Buying a used car can feel risky if you're not sure what to look for. But once you know what checks to make, you can feel more confident in your decision.
These tips on buying a second hand car cover everything from choosing where to buy and checking the car's history and finance status to inspecting and test driving it. We’ve also included your rights as a buyer, how to negotiate a fair price and why it's worth sorting out your budget before you commit.
Thinking about part-exchanging? Use our free car valuation tool to get an idea of what your current car is worth and what you could put towards your new one.
Where should you buy a used car from?
One of the first decisions when buying a second-hand car is where to buy it from. The best place to buy a used car depends on your budget, the level of protection you want and how much help you need throughout the buying process.
There are four main options to consider: franchised dealer, independent dealer, car supermarket, and private sale. Here’s what you need to know about each.
Franchised dealer
A franchised car dealer, or main dealer, has a deal with a specific vehicle manufacturer. This allows them to sell and service new cars and some used models.
The main benefit of buying from one is that their technicians are trained to work on that specific brand. That means they have access to specialist equipment and genuine manufacturer parts, so you know you’re more likely to get a car with a verified service history that’s been looked after well. You often get a manufacturer-backed warranty too.
The downside is the cost that comes with this. Cars and service costs are typically more expensive than buying from an independent dealer or private seller. There’s less choice available to you, especially if it’s a one-brand dealership. They also tend to focus on newer models, which isn’t ideal if you want to save money by getting an older car.
Independent dealer
Independent dealers offer used cars from various manufacturers. This lets you compare different makes and models in one spot, without being tied to a specific brand.
Prices are often lower than at franchised dealers, and some offer warranties. The quality of the service and facilities can vary, though, and staff may not have the same specialist knowledge of every make and model. Prices can also be hard to negotiate, particularly at larger dealerships, and are usually higher than buying privately.
Some useful tips for buying a used car from a dealer include checking the car's history and service records carefully, inspecting the car carefully, and taking it for a test drive. It’s also a good idea to compare prices at other dealerships to see if you’re getting a good deal.
Car supermarket
Car supermarkets sell lots of used cars from different manufacturers. This means you have a lot of options to choose from, and often at a competitive price.
However, most stock mainstream makes and models, so you may have less choice if you're looking for something less popular. They also sometimes offer low part-exchange prices and shorter warranties, and it’s fairly typical to be charged extra costs like admin fees if you go ahead with a sale.
Private sale
Buying from a private seller can be cheaper than buying from a dealer, and you may have more room to negotiate the price. You also have lots of options to choose from because you’re not limited to what a dealer has on offer.
However, buying privately comes with less legal protection than buying from a dealer, so you'll need to do more of the checks yourself. You'll need to check the car's condition, mileage, history and paperwork carefully before buying.
Tips for buying a used car online
Buying a used car online means you can browse lots of cars without having to travel to different dealerships. However, the big downside to this is that you won't usually get to see or test drive the car before buying it. It’s really important to check everything carefully.
Read the advert closely: Check the car's age, mileage, specification and condition. Look for any mention of damage or faults, and ask the seller questions if anything is unclear.
Ask for more photos or videos: If the advert doesn't show the details you want to see, ask the seller for more pictures or a video of the car running.
Arrange a viewing if you can: It's best to see the car in person and take it for a test drive before committing. If that's not possible, consider paying a qualified mechanic to do an independent inspection.
Check the cooling-off period: If you buy from a dealership online under a distance contract, you may have a 14-day cooling-off period under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. But this doesn’t apply to private sellers. That’s why it’s always best to check the car in person before you buy.
Check the car's history and finance status before you view it
Before viewing a used car, it’s a good idea to check its MOT history, service records and finance status to spot any potential problems before you commit.
Checking the car’s history
Before you buy, check the MOT history online. This shows previous MOT test results, recorded mileages, and any previous failures and advisories you should know about. Look out for repeated problems, as these could flag issues with the car.
It's also worth checking the service records to see whether the car has been serviced regularly and whether any major repairs have been carried out. A patchy service history could mean you'll need to spend more on maintenance.
Checking the car’s finance status
It's also a good idea to check whether there's outstanding finance on the car. Buying a car that still has finance owed on it is a common way buyers get caught out.
You can pay to do this online through tools like Autotrader’s vehicle history checker. A check like this can flag outstanding finance, whether it’s been stolen or scrapped, and other issues that might affect whether it's safe to buy.
Do not go ahead with a sale if the car is found to have outstanding finance, because the finance lender still owns the car and could repossess it. Never hand over money until you have written proof from the lender that the finance has been settled.
What to check when you view the car in person
When viewing a used car in person, check that the paperwork matches the car and look for signs of damage or problems that could cost you money later.
The V5C logbook
Start with the V5C logbook. Check that the registration number and the seller's name and address match the details in the logbook. It’s also important to check that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) matches the one in the V5C logbook. You can usually find the VIN on the dashboard or doorframe. If anything doesn't match, ask the seller to explain before going any further.
Visual checks
You’ll also need to do a physical inspection of the car when you go to view it. Use this checklist to help you spot potential problems:
Tyres: Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracks or damage.
Bodywork: Look for dents, scratches, rust, mismatched paint or uneven gaps between panels, which could indicate previous damage.
Warning lights: Check the dashboard when you start the engine. Warning lights that stay on could indicate a fault.
Interior: Test the windows, lights, air conditioning and other controls. Look for signs of damp or excessive wear.
Leaks: Check underneath the car and around the engine for signs of leaking fluids.
These checks can help you spot potential problems, so you’re not caught out with unexpected repair costs when you get the car home. Our guide to the hidden costs of car finance and how to avoid them explains some of the extra expenses to consider if you finance your car.
Always test drive before you commit
A test drive helps you spot problems that might not be obvious when a car is parked, and allows you to see if everything works as it should. It also gives you a chance to see how comfortable it is to drive, and if it’s the right fit for you.
Here’s what to look out for:
Starting issues: Arrange to view the car when the engine is cold. Check that it starts easily and listen for unusual noises, excessive smoke or difficulty starting.
Clutch and gears: If it’s a manual, check all the gears. Check that they change smoothly without grinding or difficulty, and test the clutch biting point.
Brakes: Make sure the brakes respond properly without grinding noises, excessive vibration or the car pulling to one side.
Handling at higher speeds: If it's safe and legal, drive at a higher speed to check how the car handles. Listen for unusual noises and watch out for vibrations or steering problems.
Suspension: Listen for any clunks when driving over speed bumps. It might indicate a problem with the suspension.
These are all really useful checks to carry out, which is why buying online without an inspection is ill advised. If you can’t make it in person, we’d recommend arranging a private inspection so a professional can check these things for you. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Know your rights as a used car buyer
Your rights when buying a used car differ by whether you buy from a dealer or a private seller.
When you buy from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 says the car must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. If the car has an undisclosed fault or doesn't match its description, you may be entitled to a repair, replacement or refund, depending on the circumstances and how long you've owned it.
Buying privately means you have fewer legal protections than when buying from a dealer, but you still have rights. The seller must be legally allowed to sell the car, it must be roadworthy and it must match the description in the advert or what they've told you. However, if something goes wrong after the sale, it can be harder to sort out than if you'd bought from a dealer.
For information about your options, visit Citizens Advice. They can explain your rights and help you understand what to do next.
How to negotiate a fair price
Whether you’re buying from a dealership or a private seller, you might not always have to accept the first price you’re given. These practical haggling tips could help you negotiate a better deal:
Point out any faults: If you've spotted damage or the car needs repairs, use this as leverage to explain why you'd like to pay less. Get an estimate for any major repairs so you know what they could cost.
Compare prices: Research comparable listings first to see whether the asking price is fair for the car's age, mileage, condition and specification.
Set your budget: Decide the most you're willing to pay before you start negotiating, and don't feel pressured to go over it.
Be prepared to walk away: If the seller won't agree to a price you're happy with, don't be afraid to look elsewhere. There are plenty of other used cars available.
The seller might say no, but it’s worth asking. If you’ve done your comparison research, you’ll have a good idea of whether you’re getting a fair price or if you should buy elsewhere.
How you pay matters as much as what you pay
You don't have to pay for a used car outright. Car finance could help you spread the cost, with options such as Hire Purchase (HP) and Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) available on many used cars.
If you’re considering finance, one of the most useful used car buying tips and tricks is to arrange this first. Getting finance, or getting an approval in principle, before viewing could give you a clearer budget and stronger negotiating position. You’ll know which vehicles you can afford, and you won’t need to feel pressured into taking out finance at the dealership if it’s offered to you there and then.
Read our complete guide to car finance options explained if you’re not sure which might be best for you.
“Knowing your budget before you start viewing cars puts you in control. You can focus on the car’s price rather than the monthly payment, and it’s easier to stick to your limit or walk away if the numbers don’t add up.” Louis Rix, COO at Car Finance 247
Buying a used hybrid car - anything different to check?
If you're looking for buying a used hybrid car tips, there are a couple of extra things to check alongside the usual used car checks we’ve listed above:
Battery health and warranty: Ask about the battery's condition and whether it's still covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
Hybrid-system service records: Ask to see any service records for the hybrid system and whether a battery health report is available. These can help you get a better idea of the car's condition before you buy.
These extra checks can help you avoid unexpected repair costs and help you check the hybrid is in good condition.
“Battery replacement can be expensive, so ask how much of the manufacturer’s battery warranty is left and whether it passes to you. Some warranties depend on regular servicing or health checks, so ask to see the records too.” Louis Rix, COO at Car Finance 247
Conclusion
Follow our tips when buying a second hand car and you can go into the process with much more confidence. Careful checks before and during a viewing could protect you far more than luck does. It’s really important to take your time to thoroughly check the car's history, paperwork and condition. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and don't be afraid to walk away if something doesn't feel right.
Sorting out how you'll pay for the car before you fall in love with one also helps keep the whole process, and your budget, under control. Knowing what you can afford before you start viewing cars makes it easier to find the right used car for you.