Most Wanted Tips

Wherever you choose to buy, here are some general tips on buying a used car.

• Budget well:
  • include the cost of insurance, tax, and any work that may be needed.
• Do your homework:
  • check our price guide and compare similar cars in the classifieds so you know as much as you can about the value of different cars to avoid being overcharged.
• Never view a car in the rain, in poor light or at night.
• Ask about the car’s service history:
  • check any documentation provided, including current and previous MOT certificates.
• Insist on seeing the V5 vehicle registration document:
  • the registration document shows the registered keeper and NOT the legal owner
  • check the name of the present keeper
  • is the seller the registered keeper?
  • if not, why are they selling it for someone else?
• Check the seller has a current MOT certificate and certificate of insurance:
  • if the car is three years old or more, make sure there’s a continuous series of annual MOT certificates
  • see if the mileage on these certificates agrees with the service records
  • double check that the mileage increases at a consistent rate each year.
• Handle with care:
  • be wary of anything that seems like a real bargain, or has a very low mileage for its age
  • to help you avoid making a mistake when you buy a used car, get an AA Car Data Check
  • if you do decide to go it alone, use our DIY inspection checklist to make sure you look the car over thoroughly.
• Check the service record:
  • ensure that the cam belt has been replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommended intervals
  • if the record’s not clear it will have to be replaced – if a belt fails, you might have to buy a whole new engine.
• Check the handbook:
  • Confirm how the security system works.
  • Find out what keys were provided when the car was new. Modern car keys are expensive to replace, particularly the coloured ‘master’ key provided by some manufacturers to programme new spare keys to the car.
• Test-drive the car before committing yourself:
  • it’s the only way to assess whether the car meets all your needs
  • you’ll find out about its mechanical condition too.
• Be vigilant:
  • Look for mismatched panels and colours on doors, bonnet and tailgate. These can indicate that the car has been repaired after a shunt.
  • Look for traces of spray paint on door handles, window seals and mouldings.
• Don’t be put off by dirty seats and grubby carpets:
  • After all, these can be cleaned.
  • However stains on internal fabric head–linings (roof coverings) are impossible to remove completely.
  • Check for damage underneath any fitted seat covers. Seats can be expensive to replace.
• Go on, haggle:
  • many sellers will have allowed for bargaining when they set the price
  • remember your budget?
• Don’t be pressured into buying.
• Don’t hand over money until you’ve agreed collection or delivery:
  • check exactly what’s included in the price
  • include any work that the seller has agreed to do.
• Walk away if you’re not completely happy.