How to inspect a car

Even if you’re buying a new car from a dealer it makes sense to give the car a thorough inspection before you make your mind up to buy. But, if the car is second-hand, then it’s essential you’re extra vigilant and know what to look for.

A good starting point is to choose a car with low mileage and just one owner, but there are a number of other things you need to check too:

Ask to see proof of identity, preferably the insurance policy for the vehicle they’re selling. If the seller is not the owner, make sure they have the authority to sell the car and still ask to see ID.
Make sure you view the car at the owner’s home, in daylight. For safety reasons, it’s always best to take someone along with you, especially if you’re going to take the car for a test drive.
Look at the car from different angles, inside and out, to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Check the bodywork for scratches and dents, rust and any repairs that may indicate the car has been in an accident. Fixing bodywork can be expensive and a car that’s been in an accident could be unsafe.
If the car has seat covers, make sure you remove them and check underneath.
Look up as well as down when you’re inside the car – if there are stains on the roof fabric they won’t come off. If the carpets are wet it could be a sign of a leak.
Make sure the tyres are in good condition, and don’t forget to look in the boot and check the spare tyre. If tyres do need replacing you need to factor this in to the cost.
Check everything is in good working order, that means test all the seatbelts, lights, windscreen wipers, door locks, electric windows, security alarm, in-car sound system etc.
If you have a child car seat, make sure it’s compatible and will fit in the car.
Look under the bonnet: check the coolant reservoir is full of brightly coloured coolant and there is plenty of clean oil for the engine.
Check paperwork – make sure the V5 document shows the address you’re buying from (if it’s a private sale).
Double check that the chassis/VIN number, registration plate and model name on the V5 and other paperwork tie up with the numbers on the car.
Check the MOT records and make sure the mileage goes steadily up, and not suddenly down at any point. Remember every car that’s more than three years old must have an MOT certificate.
Don’t be embarrassed to ask questions – the more direct the better. Such as “Is the mileage correct? Has the car been in an accident? Is the car imported? Have you owned the car from new? Why are you selling the car?” It’s hard to avoid a direct question.
Have a data check, such as an HPI check, done on the car. It’ll safeguard you against ending up with a motor with outstanding finance owing, a stolen car, or worse a car that’s been written-off. If you're buying a used car from a dealer, ask them what checks they've carried out.

And, if you’re not confident about what to look for, take someone along who is, or better still pay a professional to inspect the car for you – this is definitely money well-spent, and it could save you a fortune in the long run.

Take your time. A car is a big investment, so make sure you’re happy with what you see.

Useful links:

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency - the official web site of the DVLA which provides some useful information on vehicle checks. Telephone 0870 240 0010.

Consumer Direct - a Government funded web site which has some useful advice on buying a car. Telephone 08454 040506

The Society of Motor Manufacturers - this web site provides consumer advice from the Motoring Industry itself.