Buying a used car is one of the biggest purchases most people make outside of a house. Get it right and you have reliable, affordable transport for years. Get it wrong and you are looking at expensive repairs, breakdowns, and the sinking feeling that you have been sold a lemon. Here is what we check when we buy vehicles for our own forecourt — and what you should look for too.
Before You Even See the Car
Check the MOT history online. Go to the DVSA website and enter the registration number. You can see the full MOT history, including every advisory and failure. Look for recurring issues — if the same problem keeps coming up, it has not been properly fixed. Also check the recorded mileage at each MOT to make sure it has not been clocked.
Run an HPI check. For around 20 pounds, an HPI check will tell you if the car has outstanding finance, has been written off by an insurer, has been reported stolen, or has had a plate change. Never skip this step, even if you trust the seller.
The Walk-Around
Before you start the engine, walk around the car slowly and look at it from different angles. Check for uneven panel gaps, which can indicate accident damage and poor repair work. Look at the paint — does it match on all panels? Run your hand along the body panels and feel for filler or ripples under the paint.
Check the tyres. Are they all the same brand and type? Mismatched tyres can indicate a budget-conscious owner. More importantly, check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, which can point to alignment or suspension problems.
Under the Bonnet
Open the bonnet and look for any obvious issues. Check the oil level and condition — pull out the dipstick and look at the oil. It should be a golden-brown colour. If it is very dark and gritty, the oil has not been changed regularly. If it looks milky or has white residue under the oil filler cap, there could be a head gasket issue.
Check the coolant level and condition. It should be a clear colour (usually pink, blue, or green depending on the type). If it is rusty or has oily residue floating on top, walk away.
Look for any signs of oil leaks around the engine, gearbox, and power steering. A few minor weeps on an older car are normal, but active drips are a concern.
The Test Drive
Start the engine from cold. If the seller has already warmed the car up before you arrive, that is a red flag — they may be hiding a cold-start problem. Listen to the engine. It should start smoothly and settle to a steady idle without any rattling, tapping, or excessive smoke from the exhaust.
Drive on different roads. Include town driving, faster A-roads, and some bumpy surfaces. Listen for any knocks, rattles, or grinding noises. Pay attention to the gearbox — it should change smoothly without any crunching or hesitation. If it is an automatic, check for any jerking or slipping between gears.
Test the brakes. Find a quiet, straight road and brake firmly from around 30mph. The car should stop in a straight line without pulling to either side. The pedal should feel firm and progressive, not spongy or soft.
Check the electrics. Test everything — windows, mirrors, air conditioning, heated seats, radio, sat nav, parking sensors, and any other features. Electrical faults can be expensive to diagnose and repair.
The Paperwork
Make sure the V5C (logbook) is present and the details match the car and the seller. Check the service history — a full service history with stamps from recognised garages adds significant value and peace of mind. Look for receipts for major work like timing belt changes, which are expensive but essential.
Buying from a Dealer vs Private
Buying from a reputable dealer gives you legal protection under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The car must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. If it develops a fault within 30 days, you can reject it for a full refund. Private sales offer no such protection — it is buyer beware.
The Bottom Line
At AVS Bransgore, every vehicle on our forecourt has been through a thorough inspection before we put it up for sale. We are happy to show you the service history, let you take a proper test drive, and answer any questions honestly. If you are buying privately and want peace of mind, we also offer pre-purchase inspections — bring the car to us and we will give it a professional once-over. Call us on 01425 200826.
Found this helpful?
Share it with a friend who might find it useful.