10 Things to Check Before Buying a Used Car

The Truth About “Good Condition” Cars

Every used car seller says it: “Drives perfectly, mate.”
But not every car that “drives perfectly” today will keep doing that after you buy it.

Buying a second-hand car is one of those moments where excitement and caution have to balance perfectly. You’re about to spend serious money on something that might take you on road trips — or to the garage more often than you’d like.

So before you commit, take a few minutes to run through this checklist. It might save you hundreds (or even thousands).

1. Check the MOT History

Start here — it’s free, it’s official, and it tells you a lot.

An MOT history reveals if the car has a clean past or a record full of failures and advisories that never got fixed.
You’ll see the mileage, issues spotted by testers, and patterns like “same brake warning for three years in a row.”

🧠 Pro tip: Go to GOV.UK’s MOT history service or use CheckVehicle.ai to view MOT results and related details in one place.

2. Verify Mileage Consistency

Mileage tells a story.
If the numbers seem too good to be true, they probably are.

Look for big drops or unrealistic jumps between MOT tests. A 2014 car showing 20,000 miles in 2025? Unlikely. Mileage tampering — or “clocking” — still happens.

🧠 Pro tip: Cross-check the mileage in MOT history, service stamps, and dashboard display.

3. Inspect the Bodywork (Don’t Just Glance)

Walk around the car in good daylight.
Look for mismatched paint, uneven gaps between panels, bubbling near wheel arches, or rust under the doors.

Minor scratches are normal. But hidden rust or replaced panels might hint at previous accidents or poor repairs.

🧠 Pro tip: Check the car when it’s dry, water hides scratches surprisingly well.

4. Examine the Tyres and Wheels

Uneven tyre wear could signal issues with suspension or wheel alignment.
Also check:

• Tyre tread depth (legal minimum is 1.6mm, but aim for at least 3mm).
• Matching tyre brands (mixed tyres sometimes mean budget fixes).

🧠 Pro tip: Worn tyres can cost £400–£800 to replace, use that to negotiate.

5. Test the Lights, Wipers, and Electrics

Simple but often overlooked.
Turn everything on: headlights, indicators, hazard lights, windows, air con, radio, USB ports, and wipers.

If something electrical doesn’t work, it could be a cheap fix or a sign of deeper wiring problems.

6. Look Under the Bonnet (Even if You’re Not a Mechanic)

You don’t have to know engines inside out to spot trouble.
Check for:

• Oil leaks or crusty residue.
• Low fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid).
• Odd smells (burning oil or fuel).

If the engine bay looks suspiciously clean, it might have just been pressure-washed to hide leaks.

🧠 Pro tip: Bring a friend who knows cars or pay a mobile mechanic to inspect it before buying.

7. Check the Interior Condition

It’s not just about looks, it’s about how the car’s been treated.
Worn pedals, sagging seats, sticky buttons, and scuffed steering wheels often show the car’s true mileage more honestly than the odometer.

8. Verify Ownership & Service History

Ask for the V5C logbook (the registration certificate) — and make sure the name matches the seller.
A missing logbook is a huge red flag.

Then check the service book or digital record. A car that’s been serviced regularly (and with receipts to prove it) is usually worth more and far less risky.

🧠 Pro tip: If the seller says “lost the logbook,” politely walk away.

9. Take a Proper Test Drive

Don’t just drive around the block.
Listen for rattles, knocks, or squeaks. Make sure the steering feels tight, the brakes respond evenly, and the clutch bites smoothly.

Also try:

• Parking in reverse.
• Accelerating on a straight road.
• Driving at low speed with the window open, odd noises are easier to hear.

🧠 Pro tip: Turn off the radio. The only sound you want to hear is the car.

10. Run a Full Vehicle Check

Finally, do a full background check.
It’s the easiest way to avoid buying a car with:

• Outstanding finance,
• Category write-off status, or
• Mileage discrepancies.

You can use CheckVehicle.ai for a quick all-in-one lookup including MOT history, tax status, and potential red flags.

Bonus Tip: Trust Your Gut

If something feels off, walk away.
There are thousands of cars for sale in the UK. The right one won’t make you nervous.

Wrapping Up

A shiny used car can hide a lot beneath the surface. Spend 10 minutes doing your homework, and you could save yourself months of regret and repair bills.

Start with the basics:

• Check the MOT and tax status on GOV.UK
• Or get a full picture in one go with CheckVehicle.ai.

When you buy smart, you drive with confidence, not crossed fingers.