10 questions to ask when buying a used car

Are you looking to buy a used car? Here are some questions to ask to reduce the risk of buying a dodgy motor.

Buying a used car can be a bit nerve-wracking as you never quite know what issues might pop up after you drive it off the forecourt. But, if you ask the right questions, you can get a really good handle on the car’s past and how well it’s been looked after over the years.

So, we’ve come up with some helpful questions to ask when buying a used car. If the seller is not forthcoming with any of the information, or their answers ring alarm bells, don’t be afraid to walk away from the sale.

1. Why is the car for sale?
2. What is the current mileage?
3. What is the service history like?
4. What is the condition of the tyres and brakes?
5. Is any scheduled maintenance due?
6. Can I get a vehicle history check?
7. Can I have the car inspected?
8. Can I take the car for a test drive?
9. Can I see all the car’s paperwork?
10. What warranty is available?

Did you know you can buy a used car right here on Carwow? And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

1. Why is the car for sale?

It’s always worth asking a private buyer why they’re selling. There are plenty of genuine reasons, and it’s very often the case that they may simply want to sell to earn a bit of cash. They also might give you some useful information, such as an imminent major service or a problem that needs fixing.

If you’re buying from a dealer, ask how the car came to them. Dealers pick up cars in many ways: some may buy carefully selected cars from private individuals or other dealers, others might resell trade-in cars, while some cars may have been picked up at auction.

This question can help you gauge the seller’s honesty and uncover potential problems. But always remain cautious and trust your instincts.

2. What is the current mileage?

How many miles a car has clocked up can have a big impact on its value. In general, higher mileage cars cost less, so some unscrupulous car sellers might manipulate the reading to look lower and bunk up the price. This is harder to do on modern cars, but always ask what the mileage is in case the seller gives the wrong figure.

You can also put the number plate into our MOT check to see the recorded mileage at each test to see if it tallies up with what’s been claimed.

One thing to bear in mind is that a higher-mileage car that has undergone regular maintenance can be a better bet than a low-mileage car that has sat, idle and neglected, for some time.

3. What is the service history like?

Asking about a car’s history can help unearth any potential issues or concerning gaps. You should ask whether the seller has owned the car from when it was new. If not, do they know the previous owner? Does it have a full service history? Ask for the details of the garage(s) where the car was and has been serviced.

It’s not necessarily a bad thing if they cannot give a detailed answer, but it can help you build a picture of whether the car has been looked after. It’s better if the history comes from the main dealer or specialist servicing, but a car serviced at a good independent garage shouldn’t set off alarm bells, especially if the work that has been done is well documented.

4. What is the condition of the tyres and brakes?

Tyres and brakes are among the most important parts of a car, but they’re also some of the most overlooked by owners. Have a good look at the tyres, and make sure the tyres have good tread and don’t have any damage. Mixing tyre brands can mess with your grip, too.

And definitely ask about brake upkeep – if you hear any metal scraping or steering wheel wobbling when you take the car for a spin, that’s a red flag. If these are ignored, it might mean the car hasn’t been looked after very well overall.

5. Is any scheduled maintenance due?

Car parts need replacing over time due to wear and tear. Some parts just give up, while others need swapping out based on mileage to avoid breaking down completely. When you’re talking to owners or dealers, ask what big replacements are coming soon – it can clue you in on potential problems or help you haggle on the price.

If it’s a petrol or diesel car (even a hybrid), find out if the engine uses a chain or a belt. If it’s belt-driven, ask when the cambelt was last changed. A neglected cambelt means instant repair bills and usually points to other neglected maintenance.

For automatics, ask about gearbox fluid changes. And for manuals, keep an eye out for signs of a worn clutch, such as a shaky start or the clutch biting really high.

6. Can I get a vehicle history check?

Vehicle history checks will uncover if a car has been stolen, written off by an insurer, or has outstanding finance. It will also confirm details such as the make and model, number of doors and the colour.

Many dealers will automatically put their cars through a history check, but given these are relatively inexpensive, it doesn’t do much harm to buy your own as well.

These checks are often known as HPI checks, but HPI is just one company offering such services.

7. Can I have the car inspected?

If you’re not confident in inspecting a car yourself, you can organise a third-party inspection. There are many companies, such as the AA and RAC, who you can pay to check the car to see if there is any cause for concern. Again, the seller might be trying to hide something if they object.

8. Can I take the car for a test drive?

It’s highly recommended that you ask to drive the used car. Even if you don’t have much experience with cars, it could flag any major issues. Listen out for any curious sounds, and make sure the car drives straight and responds smoothly to steering inputs.

If possible, take in a variety of roads on the test drive. Speed bumps in town can help unearth suspension clunks, while a 70mph cruise on a motorway or dual carriageway may uncover tracking or balancing issues with the wheels (feel for pulling to one side or judders through the steering wheel, respectively).

9. Can I see all the car’s paperwork?

The two most important documents you’ll want to see are the V5C logbook and the service history. The V5C has the owner’s details, so you can check they actually own the car, while the service history shows you where and how often the car has been serviced.

Any other paperwork that’s available will offer further peace of mind, such as receipts for repair work and replaced parts. The more paperwork there is, the more likely the car has been better cared for.

It’s also a good sign if the car has the owner’s handbook; this can be replaced if it’s missing, but careful owners tend not to misplace the manual.

10. What warranty is available?

Second-hand car dealers offer a variety of warranty options. Many will give a three or six-month warranty as standard, with the option of paying for additional cover, often through third-party warranty companies.

Look over any warranty carefully to see what is and isn’t covered. And remember that even if the warranty is short, or the dealer won’t offer one, you’re still protected by the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which (with caveats) assumes that the dealer is liable to put right faults that develop within the first six months of ownership. This does not apply to private buyers, though.

FAQs

What is the most important thing to consider when buying a used car?

The most important thing to consider when buying a used car are mechanical soundness and a clear history. We’d advise that you get a professional inspection and a vehicle history check to confirm the car hasn’t been written off or stolen, has the correct mileage, and doesn’t have any outstanding finance. We’d also recommend taking a thorough test drive and looking at the MOT history to uncover hidden issues.

What is the 30 day rule for buying a used car?

The Consumer Rights Act states that a car must be of satisfactory quality considering its age and mileage, fit for purpose, and ‘as described’. If the car doesn’t meet these standards within 30 days of when you bought it, you can return it and get a refund. Think of this as a 30-day guarantee for used cars.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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