There are lots of things to think about when you're buying a used car. From where you're going to buy it to the rigorous checks you have to do. But we're here to help! In this guide, we'll list the pros and cons of buying a used car, and the different ways to buy one. We'll also look at the essential car checks you need to do when you go to look at a used car.
How to buy a used car
You can buy a used car from either a private seller, a dealership or online. Each one has its pros and cons. Here's what you need to know about each:
Private sale
A private sale is someone selling a car by themselves, and not through a dealership or online. You need to have a good level of car knowledge to buy a car privately. So, if you're not a confident car person, it might be best to stick to a dealership. There are some upsides to private selling. For example:
- It could be cheaper than buying a car through a dealership, because the private seller won't have any sales targets to meet
- You won't be upsold any extras you might not need, for example car finance
- You'll get a good idea of the car's history straight from the owner
There are some downsides, though:
- You don't have the legal support that dealerships or online companies might have
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You won't have a car warranty. So if there are any issues with the car's mechanics that aren't your fault, you can't return it to the seller
- You can't return the car
- You're responsible for sorting out all the vehicle documentation
Dealership
You can also buy a used car from a dealership. A quick google can usually tell you where your local dealership is. But it's worth checking its reviews, or going by word of mouth recommendations. It's a good idea to opt for a dealership if you're not 100% confident on what to look out for when you're buying a used car. Here are the upsides to buying from a dealership:
- You've got more protection, for example you might be able to get a used car warranty. You might also have more legal protection
- You've got more choice. You can choose from lots of different cars and test drive them
- You might be able to return the car if it's not quite right
- They usually give each car a detailed inspection
There are also some cons for buying from a dealership:
- They might try to push finance options on you, but you can decline this and get a loan elsewhere
- You might be upsold other things, like paint protection cover
- The car might be more expensive than a private seller's price
- You only have the dealer's interpretation of the car's history
Online
- If you choose a reputable site, they can offer some protection if certain things go wrong
- Some sites offer a free vehicle check before you buy
- You can browse the different cars from the comfort of your home
- It can often be quicker than buying from a dealership
Cons of buying online
- You don't get to see the car you're buying
- Could be risky if your connection isn't secure, so make sure you're completing your purchase on your own computer
- You have less of an idea of who's selling you a car. Most sites advise checking out the seller or dealership before you buy
What to check when buying a used car
Here's what you need to check when you're buying a used car:
MOT
Always check the car you're buying has a full MOT history. You can do this with our MOT checker tool. Just enter the vehicle registration and you'll be able to see the car's full MOT history, as well as any previous reasons for failure.
Tax
Make sure you check that the vehicle is taxed. You can use our car tax checker tool to do this. Just enter the vehicle's registration and we'll let you know if it's taxed or not.
Windscreen defects
Run your hand across the windscreen. It should be smooth and be free of chips or cracks. These could lead to a costly fix later on.
Signs of accidental damage
Look out for any dents, scratches or rust on the outside of the car. In some cases a dent might just be superficial, but it could also be a clue for further damage.
Panel gaps
Look for any gaps in the panels, for example on the sides near the door and the front of the car. If you notice any gaps, it could be a sign of a bad repair job.
Check the doors and bonnet too. If they don't sit together evenly, it could be a sign that they've been bolted back on after a crash. It might also be a sign that the car has been writen-off previously, which could make getting car insurance for that car tricky.
Tyre tread depth
Make sure you check the car tyre tread depth. Look for any cuts or bulges. You can also use 20p to check the tread depth. Place the coin in the tread. If you can't see the outer rim of the coin, the tread on the tyres is fine.
V5C and WIN checks
Ask to see the V5C (vehicle registration certificate) when you view the car. This is should have the seller's name, and the vehicle registration. It should also have a 'DVL' watermark.
Check the serial number too. If it's not between BG8229501 to BG9999030, or BI2305501 to BI2800000 it could be stolen. Make sure you phone the police about this when it's safe to do so.
The V5C should also have the VIN number in it. Make sure it matches with the one that's engraved on the car. You can find this on the car's windscreen, etched on the engine or stamped on the chassis.
Other things to look for when buying a used car
Here are a few other things to check when buying a used car:
Number of previous owners
Try to find out how many owners the car has had. If it's had a few, just make sure to scrutinise the MOT history, service records and all the documentation. It's still important to check this even if the car has had only a couple of previous owners, but if it's had a few, it might indicate something unusual.
Test drive
Try and test drive the car, even if you're buying it online. Listen out for any noises when you're driving or starting up the car. For example any rattling or knocking. Check the brakes when you're driving, and also make sure it doesn't tip to one side. This could indicate issues with the suspension.
Running costs
If you're happy with the car, check its running costs. For example, get a car insurance quote with us to see how much your car insurance could cost. Or if you're not at that stage yet, you could look at our list of the cheapest cars to insure.
Fuel consumption is another thing to think about. You could work out how much your daily journeys could cost in fuel with our fuel cost calculator.
This isn't technically a running cost, but you could use our car theft calculator to see if you car's at risk of being stolen. If it's a car that's at risk, read our guide on car theft prevention. You might need to buy extra security like steering wheel and gear stick locks.
How to get the best deal when buying a second hand car
Here's a list of things to remember so you get the best deal when you're buying a second hand car:
- Check the vehicle's history
- Don't be afraid to haggle
- Inspect the car and take it for a test drive
- Avoid any extras you don't need from the dealer
- Know your budget
- Don't rush to make a decision
- Research the car you like and the average price of it used
It's about striking the balance between getting a car that's good value and also good standard. Shop around to get an idea of the type of car you like and the average price. When you see one you like, you might be able to get the price down.
But remember, if you're not happy with the price, or the quality of the car, you can walk away. There are plenty of other cars for sale!
What happens to my car insurance when buying a used car?
You might need to transfer or cancel your car insurance for your old car first. Either way, you'll need to buy car insurance for your new car to get it home. This could be difficult particularly in the dealership. Temporary car insurance can help here.
This is a type of flexible insurance that can cover you from 1 hour to 28 days. Getting a flexible, temporary policy for your used car means you can get your car home legally. Because you can choose how long the cover lasts, you can shop around at your leisure to find the best cover for your needs at the right price.
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