You’ll need to remember a lot when buying a used car, and this decision can often be a lot more complex than simply purchasing a new vehicle from a dealership. Still, since there’s so much to keep in mind, knowing where to start can seem tricky, and we’ve outlined some of the main things you need to know when buying a used car to help you get the most from this all-important investment.

Always Check Your Car Purchase is Genuine First

If you’ve been trying to determine whether your chosen used car purchase is genuine, a simple way to verify this is through a free car check. Indeed, these handy checks provide a wealth of information about a used car, including MOT information, mileage records, vehicle details, number of owners, and so on. As such, this is well worth considering as part of your decision.

What to Check: Your Main Car Buying Checklist When Buying Second-Hand

Ensuring you’ve checked all the key points on our ultimate car-buying checklist is essential when buying a car. But remember, it’s not necessarily good enough to take the seller’s word for it, so researching and verifying their claims before you hand over any money is a must.

Model Information

Before you go any further, one of the first things you’ll want to check is model information. Indeed, different vehicle types have many other stats, even from one version of the same car to the next. As such, checking the details and statistics for a chosen vehicle before going further with an inquiry is vital.

Check the Seller

If you’re confident the vehicle type matches your needs, it’s essential to check that the seller is genuine; unfortunately, the number of car buying scams is rising quickly, representing a significant risk.

As part of this, verify that the seller’s account looks genuine. Some common red flags include a brand-new account, a seller who has already sold many vehicles, an account with limited information, and a seller unwilling to answer your questions about the car. It’s always worth asking the seller for more pictures of the vehicle to verify they own it; if they’ve just stolen images from the internet, they won’t be able to get custom photos or videos on request.

Consider the Means of Sale

Did you know numerous ways to purchase a new car exist? Many people will head to a dealership; however, you could also consider private sales and vehicle auctions, among other routes. 

Check the Vehicle In-Person

Buying a car blind (without actually seeing it in person) can have many severe consequences for your purchase, which will often be perilous. As a result, checking the car in person for any signs of disrepair or damage is vital. If you can try a test drive, it’s even better.

As part of your car check, always consider the tires, bodywork, paneling, fluid levels, glass, electrical systems, and even the upholstery inside the car to understand how it’s been used and whether it has been well looked after. During a test drive, checking the clutch, how well the car starts, its ease of handling, the engine sounds, and overall performance are all important.

If you notice any potential warning signs with the car, check this with the seller – and use a car history checking tool to verify their claims.