Used cars for sale in Southampton, Hampshire

Yes and you absolutely should! Ask the dealer to cold start the car as a warm engine might hide otherwise audible engine issues. Read our guide to test driving to find out more.

Most used car dealerships in Southampton will allow you to pay with cash, bank transfer, or through car financing options. Make sure to get a receipt of the sale to document the transaction.

Cars used for city driving can be more susceptible to the wear and tear of urban life, such as damage to the bodywork and scuffs to the alloy wheels. Check the tyres, brakes, and suspension, and look for any leaks under the car. You should also ask to see the car’s service history and check for any outstanding recalls, making sure that these have been fixed at a main dealer.

The main advantage of buying a used car is the price, because not only are used cars cheaper to buy than brand new cars, they also lose their value at a slower rate.

Yes, you can negotiate the price of a car with the seller, whether it’s a dealer or individual. It's a good idea to do some research beforehand to get an idea of what similar cars are selling for in the area, and to be prepared to walk away if the price is too high.

To get an idea of the annual mileage for a particular used car, you can divide the quoted mileage by the number of years on the road.

Mileage matters because it gives you a good indication of how much wear and tear a vehicle has been put through.  Find out more about what a reasonable mileage for a used car might be.

You should receive a V5C detailing the change in ownership, plus you’ll also want to ask for the service history and any other paperwork relating to the car that’s available.