Buying A Car
Estimated Read Time 5 mins
These are all legitimate concerns, but AA Cars is here to help. We've put together this simple list of questions you can ask when buying a used car:
- Why are you selling the car?
- Does the car have service history? And can I see all the paperwork?
- What's the condition like?
- Are there any mechanical issues? Are there any warning lights?
- What maintenance have you carried out, and is there any due?
- Can I have the car inspected?
- Can I have a test drive?
Did you know you can find your next used car here on AA Cars?? We can also arrange finance and sell your old car, , too.
1. Why are you selling the car?
This may sound like an obvious question but it’s an essential one as you can use it to gauge the seller’s honesty. You’re likely to receive answers like the owner needs a larger car or is even downsizing, and that they don’t use the car enough if it’s a second or cherished car in the household. It’s also perfectly reasonable for the owners to want to sell just to free up some cash, of course. But, in asking this question, you might discover some problems or issues with the car that need fixing.
Asking why the car is for sale is not just limited to private sellers. Posing the question to dealers can also give you an idea of the car’s history, as it might have come to the dealer as a part-exchange or been bought at auction.
2. Does the car have service history? And can I see all the paperwork?
Digging into a car’s previous life is one of the simplest ways to highlight any previous problems and potential ones in the future. You will be able to discover how many owners the car has had, the mileages they covered, and how they looked after it. You will be able to quickly work out if the car has been pampered and treated like a member of the family, or has been neglected.
Don't be put off if the car hasn't been serviced at a manufacturer franchised main dealer for its entire life. It's perfectly normal for an owner to take their used car to an independent garage or specialist, especially if the car is older.
Just be careful, though, as some service history can be falsified. Look for suspicious stamps and handwriting. Don't be afraid to question the owner and contact garages to corroborate the service history booklet and invoices.
3. What's the condition like?
This is vital, particularly if you need to travel a long distance to see the car. When asking this question, be prepared for the seller to reply: 'It has damage commensurate with age', or something similar.
But you should push harder and find out exactly what the condition is like – how many paint chips are there on the bonnet? Are the wheels kerbed? Are there any cigarette burns on the upholstery? Even, has the car been involved in an accident? One person's definition of acceptable wear and tear on a used car could be different from yours.
4. Are there any mechanical issues? Are there any warning lights?
This is a good follow-up to the question above. Finding out exactly what the car is like before you set off and take a long road trip to see it can save you time and hassle. It’s also a good idea to do your research on potential faults and mechanical issues – has the owner experienced these, and, importantly, have they been addressed?
It’s also a good idea to read up on the car’s warning lights and error messages, as not all cars are the same. Do this and you will be able to identify any warning lights that are visible, and make your mind up on whether to walk away.
5. What maintenance have you carried out, and is there any due?
Checking the car’s service history will only reveal which services have been carried out and when. It’s a good idea to get a sense of the maintenance the owner has done themselves, whether that’s on their own or through a garage. If the owner presents you with receipts, invoices and lists of work carried out, this can give you confidence that the owner has looked after the car.
It’s worth studying these to work out what work has been done and whether any issues are likely to return in the future. It’s also a good idea to ask if there is any work due – some owners will be honest and reveal that they might not have time to complete various works to a car, or that a persistent issue is the reason why they’re selling. It’s a vital question as some owners won’t offer up this information voluntarily.
6. Can I have the car inspected?
Don’t feel embarrassed if you want a second opinion on a car. An inspection by an independent third-party can give you peace of mind that you’re making the right purchase, and this can be especially true for more high-end and performance cars.
We can help here – our vehicle inspections team will aim to inspect the car within two to four working days of booking, and our trained engineers will email you a detailed written report within 24 hours of the inspection and include a full photographic report.
7. Can I have a test drive?
Test driving a car is an essential part of the buying process, as not only will you be able to work out whether you like the car, but also whether the car has any mechanical issues that the seller hasn’t raised. But remember, you have to be insured – check your insurance policy and that of the seller’s on whether you can drive; taking out a day’s worth of insurance on the car in question is also a good idea.
Buying the used car of your dreams should be an enjoyable process, and it can be if you follow these steps. Buying your used car through an AA-approved dealer can give you maximum peace of mind, as all cars listed on AA Cars are thoroughly checked and are listed by dealers who have committed to the AA Cars Standards. Through us, you can also arrange finance and sell your old car.
