Tips for Buying a Used Car
How to avoid the pitfalls
Buying a used car can be risky. After all, how do you know if it's a 'cut–and–shut' just by looking at it? You can't, but with our help, you could land yourself a real gem instead of a lemon. Here are some tips depending on where you choose to buy.
Pitfalls when buying a used car
Clocking Where the odometer has been wound back on a high–mileage car in order to raise the asking price. Every 1,000 miles removed increases the value substantially. This is illegal.
Examine the dashboard for worn screws; the instruments may have been tampered with. Chips made by stones across the front of the bonnet, grille and bumper can be an indication of lots of motorway journeys. (tampering will be much more difficult to spot on cars with digital odometers as these might be adjusted electronically)
Worn pedal rubbers or a shiny, worn steering wheel should raise suspicions if the odometer shows a low mileage.
Most cars average around 10,000 miles per year. Check that the mileage on the clock roughly ties in with the age and appearance of the car.
The documents offer the only true proof that the car has been clocked. It's essential to check recent MOT certificates and compare the mileage recorded at those times. If you have any doubts, walk away.
'Cut–and–shut' This is when the remains of two or more cars, which have usually been accident–damaged and written off by insurers, are welded together, then illegally given the identity of one of the wrecks.
The cosmetic work is often outstanding, and it's usually very difficult to spot a 'cut–and–shut' from the outside.
For absolute confidence, invest in a Car Data Check to unearth the car's history.
Computerised MOT - check the MOT status online
Since the MOT system was computerised it has been possible in many cases to run an online check of MOT status and history for a car you own or are considering buying. You can also enquire by telephone by ringing the DVLA's MOT status line on 0870 330 0444
Buying a used car privately
- Don't buy a car on 'private sale' terms if you suspect the seller might be a dealer.
- If you call in response to an advert, say you're calling 'about the car you advertised'. If the seller has to ask which car, they may be a dealer.
- Be wary of adverts quoting mobile numbers or numbers that appear in several ads.
- Don't let the owner bring the car to you – view it at their home, in daylight.
- Does the seller really appear to be the owner?
- Is it their home?
- They should be familiar with the car and its controls.
Dealers selling used cars
On the whole, a dealer with a new–car franchise for the make you're interested in is probably best, although there are many highly respected used–car dealers around.
- Choose an established dealership with a good reputation they'll want to maintain.
- Check that the extras a dealer includes, such as warranties, are competitively priced.
- The best way of finding a dealer is through personal recommendation.
- If you need to borrow part of the amount, don't automatically take the dealer's finance. It's always worth getting alternative quotes.
- It's vital to check the warranty:
- a mechanical breakdown warranty will probably cost extra and won't cover everything
- find out exactly what is and isn't covered, for how long and for how much.
Auctions for used cars
It's best not to buy a used car at auction unless you know your way around an engine and you're aware of current price trends.
- Take someone with you – preferably someone familiar with auctions and who knows about cars.
- Go first as a spectator to get the feel of how auctions work.
- Read the terms and conditions of sale carefully.
- Don't get carried away bidding:
- stick to your budget
- factor in any seller's premium or other fees charged on top of the 'hammer price'.
- Test the car as soon as you can after you've paid – if there's anything wrong you'll only have a very short time in which to complain.
Online for used cars
However tempting the offer, don't rush into making a purchase – you could save yourself a lot of time, trouble and money. Remember, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Make notes of what's on offer:
- you can use them to compare cars
- they'll give you a written record of what's been agreed.
- Make sure that you know exactly who you're buying from:
- check the firm is credible and trustworthy
- if possible, see whether others have had positive dealings with the company.
- Read the small print before you click that 'Buy' button:
- if an online seller can't or won't offer 100% customer satisfaction, shop elsewhere.
- If you decide to buy, print off all details:
- this includes the seller's details, terms and conditions, quotes and the completed order form.
- Always get confirmation of your order by post, fax or email. As a minimum, your confirmation should give you an order number, the main specifications you've ordered, the price agreed and when the car should be delivered.
General advice for buying a used car
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.