Checking The Car
Paperwork:
In the excitement of the moment, it’s easy to forget to check the paperwork. But with used cars, this is as important as the car itself. This is what you must check:
MOT certificate. If the car is more than three years old, it must have a certificate - preferably with at least 8 months to run. Make sure the mileage matches that shown on the car and that the test station stamp is ‘raised’. This is proof that, at the time of the test, the car was legal. If it doesn’t have one, go. Don’t bother with negotiations about the price, just go.
Registration document (V5): This proves ownership of the car. Are the details correct? Check the number of previous owners. Check the engine and chassis numbers match the ones on the car. Are you viewing the car at the address given on the document? If you have any doubts at all, do not buy the car.
Service history: This can add to the value of the car. A full dealer service history, with service books properly stamped at the correct service intervals, shows the car has been cared for. The older the car, the less likely you are to get such history, but a car under three years old should be fully stamped. Mileages without attached service history should be ignored.
You can use one of the vehicle data check companies on the internet to make sure the car has never been a write-off and that it doesn’t have finance owing on it. If either of these is the case, you may lose the car and your money after you have bought it. Click 'here' for more details.
Before you test drive the vehicle, make sure you are insured to do so. It is a serious offence for which you will be responsible if you are not.
If anything about the paperwork troubles you or if you have even the slightest doubt, do NOT buy the car.
The car:
No matter who you are buying the car from, you must test it thoroughly. Click ‘here’ for a printable check list to take with you. If you don’t know much about cars, take someone with you who does.
Here’s an outline of things to check:
Outside:
Check all around for dents and check the wheels for evidence of kerb scraping. The best way to check the body for small dinks is to kneel at the front or back of the car and look along the side.
If the car looks too shiny for it’s age, it may have been re-sprayed to hide problems.
Check under the car for oil or fluid leaks.
Feel under the wheel arches, doors and bumpers for rough edges. If your fingers come away ginger, this could be rust. Some people use a magnet on the bodywork to check for filler - if you do, be careful not to scratch it or you may finish up paying for damage!
Check the tyres for uneven or excessive wear. Legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but you should expect considerably more than this.
Check glass for cracks and chips.
Inside:
Is the wear and tear consistent with the car’s mileage. Shiny steering wheel, worn pedals and seats do not go together with a low mileage car.
Does it smell clean? Or are there fag smells?
Make sure all the electrics and controls work as they should.
