Buying a used car can be a great way to get more for your budget, but knowing what to look for when buying a used car is essential. A few careful checks can help you understand the vehicle’s condition, avoid unexpected costs and choose a car that genuinely suits your needs.
From mileage and MOT history to tyres, paperwork and the test drive, this 12-point used car buying checklist covers the most important things to inspect and the questions to ask before you commit.
If you are ready to begin your search, you can also browse used cars for sale across Sunderland, Durham and Cramlington with Pulman.
1. Set a realistic total budget
Start by deciding what you can comfortably afford. The advertised price matters, but it is not the only cost to consider. Your budget should also account for:
- Car insurance
- Vehicle tax
- Fuel or charging
- Servicing and maintenance
- Replacement tyres and other wear items
- Finance repayments, if applicable
Insurance can vary significantly between apparently similar cars, so obtain a quote before agreeing to buy. It is also worth comparing the likely fuel economy, tax and service requirements of the models on your shortlist.
2. Check who is selling the car
One of the first decisions is whether to buy from a dealership or a private seller.
A reputable dealer should be able to explain the car’s condition, preparation, service history and available warranty. You will also generally receive greater consumer protection when buying from a trader than through a private sale.
A private car may sometimes have a lower asking price, but you will need to carry out more of the checks yourself. Confirm that the seller’s details and address are consistent with the vehicle documents, and be cautious if they want to meet somewhere unrelated to the address shown on the V5C.
For additional reassurance, consider a manufacturer-backed vehicle. Read our guide to the benefits of choosing an Approved Used car.
3. Check the vehicle history and MOT record
Before viewing a car, ask for its registration number, make and model. Use these details to check that the information supplied by the seller matches the vehicle records.
The free GOV.UK MOT history service shows previous test results, recorded mileage, failure items and advisories. Look for:
- Mileage that rises consistently between tests
- Repeated advisories that may not have been repaired
- Recent failures involving brakes, tyres, corrosion or suspension
- Long gaps between MOT tests that require an explanation
An MOT pass confirms that a vehicle met the required standard on the day of the test. It should not replace a proper inspection, test drive or vehicle-history check.
It is also sensible to check for outstanding finance, theft markers, insurance write-offs and mileage discrepancies. Many reputable dealers complete these checks as part of their vehicle-preparation process.
4. Check the documents before buying a used car
If you are wondering what documents you should get when buying a used car, begin with the V5C registration certificate, often called the logbook. Check that:
- The registration, make, model and colour match the vehicle
- The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) matches the number on the car
- The seller’s details are consistent with the information provided
- The V5C appears genuine and has not been altered
You should also review the service history, current MOT information, handbook, invoices for previous work and details of any warranty. A service history can show how consistently the car has been maintained and whether important scheduled work has been completed.
Never treat the V5C as proof that the person named on it legally owns the vehicle; it records the registered keeper. This is why a separate vehicle-history check and a clear purchase invoice are important.
5. What mileage is good for a used car?
There is no single mileage figure that makes a used car good or bad. Condition, maintenance and how the vehicle has been used can matter more than the number displayed on the odometer.
A higher-mileage car with a complete service history and evidence of careful maintenance may be a better purchase than a lower-mileage car that has been neglected. Motorway mileage can also place less strain on some components than repeated short, cold-start journeys.
When assessing mileage:
- Compare it with the MOT history and service records
- Check whether the interior wear looks consistent with the mileage
- Ask how the car has mainly been used
- Check whether mileage-related maintenance is due soon
- Consider the mileage you expect to add during ownership
The right mileage is therefore the one that makes sense for the vehicle’s age, condition, history and price.
6. Inspect the bodywork and exterior
View the car in daylight and, if possible, when the bodywork is clean and dry. Walk around it slowly and look for:
- Dents, scratches, rust or bubbling paint
- Panels with noticeably different paint shades
- Uneven panel gaps or doors that do not close properly
- Cracks or chips in the windscreen
- Damaged lights or condensation inside the light units
- Signs of fluid leaking beneath the car
Small cosmetic marks are common on used cars. The important point is that the condition should match the description and price, with any known damage clearly explained.
7. Check the tyres and wheels
Inspect all four tyres rather than checking only the most visible one. Look at the tread, sidewalls and general condition, and check for cuts, cracks, bulges or uneven wear.
Uneven wear can indicate an alignment, suspension or tyre-pressure issue. Also check the alloy wheels for damage and confirm whether the car has a spare wheel, repair kit or inflator.
If the tyres are approaching replacement, include this in your budget. Larger wheels and specialist tyres can cost considerably more than standard sizes.
8. Test the interior and electrical equipment
Once inside, take time to test the equipment rather than assuming everything works. Check:
- Windows, mirrors and central locking
- Heating, ventilation and air conditioning
- Infotainment, navigation and smartphone connectivity
- Parking sensors and reversing camera
- Seat adjustment and heated seats, where fitted
- Headlights, indicators, brake lights and interior lights
- Dashboard warning lights
When the ignition is switched on, warning lights should illuminate briefly and then go out as expected. If a warning remains visible, ask the seller to explain it before proceeding.
9. Look under the bonnet
You do not need to be a mechanic to spot obvious concerns. With the engine cool and the car safely parked, look for leaks, damaged hoses, corrosion or signs of poor repair work.
Ask when the car was last serviced and whether important maintenance items are due. Depending on the model, this might include a cambelt, auxiliary belt, transmission service, brake-fluid change or other age- and mileage-based work.
For a used electric car, ask about the battery warranty, available battery-health information, charging cables and whether the charging ports work correctly.
10. Take a proper test drive
A test drive is one of the most important checks when buying a used car. Ideally, drive on a mixture of slower roads and faster routes so you can assess the car in different conditions.
During the drive, consider:
- Whether the engine or electric motor starts and operates smoothly
- How the clutch and gearbox feel
- Whether the car brakes in a straight line
- Whether the steering pulls to one side
- Any knocks, rattles, vibrations or unusual noises
- Ride comfort and suspension behaviour
- Visibility, seating position and ease of parking
Make sure you are appropriately insured and legally permitted to drive the vehicle. If you are unsure about its mechanical condition, arrange an independent inspection by a qualified professional.
11. What should you ask when buying a used car?
The answers should be clear and consistent with the paperwork and the condition of the vehicle. Useful questions include:
- How long have you had the car?
- Why is it being sold?
- How has the car mainly been used?
- Does it have a complete service history?
- Has it been involved in an accident or had body repairs?
- Are there any known faults?
- When are the next MOT and service due?
- Are both keys included?
- What warranty or roadside assistance is provided?
- Is there any outstanding finance on the vehicle?
Ask for important promises, agreed repairs or included extras to be recorded in writing on the order form or invoice.
12. Check the likely running costs
The best used car is not simply the one with the lowest purchase price. Before buying, research the costs you are likely to face throughout ownership.
Compare insurance, fuel economy or electric range, tax, servicing, replacement tyres and common maintenance requirements. Think about practicality too: a car that is cheap to buy may not represent good value if it does not have the space, comfort or efficiency you need.
If you are still deciding which model suits your budget, explore our guide to the most reliable used cars for different budgets.
What should you do after buying a used car?
Once you have agreed to buy, make sure the vehicle is registered correctly, insured and taxed before you drive it on public roads. Keep the invoice, warranty information, finance documents and any written promises from the seller somewhere safe.
Remember that vehicle tax does not transfer with the car. The official GOV.UK used-vehicle checklist explains the steps for checking, registering, insuring and taxing a vehicle.
Find your next used car with Pulman
Every used-car search starts with different priorities. You might want a compact first car, an economical commuter, a practical family SUV or a nearly-new electric vehicle.
At Pulman, you can explore quality used cars from Volkswagen, Škoda, SEAT, CUPRA and other manufacturers across our North East locations. Browse online, compare your options and speak to our team if you need help finding the right car.
Used car buying FAQs
What is the first thing to check when buying a used car?
Before viewing it, check that the registration, make and model match DVLA information, then review its MOT history and safety-recall status. At the viewing, confirm that the VIN and vehicle details match the V5C.
What mileage is considered good for a used car?
There is no universal ideal mileage. Look for mileage that is consistent with the car’s age, condition, MOT record and service history. A properly maintained higher-mileage car can be a better choice than a neglected low-mileage example.
What documents should I receive when buying a used car?
You should receive proof of purchase and the information needed to register the vehicle. Review the V5C, service history, MOT record, warranty terms and any finance documents. Keep written confirmation of repairs or extras agreed as part of the sale.
What should I look for during a used-car test drive?
Check that the car accelerates, steers, changes gear and brakes smoothly. Listen for unusual noises, watch for warning lights and assess the seating position, visibility and comfort. Try the vehicle at different speeds where it is safe and legal to do so.
Is it better to buy a used car from a dealer or privately?
A private sale may have a lower asking price, while buying from a reputable dealer generally provides stronger consumer protection and may include vehicle preparation, history checks, warranty options and finance support.
Should I buy an Approved Used car?
An Approved Used car can provide additional reassurance because it must meet the relevant manufacturer’s programme requirements. Benefits vary by brand and vehicle, but may include a detailed inspection, warranty, roadside assistance and history checks.