Buying a used car - What car checks should I look out for?

When looking to buy a used car from a private seller, there are certain checks that you want to make sure are covered before handing over your cash and getting the keys. Buying from a private seller won’t give you the same legal rights that you are entitled to when buying from a dealer, therefore, going in with caution is advised. But don’t worry, we have a full checklist for you to go through when buying a used car.

Things to look out for when buying a used car

Our list below outlines common factors to look out for to avoid being scammed by a private seller. Run the registration plate for any used car to instantly and automatically get your full report to check about the history of the used car you want to buy here.

Documents to check when buying a used car

V5C Document

Documents are important pieces of information that can tell you a lot about a car’s history. In particular, the V5C paper document for the vehicle. When buying a used car from a private seller, you must always receive the vehicle’s V5C document. This gives vital information about the car’s ownership, car specifications and the registered number plate. The V5C is a document that declares who owns the vehicle and once a sale has been made, you must send the V5C document to the DVLA to confirm you are legally the new owner.

As well as this, here are some things to look out for when looking over a V5C document for a used car you want to buy:

1. Firstly, does the seller have the V5C document to show you? You won’t be able to tax the vehicle without this, therefore it is a fundamental document you must have in exchange when buying a used car.
2. Check the ‘registered keeper’ details on the V5C and question if this is the seller’s details, and if not, ask why are they are selling it for someone else.
3. Check the V5C is genuine by looking out for the DVLA watermark when you hold up the paper to the light.
4. Check for any spelling mistakes on the document to ensure it is authentic.
5. Check that the VIN (vehicle identification number), the engine number, and colour match the document.
6. Match the number plate to the details on the V5C to make sure it relates to that vehicle.

Check how many owners a used car has had by running a car owner check that will instantly give you a report.

Mileage checks

Carrying out a mileage check on a used car is a big factor in deciding whether or not to invest money in the vehicle. There are dealers and vehicle owners that try to make extra money by clocking/winding back the odometer on the car or tampering with records. They do this to increase the sale price of a vehicle, which can, in turn, leave you out of pocket with a car that has done more mileage than stated. Avoid being scammed into this dishonesty by running the number plate through our mileage check report.

Additionally, below are some hints and tips to look out for when checking the mileage on a used car you’re looking to buy:

1. Compare the mileage, age and appearance of the vehicle and question if they look consistent.
2. If the car odometer is not electronic, check the dashboard area for signs of worn screws and any tampered signs that may have been used by instruments. For digital odometers, it is hard to check this by looking at the car as it can be tampered with electronically.
3. Compare mileage records on service documents such as MOT certificates and related documents.
4. Look back on the mileage history and see if there are any telltale signs of decreased mileage, which may be a hint of mileage tampering.
5. Check the MOT status and history online here.

Signs of an accident on a used car

The safety and roadworthiness of the vehicle should be high on your priority of things to check when buying a used car. Unfortunately, not all cars show signs of accidents the same, and in some instances, sellers may hide the fact that a car has been in one altogether. Due to this, it’s important to look out for signs when examining the car.

Below are some top signs to look out for:

1. Check for inconsistencies in gaps between panels and mismatched colours due to a sign of repair.
2. Check the paint finish across the car to see if it is matching.
3. Check for traces of paint spray on handles, window seats or plastic mouldings, which may be caused as a result of a quick paint job to hide scratches.
4. Examine whether or not the car’s colour has changed. Look under carpets and hidden areas of the car for any indication of this.
5. Check for any unusually welding under the bonnet or hood that may be a result of repairs.

In some cases, car accidents can result in a car being written off, which may result in the car being unfit for the road. To avoid buying a used car that has been written off use our instant car check report here that will tell you if the car has been written off and the category it falls into.

Engine checks

Checking the engine when you go to view a used car for sale is a good way to see the current condition in which the car is being sold. Below, we’ve listed engine checks to consider when thinking about buying a car.

1. Check for unusual noises when the engine starts up from cold.
2. Check the dashboard when the engine is on. Are there any oil warning lights or other warning lights?
3. Check the dashboard when the engine is on. Are there any oil warning lights or other warning lights?
4. Operate the clutch and determine if it is functioning normally (look out for noises when you press down or a high biting point).
5. Check if the catalytic converter is in good condition. Look for a recent emissions test, which will be on the MOT certificate.
6. Check if there is sludge on the underside of the oil filler cap, which could indicate poor servicing or short journey use.
7. Check the oil level. If it is too low, this could be down to neglect from the owner.

After all the above checks, test driving the vehicle will give you a good indication if the car is right for you. This will allow you to check if there are any warning lights on the car while driving, how effective the brakes are and if there are any unusual noises when you brake. You can also check if the handbrake is working properly and the steering too.

In conclusion, always thoroughly check the physical car and the history of the car before committing to buy a used car. Get a full car report on any car with Car Reg Checks.