What should you look for when buying a used car?

What should you look for when buying a used vehicle?

A car is a significant purchase.

And as such, it isn’t something that you should rush into It isn’t likely that you’ll get your money back if you aren’t satisfied, so you definitely don’t want to rush into buying one – especially when the cost of living is rising.

There are a number of key indicators that you can rely on to let you know that you’re making a good decision when buying a used vehicle. Keep reading to find out what they are.

Correct documentation

You need to make sure that the seller can provide you with the right documents that show that they’ve regularly serviced and maintained the car throughout their ownership of it, as well as any legal documentation about it.

One advantage that you get when you buy a used car from a dealership is that you can count on them to give you the correct paperwork. But, if you do decide to buy from an individual, here’s a short and unexhaustive list of the documentation you should request:

A watermarked V5C registration document (used for vehicle tax)
A vehicle identification number (VIN), number plate, and engine number and colour that all match those detailed in the V5C
An up-to-date MOT

No signs of accident damage

Many people mistakenly think that it doesn’t matter if a used car has been in an accident as long as it no longer looks damaged. But the truth is that it isn’t always this simple.

In the first place, you can never assume that the quality of the repair was perfect.

Moreover, accidents often cause long-lasting damage that isn’t always visible on the surface. If this is left unrepaired, it can create problems with the car later down the line – even years after the accident.

We’re not suggesting that you never buy any car that’s been in an accident. Just use discretion and do your due diligence when checking the condition of the car before you buy.

Fully working car controls

Before you even think about purchasing a vehicle, you need to know that all of its controls are in working order. Remember to pay special attention to the following: