How to Buy a Used Car: The Ultimate Guide

A step-by-step, no-nonsense guide to avoiding lemons and getting a fair deal.

1. Do your homework before viewing

Never view a car without running an HPI check first. For about £10, you can find out if the car has been written off, has outstanding finance, or is recorded as stolen. Roughly 1 in 4 cars checked have a hidden history. Check out our verified listings which are all pre-checked.

2. The Physical Inspection

When you arrive, the engine should be cold. A warm engine can hide starting problems. Check the following:

Panel Gaps: Uneven gaps between doors and panels indicate poor crash repairs.
Tyres: Check for uneven wear (alignment issues) and ensure there is at least 3mm of tread (legal minimum is 1.6mm).
Fluids: Look for a milky substance under the oil cap—this indicates head gasket failure.

3. The Test Drive

Drive with the radio off. Listen for clunks over speed bumps (suspension wear). Ensure the steering doesn't pull to one side, and test that the clutch biting point isn't excessively high.

Pro Tip: Always ask "Why are you selling the car?" and watch their reaction. Hesitation or inconsistent stories are red flags. Or, buy from a verified dealer to avoid the hassle of private sales.

4. Negotiation

Use Autozuto's valuation tool to know the true market price before you negotiate. Point out specific flaws (e.g., "The rear tyres need replacing soon, that's £200") to justify your offer. If they refuse to budge and you need finance, make sure the APR isn't eating your savings.