Used Car Buyer’s Checklist

First thing’s first, set your overall budget. This should include insurance quotes, tax, MOT (if the car you’re looking for is over three years old), and an estimate of any potential future repairs.

Next, do your research. Think about your needs (commuting, family life, long trips, city driving) and shortlist a few models that match. Look up typical running costs - fuel economy, insurance group, and likely servicing costs - so you don’t get surprised later.

Get practical quotes: compare insurance prices for the models you like, and check finance options if you plan to use them. Knowing these numbers beforehand makes you more confident when you talk to a salesperson.

A quick walk-around of a car in a showroom setting reveals a lot:

Walk around the car: Look for dents, scratches, mismatched paint or signs of recent resprays. These can be cosmetic — or clues to past damage.

Check the tyres: Look at tread depth and whether wear is even across each tyre. Uneven wear can indicate alignment or suspension issues.

Look at the lights: Headlights, indicators, tail lights and fog lights should be intact and clear (not misted or heavily scratched).

Peek underneath: If you can, glance under the car for any wet spots, drips or obvious damage.

Take photos of anything that concerns you - they’re useful for comparison against other models that you might like. And remember, the salesperson is there to help you, not hinder you!

The interior tells you how the car has been treated:

Upholstery & trim: Check seats, door cards and boot for excessive wear, stains, or tears.

Dashboard warning lights: When you turn the ignition on, all dash lights should briefly illuminate and then go out once the engine starts. A persisting warning light needs explaining.

Electrics: Test windows, mirrors, central locking, wipers, heater/AC, radio and charging ports. Make sure everything works as expected.

Seatbelts & trim fittings: They should retract and latch smoothly. Check for missing trim pieces or loose panels.

Remember though, a used car will come with some life marks, and it’s important to set your expectations ahead of time.

You don’t need to be a mechanic - just use your eyes and nose:

Fluids: Oil, coolant, brake and washer levels should be visible and not dangerously low. Very black oil or a milky coolant are warning signs.

Condition: Look for obvious leaks, cracked hoses or heavy corrosion. A slight smell of fuel or strong exhaust smell when parked can be important to note.

Battery: Check for heavy corrosion at the terminals or a very old-looking battery. Ask when it was last replaced.

If you don’t feel comfortable lifting the bonnet, feel free to go through any of these questions with your salesperson. They’ll have all the important information on hand about when it was last serviced and MOT’d.

Now we’re on to the fun bit – actually getting into the car and having a drive around. Some dealers will have a pre-determined route from the showroom, whereas others will let you pick where you’d like to go.

Starting up: The car should start easily without unusual noises.

Steering & brakes: Should feel responsive, without pulling to one side.

Gears & clutch: Smooth gear changes in a manual, no juddering when pulling away.

Listen out: Knocking, grinding, or squealing noises could mean issues.

Comfort: Adjust seat, mirrors, and steering - you should feel relaxed driving it.

V5C logbook: If you are buying privately, make sure that the seller matches the registered keeper. If you’re buying from a showroom, then the V5C document will all be handled for you in the purchasing process.

MOT history: Look online for past advisories and failures. It’ll give you peace of mind. But remember, just because a car may have failed in the past, doesn’t mean it’ll fail again.

Service history: A stamped book or invoices show it’s been looked after. Many vehicles now document service history online, so it’s important to ask the right questions here.

Does the car have full or partial service history?

At CarSupermarket.com, we can handle all of the servicing, MOT and repairs in-house, giving you peace of mind right from the start. You can even take out a service plan to save money – and headaches.

Guarantee: Ask what warranty or return policy the dealership offers. All CarSupermarket.com reconditioned cars come with a minimum 12 month peace of mind warranty.

Most car dealerships will have done a HPI check on the vehicle before taking it in to sell, but if not, ask about this. It can reveal outstanding finance, theft or write-off records.

Compare prices: Look at similar models online - if this car is significantly cheaper or more expensive, ask why.

Don’t rush: Take the time you need. A dealership worth buying from will give you space to decide. But remember that unless you put down a deposit, there’s no obligation for the dealership to sell the vehicle to you.

Bring a friend: A second pair of eyes (or ears) can spot things you missed - even just for moral support. We all need it from time to time.

Get everything in writing: Any promises (new tyres, full service, warranty terms) should be written into the sales contract.