Your Ultimate Checklist for Buying a Used Car in the UK
11 min read
The used car market in the UK continued to show healthy growth last year, displaying an ardent shift in paradigm when it comes to owning a new vehicle. In 2023, the market saw a growth of 5.1% with 7,242,692 vehicles changing hands and opting for a pre-owned car, according to SMMT reports. As more buyers move towards it, we presume that there might be some questions that need answering. Hence, treat this as your ultimate checklist for buying a used car in the UK.
The cost of living crisis has sent massive ripples across the country, extending to almost all industries in some way. We can also speak of the used car market’s growth in the same breath. Forecasts suggest that the market is yet to grow, with electric vehicles predicted to lead the charts in the near future. In such an economic environment, we believe the pros might actually outweigh the cons. The bigger picture here means that with a pre-owned vehicle, you are doing your bit to keep the polar bears up north safe.
Additionally, one could argue that you also get more car for less money. And if that’s not enough of a reason, then think of the hundreds of pounds you save in insurance and registration fees of the car. It is also to be noted that the expansion of the segment means that there are more options to choose from.
This guide will help you cover all the grounds and leave no stone unturned about aspects you absolutely need to remember while buying a used car. It isn’t a gamble if it’s logical. From documents to mechanical checks and everything in between. So read on…
Used Low Mileage Cars: Good or Bad Idea?
Pros
No doubt, the pros here definitely outweigh the cons. Lower mileage is a clear indicator of less wear and tear on the engine, components, and interior which translates to fewer repairs and greater durability.
Depending on the age and mileage, some low-mileage used cars might still be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty, which is always an added benefit. These cars also depreciate slower than other cars with high mileage.
Cons
We can sum this up by saying all that glitters isn’t gold. A used car with low mileage, tagged at a fraction of the original cost, must always be approached with caution. Cars driven rarely are often prone to have basic issues like fluids drying out or seals becoming brittle, leading to future issues.
Bonus Advice
Like we mentioned before, having a method to the madness always helps. We would always strongly recommend buyers to compare such cars to similar high-mileage options. The condition of a used car also largely depends on your driving habits. If you plan to drive the car frequently, a car with higher mileage in good condition might be a better value, the same way that a well-maintained high-mileage car can be more reliable than a poorly maintained car with low mileage.
What Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Car?
There is less chance of you getting fooled if you come across as a knowledgeable buyer. Research about the car, the brand, and the service cost on the internet. We have prepared you a list of questions you must ask before considering an option.
1. How long have you owned the car?
Cars that have been owned for a long time but have very little mileage always set cautionary alarms. Ask the seller if the car has been standing for long.
2. Is there a full service history available?
Carefully read through the service history of the car if available. It is useful to keep track of the regular changes like fluids and battery recharge. We would also recommend the buyer to take note of any recurring repairs that have happened during consecutive services.
3. Has the car been involved in any accidents?
Don’t let cosmetics fool you. Personally, we have witnessed a surprising amount of accidental used cars that have been fixed to perfection on the outside. And most times, it’s a completely different story underneath.
4. Are there any outstanding recalls?
While this might be rare, note the model and check if there have been any recalls issued since the purchase.
5. When was the car last serviced?
Always check whether the previous owners have followed the service intervals recommended by the manufacturer.
6. Have any major components been replaced?
Check if the previous owner has changed any major components like the clutch, brakes, etc.
What Documents Should I Get When Buying a Used Car?
No one likes paperwork. Especially us here at the Motoring Arena. However, it still is quite crucial to avoid any unnecessary litigation and keep the car protected. They don’t teach you this in school, so we have compiled the complete list of every document you need while purchasing a pre-owned car.
1. Driving Licence
Make sure you carry your driving licence to prove your age and your identity to the seller.
2. Logbook (V5C):
Make sure that the car has a valid V5C. It is an essential proof of your ownership. Buyers should be wary of any fake documents that might have dire consequences in the near future. Look out for authenticity signals like the DVLA watermark and look out for specific serial numbers that might indicate theft. In an instance where the seller has lost the logbook, you can apply for a replacement using the V62 form.
3. Service History
It is always advisable to see the car’s service history. Make sure there are concrete records of the date, name, and address of the garages, miles covered, the job done on the car, and its cost. The service book should also be duly stamped. If the seller has kept digital copies, get them.
4. MOT Status
One of the first checks you must conduct is the MOT history of the car, provided it’s older than 3 years. You can visit the UK government’s official website to check this. This can also bring to the surface any failed tests or recalls that must be clarified by the seller.
5. Proof of Purchase
Once the deal is complete, make sure the seller hands you a receipt with copies for both you and the seller. Ideally, the receipt should have the full details of the buyer and seller, such as the name and address, date of purchase, the vehicle’s specifications (mileage and registration number most importantly), and acknowledgment of payment received.
What to Check When Buying a Used Car in the UK?
1. Tyres
We recommend every buyer to get down on their knees for a thorough inspection. Make sure that the tyres have a healthy tread depth. While the legal minimum tread needed is 1.6mm, note that anything below 3mm means that a change is coming soon. Furthermore, we would also recommend all tyres of the car to be of the same brand and same tread pattern.
2. Panel Gaps
Look out for any large gaps between the panels which could be a sign of a bad repair job after a crash. Additionally, also make sure that all the body panels are of the same color.
3. Fluid Levels
It’s a good idea to check levels of all the fluids including oil, brake, and power steering fluid. Low levels are a good indication of poor maintenance.
4. The Oil Cap
While checking the oil level, also make sure that there are no white thick deposits under the cap. While this could be a sign of condensation, the more probable cause could be the coolant mixing with the oil due to a failed gasket.
5. Electrical
Make sure you take your time with this one. Try out everything. Roll the windows up and down, turn the radio on and off, test the AC. While electric faults are easy to fix, they could be a good negotiating point.
6. Glass
Make sure the windscreen isn’t chipped. Chips turn into cracks which in turn turns into a hole in your pocket. If they are in the eyeline of the driver, this could also be an MOT failure. Additionally, make sure you inspect the headlights and taillights for any chips, cracks, and any fogging or internal moisture.
7. Upholstery
Make sure you give a thorough look at the car’s interior. Look out for stains or tears in the seats. Check if the car smells alright.
8. Spare Wheel and Accessories
Find out if the car should have a spare wheel. If yes, then check if it is present in the car. Make sure that the car has the complete tyre changing kit from jack to adapter kits.
What are Your Rights When Buying a Second-hand Car?
If you encounter issues with your used car, it’s important to know that you may be entitled to a repair, reimbursement for repair costs, or a partial or full refund. This applies if the car is damaged, malfunctioning, or doesn’t align with the advertisement or description provided. However, there are exceptions where you might not be eligible for any recourse. These include situations where you were informed of a defect at the time of purchase and understood its implications, if you missed a problem that was evident upon inspection (such as a visible dent), if the fault was caused by you, or if the issue is simply a result of normal wear and tear (for example, needing new brake pads after extensive use). Understanding these guidelines can help you navigate the process of addressing concerns with your used car purchase more effectively.
All About Insuring a Used Car
The depreciated value of a used car means that you can get it insured at lower prices. However, that is not the case every time. There are, in fact, a handful of other factors that might primarily affect the price of your insurance. This usually ranges from your driving history to the coverage you choose for your car.
Young and new drivers under the age of 22 will be charged more to insure their vehicles. Shopping around and pitting one provider against another is probably the smartest way to get a good deal. In such an instance, the buyer should note that the two covers should be like for like. It is wise to be cautious about cheaper offers as they usually do not offer the same level of cover like the pricier plans. Buyers can make use of comparison platforms like confused.com or moneysupermarket.com, which are all aimed at buyers getting the best deal.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss Out on No-Claims Bonus
A long no-claims bonus is the best way to cut down the cost of insurance on your car. This is a discount car insurers offer drivers who haven’t made any claims on their insurance policy for a certain period. The longer you go without making a claim, the larger the discount on your insurance premium can become, up to a certain limit. Protecting your NCB means paying an additional amount on your premium to safeguard your discount, even if you have to make a claim. This can be financially beneficial because it helps maintain lower insurance costs over time, despite the possibility of making a claim.
Additionally, fitting the car with an approved alarm and an immobilizer or tracking device can get you a discount of up to five percent or more. One should also note that many newer cars come with these as standard. Similarly, storing your car in a garage overnight reduces the risk of damage or break-ins. Insurers like that.
What to do with V5 when buying a car?
Apart from the physical checks, one of the first things that the buyer must do is to notify the DVLA about the change of ownership. The V5C documents the registered keeper of the vehicle. It contains several key pieces of information from its registration details, registered keeper’s name and address, as well as the car’s specifications including make, model, and engine size.
Post-purchase, the seller must provide you with the green ‘new keeper’s details’ slip aka the V5C/2 from their V5C logbook. In an instance where the seller fails to provide this slip, the buyer should note that the sale is not legitimate. Alternatively, you also have the option to apply for a new logbook, which we would not recommend.
Summary
In the face of a cost of living crisis, the UK’s used car market has emerged as a smart alternative for car buyers, marrying economic advantages with environmental benefits. With a 5.1% growth in 2023, opting for a pre-owned vehicle not only offers more value for less money but also plays a part in reducing environmental impact. This guide provides an essential walkthrough for buyers, from evaluating the pros and cons of low-mileage cars to ensuring due diligence with paperwork and understanding your rights.
It emphasizes the importance of a thorough pre-purchase inspection and equips buyers with crucial questions to ask, ensuring a well-informed decision. Additionally, it outlines the steps to secure advantageous insurance and complete the purchase process smoothly. Serving as a comprehensive companion, this guide aims to make the used car buying experience in the UK informed, economical, and environmentally conscious, ensuring buyers navigate the market with confidence and clarity.
