Motoring experts have urged drivers to make five essential checks before buying a second-hand car. The advice comes from Blackcircles.com, which carried out a survey revealing that one in four motorists isn’t confident in what to check for before buying a used vehicle.
Expert advice on used car purchases
Ray Kavanagh, CEO of Blackcircles.com, said: “Buying a second-hand car can be a great way to save money, but drivers must know what to check before committing to a purchase.
“Our research shows that many used car buyers are skipping checks that could help them spot problems before they buy, including MOT history, tyre condition and vehicle history checks. Before buying a second-hand vehicle, it’s advised that motorists take the time to make the following checks.”
The five crucial checks
Vehicle history
Ray said: “Check the vehicle's MOT history, including previous failures, recurring advisories and mileage records. Repeated advisories can suggest ongoing maintenance issues.
“Buyers should also review the service history and check whether the mileage appears consistent across MOT, service and advert records. An HPI or vehicle history check can help flag outstanding finance, write-off status, stolen vehicle records and mileage discrepancies.”
Tyres
“Check tyre tread depth and condition before buying. Look for uneven wear, cracking, cuts, bulges or damage to the sidewall. Uneven tyre wear can indicate underlying issues, such as poor wheel alignment, suspension problems or incorrect tyre pressure.”
Lights, visibility and warning signs
“Check all lights, indicators, brake lights and fog lights. Visibility issues are also common MOT failure categories, so buyers should check the wipers, washers, mirrors, and the windscreen condition. Dashboard warning lights shouldn't be ignored, even if the car appears to drive normally.”
Brakes, suspension and steering
“During a test drive, buyers should listen for knocking sounds, pulling to one side, vibration under braking or unusual steering behaviour.
“If you're unsure about a vehicle's condition, booking a professional inspection or using trusted garage services can help identify issues before they become expensive repairs.”
Bodywork and electronics
“Buyers should look for rust, mismatched paint, accident damage or signs of poor repair. Buyers should also check windows, locks, infotainment, heating, air conditioning and other interior controls.”
