5 Things to Consider When Buying a Second-Hand Car

Opting for a used car over a new one is a cost-effective road to vehicle ownership, but finding a great deal can be challenging, especially if you’re not sure what you should be looking for. Following these five steps will help ensure you invest in a quality, safe vehicle that can go the distance.

Comparing Options

The main benefit of buying a second-hand car instead of a brand-new model is the cost, so you should compare your options via several avenues to find the best possible deal. Going through a dealership provides more peace of mind but also comes with charges, while buying directly from the seller is cheap but higher risk in terms of quality.

Before you begin your search, research car makes and models to identify options you should look out for on the market. Automotive magazines often rank models in similar categories, scoring them on key elements like reliability and price.

Verifying the Vehicle

Once you’ve set your sights on a specific car, verify that the information you’ve been provided with is accurate through reliable online services. You can do this using the vehicle registration and unique 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN).

One of the most important things to do is an MOT history check to look for any gaps in certification which could indicate illegal use or mechanical issues. You can also see whether the car has a valid certificate currently. Other essential things to review include:

• Logbook (V5C) – the last issue date and legitimacy of ownership
• SORN status – if the vehicle is legally declared as off public roads
• Vehicle tax – the current rate for the car and when it expires

Assessing Service History

As part of your checks, look into the car’s service history to assess how well it’s been cared for. The seller should be able to provide you with a stamped book or digital records of previous services, with details of the assessments, advisories and any work carried out by professionals. 

Gaps in the history signal neglect, and mileage discrepancies indicate a faulty odometer or potential tampering.

Checking Legal Risks

The last thing you want is to be landed with is a vehicle with hidden problems. It’s advisable to carry out an HPI check which pulls critical vehicle data directly from the DVLA including whether the vehicle has been reported stolen or written off by an insurer, both of which could make the car significantly more expensive and difficult to insure.

An HPI check will reveal whether there is any outstanding finance on the car. This is important to clarify because the lender could pursue you for the debt or repossess the vehicle as they are still the legal owner.

Inspecting Car Condition

You need to ensure the car is working as it should be. Dealerships put used cars through a thorough professional inspection and valet service before selling them on, so they should function and look as good as new. Independent sellers might not be so conscientious, and either way it’s important to carry out thorough checks yourself.

Assess the exterior, looking for signs of wear and tear on the tyres and exhaust and any damage to the bodywork. Check the interior too, and climb in to test the pedals, lights, brakes, windshield wipers and the car’s HVAC system. As long as the car is insured and legal to drive on public roads, take it for a test drive, paying special attention to signs of hard-starting, steering drift, engine overheating or unusual noises, all of which could signal serious defects that would be costly or impossible to repair.