Buying a used car can be a daunting prospect for anybody not well versed in motor mechanics. It is important to deal with a registered used cars dealer (as advised by the AA) where you will get a guarantee and consumer protection. Buying a car on the market, or from an unregistered dealer comes with additional risks that you may be inheriting somebody else’s problems.

The following is a guide you can print out and bring with you, which will give you a good idea on what to look out for. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us. If you wish to print out this guide and bring it with you when looking at cars, please click here for the pdf version.

Body Condition
	Check for uneven gaps between panels which may indicate poor repair jobs after a collision
	Check all body lines for consistency and look for evidence of repainting
	Check all lights for cracks or fogging
	Open and close doors, the bonnet and boot to check they close smoothly
	Inspect the rubber seals around the doors and windows
Tyres
	Check that all tyres meet the required safety levels
	Check the spare tyre and tools are intact
	If a car has low mileage and old tyres, the tyres may of been replaced
Glass
	Check the windscreen carefully for chips and cracks
	Make sure all windows are working and can easily roll up and down
General Considerations
	Walk around the car and make sure it is standing level
	Test the suspension by pushing down on each corner
	Check each tyre for unexpected play which may indicate suspension problems
	Check carefully for rust spots
	Check beneath the car for possible oil or fluid leaks
	If the car has an alarm, check it is working properly
Inside the Car
	Check the car for a damp smell that could indicate a leak
	Make sure to check under all floor mats and check pedal wear
	Try every driver control to make sure they are all functional
	If the car has air conditioning, make sure it is working
	Check the condition of the upholstery on all seats
Questions to Ask your Dealer
	Has the car ever been in a crash?
	Is there any finance owed on the car?
The Test Drive
	Ensure the car starts first time
	Make sure the driver’s seat can be put in a comfortable driving position for you
	Move the steering wheel through its full range of motion while stationary to check for unusual pulls
	While moving the car should hold a straight line with no pull
	If the wheel rattles at high speeds there could be a problem with the wheel balance
	Keep a close eye on the dashboard to make sure all lights and dials are working
	Test the breaks in a safe area
	Drive the car slowly on bumpy terrain to test the suspension
Prior to Purchase
	Check all lights are working before you purchase including both high and low beam lights
	Perform a car history check which will tell you if the car has ever been written off
	Get a qualified mechanic to do a complete check over such as the AA Autocheck service