Before you go to view a car, purchase a used car history check. Vehicle checks aren't expensive and could save you a lot of money in the future. Secondhand vehicle history checks provide vital data on whether a car may have outstanding finance, has been stolen or written-off, in addition to other essential details.
Vehicle checks help you verify that you are purchasing the vehicle you believe you are buying without any nasty surprises. Make sure you arrange your vehicle check and don't rely on an examination provided by the seller.
Service History
A full-service history is a crucial piece of information about a car. A well serviced and looked after automobile is often a good sign of how reliable it may be in the future. Make sure you know the servicing schedule of the car you are checking as every make and model is different.
Every vehicle has set service dates either due to mileage covered or its age, whichever comes first. Some sellers may state a car's low mileage as a reason it didn't require a service which is why there is a gap in the service history; this is not true! A car that hasn't been serviced in line with the manufacturer's guidelines will make any warranty claims invalid.
Not to mention possibly throwing up some expensive repair bills in the future. The service book should be stamped and up to date. Not all vehicles have a service book these days so ensure you have the invoices as services on many vehicles are kept electronically today.
M.O.T.
V5C - Never buy a car without a V5C
Make sure the V5C is available and check the watermark to ensure it is genuine. The V5C enables you to see who the registered keeper is. The registered keeper may not always be the legal owner of the vehicle, though.
To ensure you are looking at a legitimate vehicle, check the following details of the V5C against your used car history check: When buying from a private seller, make sure you are viewing the vehicle at the location of the registered keeper.
Other Documents/Equipment
Two spare keys that work
Handbook and manuals
A spare tyre or inflation kit
Tool kit / locking wheel nut key
Cosmetic Checks
Never view a vehicle in the rain or poor light such as at night. Rain can hide many imperfections such as small scratches and dents as well as the condition of the paintwork. A great way to check if the car is hiding any possible past accidents check for the following:
- Misaligned or mismatched coloured body panels.
- Any excess paint or overspray on the body trims.
The above could indicate repair work has been carried out.
Check the tyre's tread depth, including the spare.
If the tyres treads are below 3mm, even if they're above the legal limit, attempt to negotiate their replacement or on the price as they will need changing soon.
The 20p tread test. Put a 20p coin in the main groove of the tyre. If the outer band isn't visible, then the tyre's tread is above the legal limit. Check the tread depth different spots too as under, or overinflated tyres can have varying tread wear.
Cosmetic Checks
Never view a vehicle in the rain or poor light such as at night. Rain can hide many imperfections such as small scratches and dents as well as the condition of the paintwork. A great way to check if the car is hiding any possible past accidents check for the following:
- Misaligned or mismatched coloured body panels.
- Any excess paint or overspray on the body trims.
The above could indicate repair work has been carried out.
Check the tyre's tread depth, including the spare.
If the tyres treads are below 3mm, even if they're above the legal limit, attempt to negotiate their replacement or on the price as they will need changing soon.
The 20p tread test. Put a 20p coin in the main groove of the tyre. If the outer band isn't visible, then the tyre's tread is above the legal limit. Check the tread depth different spots too as under, or overinflated tyres can have varying tread wear.
Engine Checks
Check all the vehicle fluids.
The automatic transmission and power steering fluid should both be red. If the vehicle is an automatic, ensure the transmission fluid is above the mark. Check the engine oil dipstick for the oil's level and colour. Black is a bad sign in petrol engines but okay in most diesel vehicles apart from some of the very modern HDI engines. Check for any drips, stains or leaks under the car.
If you do not feel competent doing these checks yourself, then get an independent inspector to view the vehicle. An independent inspection will give you peace of mind and also potentially help in the negotiation stage.
Engine Checks
If possible, try not to give the dealer or seller a specific time when you will view the car. Not fixing a set time allows you to start the vehicle from cold. Feel the bonnet to see if it's warm it could be the dealer or seller trying to cover up a problem.Check all the vehicle fluids.
The automatic transmission and power steering fluid should both be red. If the vehicle is an automatic, ensure the transmission fluid is above the mark. Check the engine oil dipstick for the oil's level and colour. Black is a bad sign in petrol engines but okay in most diesel vehicles apart from some of the very modern HDI engines. Check for any drips, stains or leaks under the car.
If you do not feel competent doing these checks yourself, then get an independent inspector to view the vehicle. An independent inspection will give you peace of mind and also potentially help in the negotiation stage.
Check the air-conditioning is functioning correctly.
Check the interior
Ensure the interior is tidy, clean and free from stains or significant damage.
Damaged upholstery and broken trim are expensive to repair, and the smell of smoke is tough to eradicate.
Check the air-conditioning is functioning correctly.
Often a dealer or seller may say it only needs to be re-gassed. Don't take their word for it; there could be a much bigger problem that could prove costly.Check the interior
Ensure the interior is tidy, clean and free from stains or significant damage.
Damaged upholstery and broken trim are expensive to repair, and the smell of smoke is tough to eradicate.
Invoice
Have all agreements in writing
V5C is filled in and signed
Tax your Vehicle
Insure your new car
Extras
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