What to look out for when buying a used car

If you considering buying a used car, it is especially important to be thorough in your choice, helping you to avoid purchasing a car with hidden issues and inevitably costs to you.

Here is a comprehensive guide on what to look out for, from your friends at Underwoods Motoring:

Vehicle History Check

Do not buy a car unless it has received a Vehicle History Check, or you undertake one yourself.

A reputable used car dealer will ensure their stock has a legitimate history, as they will have meticulous processes in place to ensure any stock they are buying is a quality vehicle with no issues. 

A Vehicle History Check will use the vehicles VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to identify items including;

• Has the car been in any accidents or major collisions resulting in damage.
• Has the car received regular maintenance in line with manufacturers recommendations.
• Confirm that the odometer reading matches the car’s history accurately. This can also be checked via the MOT history online.​

If you are buying privately, you can undertake your own Vehicle History Check online from reputable groups such as the RAC and AA.

Exterior condition

A good tip is to ensure you have plenty of time set aside for a thorough inspection. Do not be rushed! A good reseller will be up front and honest about any marks or defects on a car as they may have reflected this in the selling price.

Check the paintwork carefully, looking for any scratches, chips or dents. Rust or the early signs of rust are something to pay close attention to. Check body panels for any misalignment, which could indicate a previous accident and subsequent repairs. Again, a good reseller will be honest about the car’s history.

The frame, visible underneath should receive a visual check for damage and rust. If a frame is bent or dented in any way, it could be an indication of a serious accident.

Always check tyres. If the wear is uneven, it can suggest alignment or issues with the suspension. The legal limit for tyres tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, but many believe a recommended safe depth is 3mm minimum before tyres should be replaced.  

Replacing glass can be costly so check for cracks, chips, or significant scratches on all windows. Do not forget the wing mirrors and lights on all for corners for damage!

Interior condition

It is inevitable that the interior of any used car is likely to have some marks, so take this into consideration when inspecting. Look for excessive damage and wear that seems beyond the age of the car.

Look for any tears in the upholstery or large stains. Check the carpets around the pedals and around the back seats. Check all around the seats, not just on top.

Take some time to check all the controls are working and the operations functions correctly (heating, air conditioning etc). If the car has a media screen check for discoloration, or any lines and display issues and that the infotainment system is working.

Check that the pedals, gear knob and handbrake (if manual) do not show any signs of excessive wear and tear.

It is good to ask if the current or previous owners are smokers or pet owners before viewing a car, assuming these types of odours are not to your taste. These odours can linger and be unpleasant for most. If there is a musty or mouldy smell it may suggest water ingress.

Check the ceiling headliner for sagging or stains, which may indicate water leaks.

Mechanical check

If you have access to a car check service such as with the AA or RAC, or you know someone who is a mechanic, it does not hurt to have them look over the engine. If you do not have this then listen carefully to the engine noises and any other rattling sounds which may cause concern. 

Look in the engine bay and a quick visual inspection for signs of oil or liquid leaks, worn belts, hoses or poorly managed electrical wires. 

Check the oil level and condition, as a dark and sometimes gritty looking oil can identify neglected maintenance. Also check coolant, brake fluid and transmission fluid levels if you know what you are looking for. There are plenty of ‘how to’ videos online which will help.

Ensure the battery is free from corrosion, clean and securely mounted.

To check the cars suspension, push down on each corner of the car and release. Without excessively bouncing, the car should return to its original position. Turn the steering wheel and listen for any strange noises or grinding sounds.

A private sale will certainly hold more risks than from a dealer. A respectable used car dealer will ensure all their cars will have been thoroughly checked, before going on their forecourt. They may even be Authorised Repairers for the car brand which gives a further indication of good preparation of the car before sale. 

To learn more about Underwoods Motoring status as an Authorised Repairer click here.​

Test drive

We highly recommend and encourage every customer to take a test drive before making a purchase decision on a used car.

All the checks above are important, but the best guide to whether you like the car or not is to drive it before purchasing. A test drive will also give you the opportunity to check the following; 

Acceleration and Braking - The car should accelerate smoothly and brake without pulling to one side or making unusual noises.

Transmission - Whether the car is a manual or automatic, changing gear should feel smooth and without hesitation, jerking or strange noises. Of course, the car is new to you so take this into consideration.

Alignment – Test that the car is not pulling to one side when driving straight. If it does, then this will identify the alignment is out which can affect tyre wear and suspension.

Noise – Tune your ears to any unusual noises coming from the engine, suspension or exhaust, both when driving and idling.

Mileage

Your earlier checks should have firstly confirmed that the mileage displayed in the car is genuine. 

Average mileage per year could be anywhere around 10,000 to 12,00 miles, but in recent years post-covid, the average mileage driven between service intervals has lowered. Lower mileage cars will indicate less wear, this can sometimes mean a car has been idle, which could cause its own issues.

What mileage you are willing to accept is entirely subjective and if a car is well maintained and driven conservatively it will drive many thousands of miles without issue.

Service records​

Always ask if the car has received regular maintenance at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer. Ask to view paperwork and the car’s service booklet, although some newer cars do not have a physical service booklets and online records are kept.

There are certain maintenance points in an engines life such as timing belt (cambelt) or water pump replacement, which should have been actioned at a particular point. Check when these are for the car beforehand.

Ownership and title

Ideally, a car will have had as few owners as possible, typically identifying that a car was reliable and cared for during its ownership. If it is a private sale, it also does not hurt to ask the seller why they are selling.

It goes without saying that the seller must have the appropriate ownership papers. Ensure they have the title and registration, checking that the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the paperwork matches that on the car. This is usually found in the bottom right of the windscreen (passenger side).

Check for recalls

Manufacturers will on occasion submit a recall request on a vehicle, usually for a safety or urgent maintenance reason. You can check if the car you are considering has any recalls outstanding at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website for free. This will identify any open recalls that may not have yet been addressed. Your local Authorised Repairer will be able to provide you a free recall service based upon their approved status. Underwoods Motoring are Authorised Repairers for Vauxhall, Ford, Skoda and Kia.

Warranty and Packages

If buying privately you are unlikely to receive any Warranty on the car.

When buying a used car from a dealership, they will always provide a Warranty. Many only offer the standard 3 months, but at Underwoods Motoring we offer a minimum of 12 months Warranty. Always ask what the Warranty covers and importantly, ask what is excluded.

Some dealers may offer additional support items for example, at Underwoods Motoring we provide additional Brakes, Battery and Clutch cover, MOT failure cover and 12 months RAC Roadside Assistance. All for your peace of mind.

An extended warranty will usually be an option at a dealership, anywhere from 1 to 3 years, providing you with a greater sense of support should anything, however unlikely, go majorly wrong with the car.

Always ask about the return or exchange policy, should you discover any issues once you drive away. Any reputable business will be happy to put your mind at rest that they provide support after the sale.