one too, but tread carefully — many won’t cover everything.
31. Consider Buying a Car Using Game Theory – use this guide

💡 Bottom line: Spend 15-30 minutes checking a car properly and you’ll either confirm you’ve found a gem, or you’ll dodge an overpriced headache. Either way, you win.

And if you’re selling your own car follow this guide