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Buying a used car

Our extra-easy guide to buying a used car.

 

Find the right used car for you

A used car can be a smart choice, especially if you want to save money. Our guide will help you know where to look, what to check and how to bag the best deal.

You can even download our checklist to take with you when you're viewing cars.

We've created this guide in association with honestjohn.co.uk.

Car buyer's checklist PDF 42kb Opens in new tab.

Why choose a used car?

New cars have their advantages. You can personalise them and you don't need to worry about service history or warranty coverage. But as soon as you drive a new car off the showroom floor, it sheds value. Why not consider a used car instead?

Benefits of choosing a used car

  • You won’t be short of car choice, with approximately 8 million used cars sold each year.
  • You avoid the showroom depreciation loss.
  • Some dealerships extend the original warranty for added peace of mind.
  • Some dealerships offer an ‘approved used scheme’, where they select the best used cars and check their service history and mechanics.
  • You might find better deals when buying privately, though you may have less protection than when buying from a dealer.

  • Your checklist for buying a used car

    Know your facts

    Which make, model, trim and engine suit your needs?

    Asking price

    How much is the car advertised for? Are there any deals on offer from the seller? What other deals on similar cars are there and how do they compare?

    What are you prepared to pay?

    Know your budget and stick to it.

    Get the seller’s details

    Be sure to grab their name, address, phone number, email and web address in case you need to contact them.

    History check

    Use the car’s registration number to carry out a vehicle history check online before going to view it.

    Does the car have all of its documents?

    Make sure the V5C registration, service book and any MoTs are present and match the car.

    Check the bodywork condition

    Is there any damage to the paint, wheels, tyres or windows?

    Look under the bonnet for engine condition

    Can you see any oil leaks and does the engine start easily when cold and hot?

    Inspect the interior condition

    Can you spot any wear and do all the controls and instruments work properly?

    Check the mileage on the clock

    Does it match any documents and tally with the car’s age and condition?

    Look at the MoT certificate

    If the car is 3 years old or more, it must have an MOT certificate. Does it state any advisory work that needs to be carried out?

    Take a test drive

    Is the car suitable for your needs? Can you get in and out of the vehicle with ease, and can you drive the car comfortably on a variety of journeys?

    Safety first

    Do the brakes and steering work properly with no noises or slack?

    Does the car suit you?

    Check it meets all your needs for passengers, boot space and practicality.

    Arrange insurance and road tax

    Make sure you have insurance cover and road tax in place for when you collect your car to stay legal and protected.

    Have you got everything?

    When you complete the deal to buy a car, make sure you receive all the documents, including the V5C registration form and a receipt for payment.

    Making the purchase

    Before you commit, check you're ready and you're getting the best price.

Where can I buy a used car?

Knowing where you should go to buy a car is important. Here’s a simple guide to the options.

Main dealers

When they want to buy a car, most people head to the relevant dealership for the car brand they’re interested in. This is a common-sense approach and allows you the chance of a test drive.

Many people are more comfortable with speaking face-to-face with a salesperson. This has many advantages as you build a relationship with the person selling the car. You can also view several cars at once, to decide which suits you best.

Independent dealers and car supermarkets

Independent dealers can offer a wide choice of cars, though the warranty can vary so you need to check the small print carefully. Depending on the standard of warranty cover, and the age and mileage of the car, you could also buy a separate used car warranty to protect you from unexpected repair bills.

Car supermarkets offer a huge choice of used cars at competitive prices. On the other hand, the low prices mean there’s little margin for negotiating and the trade-in price for your old car will usually be low.

Private sellers

Private sellers don’t have the business costs a dealer does, so they're usually the cheapest option. It’s also the riskiest route as you only have the seller’s word about the car’s condition.

You should always carry out a history check to make sure the car isn't stolen and there’s no existing finance owing on it. It’s also a good idea to have the car checked over by an independent mechanic.

Buy online

Online shopping has become increasingly popular, allowing you to buy pretty much anything online, especially so in recent times. But have you thought about buying your next car online?

How to buy a car online

Read up on the process, the pitfalls and the positives.

Buy your next car online

What should I look for in a used car?

Buying a used car can be daunting, but you can be a confident buyer with some preparation.

Do your research

Start by researching online using sites like www.honestjohn.co.uk for reviews and potential issues with the car you want. Search the DVSA website for any recalls and use vehicle history services to check the car's legitimacy.

Ask the seller for the service history and verify that it's been properly stamped. Get receipts for any work the seller tells you about and don’t hesitate to ask direct questions - the seller must be honest.

Inspect the car

Once you've reviewed the paperwork, inspect the car closely in good lighting conditions. Check the gaps between body panels - irregular gaps may indicate previous repairs. Look for signs of a respray and inspect the sides for any ripples.

A little dust under the bonnet is normal, but watch for oil leaks and loose wires. A spotless engine bay may hide issues. Inside, check for wear on the driver’s seat, pedals, steering wheel and gear lever. Test all buttons and controls to check they work.

Take a test drive

Before you start, take a moment to get adjust the driver's seat so you can see clearly and reach all the pedals. Familiarise yourself with the controls, as they may differ from what you're used to. If you often drive on motorways, make sure to take the car on one during your test. Don't feel rushed into a short drive - ask for a longer test drive if necessary.

A well-maintained used car should be quiet, without squeaks from the trim or mechanical parts. As you drive, make sure all the instruments work and everything responds smoothly. If you need child seats, ask to test their fit and confirm the kids have enough room and a good view.

Let’s take a closer look

  • Pre-purchase tips

    • Make sure the car matches the advertised specifications and includes any necessary equipment and extras.
    • Read the fine print and warranty details carefully. Understand what's included and what's considered wear and tear.
    • If the car comes with a service plan, review the details. Know what's covered and what other costs you may incur.
    • If you doubt the seller's honesty, consider walking away or getting an independent mechanic to inspect the car.
    • Perform a vehicle history check using the car's registration before viewing it, to find out about previous accidents or existing finance.
    • Use online history check services to verify the car’s make, model, engine, registration date and colour against the V5 document.
    • Check the DVSA website for any recalls for the car’s make and model. Recalls are common, but make sure any necessary work has been completed according to the car’s service history.

  • Negotiation tips

    • Be firm on your budget - know your limit and stick to it. The advertised price is just a starting point for negotiation.
    • Have your finances sorted. This shows the dealer you're serious and may lead to better offers.
    • Research the exact model, engine and trim. Compare prices from different sources to understand potential discounts.
    • Visit showrooms at the end of the month. Sales staff are motivated to meet targets, which increases your chances of a better deal.
    • Look at classified ads for similar cars to gauge market prices. Use online valuation tools based on the car's registration and mileage. 
    • Be polite but firm. Stay friendly, while being clear about your budget. Don't get swayed by other offers.
    • Expand your search beyond local dealers to find better deals.
    • Don't reveal too much. Avoid disclosing your maximum monthly budget. Instead, ask about the best deals on offer.
    • Be aware of tactics. If negotiations stall, ask to speak with the manager. 
    • Be prepared to walk away. Remember - you control the purse strings. 

  • Dealers

    Under the Sale of Goods Act, any car bought from a trader must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. This means the car should be in reasonable condition for its age, mileage and value. The dealer is responsible for any faults present at the time of sale, but they're not liable for reasonable wear and tear, such as worn tyres, or for faults disclosed before the sale.

    If you inform the dealer of a specific purpose for the car, they must sell you a suitable vehicle. If you don't tell them this, they can't be held accountable if the car isn’t suitable. Dealers must also follow the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (2008), which prohibit unfair practices, including giving false or insufficient information.

    Refunds

    If you buy a car from a dealer and it develops problems, you have the right to reject it and demand a full refund.

    The law says the dealer is entitled to fix the car before it can be rejected. You must also reject a car at the earliest possible opportunity, so there’s no point trying this when you’ve driven it thousands of miles.

    Private deals

    Private sales offer less protection. The seller must own the car, and it shouldn't have existing finance. The seller must describe the vehicle accurately, and it should be roadworthy unless they tell you otherwise. Buyers must perform a vehicle history check, thoroughly inspect the car and make sure all documents match. Be wary of sellers unwilling to meet at the registered keeper’s address or whose names don't match the V5C registration document.

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