2. Researching Car Makes & Models

Before committing to any second-hand car purchase, it's essential to research the make and model thoroughly. Every vehicle has strengths and weaknesses, and understanding them can save you money, stress, and unexpected repair bills. This guide covers the most important areas to consider, including reliability, running costs, common faults, and parts availability. TOP TIP: Try Facebook groups and or Car Forums to help you with the research!!

Reliability

Reliability should be one of your top priorities when buying a used car. Look for models with a proven track record of dependable performance and minimal mechanical issues. You can research reliability using:

• Owner reviews – Real-world opinions from long-term drivers.
• MOT history checks – Identifies repeat failures or warning patterns.
• Independent reliability surveys – Such as UK automotive reliability indexes.

Cars known for strong reliability often have lower long-term maintenance costs and retain their value better.

Running Costs

The purchase price is only one part of the total cost of owning a vehicle. Before choosing a model, consider:

• Fuel economy – Higher MPG means lower monthly fuel costs.
• Insurance group – Lower groups mean cheaper premiums.
• Road tax – Varies based on emissions and registration year.
• Servicing costs – Some models have expensive parts or specialist service requirements.
• Tyre and brake replacement costs – Common wear items that vary significantly by model.

A cheaper car upfront may cost more in the long run if its running costs are high, so always factor these into your budget.

Common Faults

Every car model has typical issues that may show up as the vehicle ages. Researching these in advance helps you know what to look for during inspections and test drives. Common areas worth reviewing include:

• Engine issues – Known timing chain problems, oil leaks, or overheating habits.
• Gearbox and clutch faults – Particularly in higher mileage vehicles.
• Electrical system issues – Faulty sensors, window regulators, or dashboard problems.
• Suspension wear – Noisy shocks or broken springs on certain models.
• Rust-prone areas – Especially on older or poorly maintained vehicles.

Knowing these points allows you to ask the seller the right questions and avoid cars hiding costly problems.

Parts Availability

Parts availability is often overlooked but plays a huge role in long-term ownership satisfaction. When researching models, check:

• Availability of aftermarket parts – Helps keep repair costs low.
• Cost of genuine manufacturer parts – Some brands are significantly more expensive than others.
• Local mechanic familiarity – Common cars are easier and faster to service.
• Specialist-only repairs – Some models require dealer-only work, increasing costs.

Cars with widely available and affordable parts are generally more economical to maintain over time.

Final Tip

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, compare at least three different cars of the same model. This gives you a realistic idea of market conditions, typical condition, and fair pricing.

3. Checking a Vehicle History or HPI Check Before Buying

Completing a vehicle history or HPI check is one of the most important steps when buying a second-hand car in the UK. These reports can reveal hidden problems, protect you from financial loss, and confirm that the vehicle is safe and legally clear to buy.

Why a Vehicle History Check Matters

A car may look perfect on the surface, but hidden issues can cost you thousands later. A proper HPI or history check helps you avoid serious risks such as buying a stolen car, unknowingly inheriting someone’s finance agreement, or purchasing a previously written-off vehicle. It provides essential information that helps you make a confident and informed decision.

What an HPI or Vehicle History Check Includes

1. Outstanding Finance

If a previous owner used finance to buy the vehicle, the finance company still legally owns it until the agreement is settled. Buying a car with outstanding finance puts you at risk of repossession. A history check confirms:

• The type of finance agreement
• The lender involved
• Whether the finance has been fully settled

2. Write-Off Status (Insurance Categories)

The report will show if the car has ever been recorded as an insurance write-off, listed as:

• Category S – Structural damage
• Category N – Non-structural damage
• Older categories C or D

This information helps you judge whether repairs were done correctly and whether the price fairly reflects its history.

3. Stolen Vehicle Check

A history check verifies if a car has been recorded as stolen. Buying a stolen vehicle means you lose both the car and your money, so this is one of the most critical checks to complete before purchase.

4. Mileage Verification

Mileage fraud (clocking) still occurs in the used car market. A vehicle history check compares MOT readings, maintenance records, and national databases to confirm:

• Consistent mileage increases
• No suspicious drops or resets

5. MOT History & Advisory Patterns

These reports often include a full MOT history with advisory notes. Recurring faults or long lists of advisories may indicate poor maintenance or upcoming repair costs. You can get these for FREE from the https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history website

6. Number Plate Changes

Plate changes are common, especially when private plates are used, but multiple plate changes can indicate an attempt to disguise past issues. A history check lists all previous number plates and the dates they were changed.

7. Imported, Exported or Scrapped Status

A good history check confirms whether the car:

• Was imported (affecting insurance and parts availability)
• Was ever marked as exported
• Has ever been recorded as scrapped

What to Do if the Report Shows a Problem

If the history check reveals an issue, you can:

• Ask the seller for documentation proving repairs or finance settlement
• Request invoices or mechanic reports for previous damage
• Use the findings to negotiate the price
• Walk away if the issue seems serious or the seller cannot provide evidence

A genuine seller will always be open to discussing any history issues.

Why You Should Never Skip a Vehicle History Check

Dishonest sellers rely on buyers skipping this step. Running a history check gives you:

• Protection from scams or fraud
• Confidence that the vehicle is legally clear
• Awareness of any past damage or safety concerns
• Stronger negotiation power

Final Advice

Never buy a used car without running a full HPI or vehicle history check. It is one of the quickest, easiest, and cheapest ways to protect yourself from hidden problems and make sure you’re buying a safe and legitimate vehicle. (Recommended affiliate placeholder: {{AFF_HPI_CHECK}})

4. Inspecting a Vehicle in Person

Once you’ve shortlisted the right make and model, viewing a used car in person is one of the most important steps in ensuring you’re getting a reliable, fairly priced vehicle. A thorough inspection can reveal hidden issues, prevent costly mistakes, and give you the confidence to negotiate effectively. Below are the key areas to assess, along with warning signs to watch out for.

1. Exterior Condition

Start your inspection by carefully walking around the car and looking for any signs of damage or neglect.

• Bodywork dents and scratches: Minor marks are normal for used cars, but large dents or uneven paint may suggest previous accidents.
• Mismatched paint panels: Indicates previous repairs that may not have been done professionally.
• Rust: Check wheel arches, sills, door bottoms, boot floor, and chassis. Rust can be costly to repair and is often a dealbreaker.
• Panel gaps: Uneven gaps can indicate accident damage or poor alignment.
• Windscreen cracks or chips: Even small chips can spread and require replacement.

Warning sign: If the seller rushes the exterior inspection or keeps the car in a dark area, take this as a red flag.

2. Tyres & Wheels

Tyres reveal a lot about how a car has been maintained.

• Tread depth: UK minimum is 1.6mm—but ideally aim for 3mm+.
• Uneven wear: Could indicate alignment problems, worn suspension, or previous accident damage.
• Alloy wheel condition: Excessive scuffing or cracks may require repair or replacement.
• Matching tyre brands: Multiple cheap mismatched tyres indicate the car has been maintained to a low standard.

Warning sign: Bulges or cracks in the tyre walls—these are dangerous and require immediate replacement.

3. Under the Bonnet

Even if you're not mechanically trained, a few simple checks can tell you a lot.

• Fluid levels: Low oil, coolant, or brake fluid suggests poor maintenance.
• Oil condition: Thick, black, or burnt-smelling oil can indicate overdue services or engine wear.
• Coolant colour: Should be clear or coloured—not brown or sludgy.
• Belt condition: Cracks or fraying indicate imminent replacement.
• Leaks: Any visible oil, coolant, or power steering fluid leak is a serious concern.

Warning sign: Freshly cleaned engine bays sometimes hide leaks or other problems—inspect again after a test drive.

4. Interior Condition

The interior gives clues about how well the car has been treated.

• Seat wear: Excessive wear on pedals, seats, or steering wheel can indicate higher mileage than shown.
• Dashboard lights: Ensure all warning lights illuminate on start-up, then go out.
• Electrical functions: Test windows, locks, air con, radio, infotainment, and lights.
• Smells: Damp or mould smells may signal water ingress or hidden leaks.

Warning sign: Air fresheners used excessively may be masking damp or smoke damage.

5. Under the Car

If safe to do so, crouch to check the underside where many serious issues hide.

• Rust on chassis: Surface rust is normal; structural rust is not.
• Exhaust condition: Look for leaks, excessive corrosion, or hanging brackets.
• Oil drips: Visible oil on the ground or components is a major red flag.
• Suspension problems: Broken springs, leaking shocks, or uneven heights.

Warning sign: Dripping fluids of any kind—this usually means expensive repairs.

6. Paperwork & History

The physical inspection is only half of the assessment—the paperwork is equally important.

• Service history: Full service history (FSH) adds value and proves regular maintenance.
• MOT records: Check mileage consistency and recurring advisories on the the https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history website.
• Receipts: Look for evidence of major work such as cambelt replacements.
• VIN matches: Check the VIN on the logbook matches the car.

Warning sign: Sellers who “lost” the paperwork—this is rarely a genuine excuse.

7. Test Drive Essentials

Never skip the test drive. It tells you more than any visual inspection.

• Engine startup: Should start smoothly with no knocking or rattling.
• Acceleration & braking: Smooth acceleration and straight-line braking are key.
• Steering feel: No vibrations, pulling, or excessive play.
• Gear changes: Manual gears should engage cleanly; automatics should be smooth.
• Suspension noise: Listen for clunks over bumps—often worn bushes or drop links.

Warning sign: Sellers who refuse a test drive or want to drive the car themselves only.

Final Advice

Take your time, inspect the vehicle in daylight, and don’t let a seller pressure you. If something feels off, walk away—there are always other cars available. A careful, methodical inspection is the best way to avoid costly surprises.

9. Checking & Completing the V5C Logbook (V5C Registration Certificate)

The V5C logbook is one of the most important documents when buying a second-hand car in the UK. It proves who is responsible for the vehicle and ensures the DVLA has accurate information about the current keeper. Before handing over any money, make sure you carefully check and correctly fill out the V5C to avoid legal issues, unexpected fines, or problems registering the car in your name.

Check That the V5C Is Genuine

A genuine V5C should have several security features. Always check the following:

• Paper colour: The correct V5C is red (post-2012) with a blue band.
• No spelling errors: Counterfeit logbooks often contain poor spelling or unusual fonts.
• Watermark: Hold the document up to the light to check for DVLA watermarks.
• Serial number: Located in the top right corner—avoid documents starting with “BG”, which were recalled.

Check That the Seller Is the Registered Keeper

Make sure the name and address on the V5C matches the seller’s ID and the address where the vehicle is kept. If the details don’t match, this could indicate:

• Potential stolen vehicle
• Unpaid finance or ownership disputes
• Clocking or identity cloning risk

Always be cautious if the seller claims to be selling on behalf of someone else.

Check the Vehicle Details Match the Car

The V5C should perfectly match the physical car you are buying. Confirm that the following details are correct:

• Registration number
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) — check on the windscreen, chassis plate, and under the bonnet
• Make and model
• Colour
• Engine size and fuel type
• Date of first registration

Any mismatch could indicate a cloned, stolen, or heavily modified vehicle.

Filling Out the V5C Correctly

When buying the car, both you and the seller must complete the relevant sections of the V5C. The process is simple but must be done accurately:

• Section 2 – Completed by the seller (selling or transferring to a private buyer)
• Section 6 – Your name and address as the new keeper
• Both parties sign – Ensure both you and the seller sign where indicated

The seller is responsible for sending the completed sections to the DVLA. You should be given the green new keeper slip (V5C/2), which allows you to insure and tax the car immediately.

Never Buy a Car Without a V5C

If a seller claims to have “lost” the V5C, walk away. A missing logbook can be a red flag for stolen vehicles, identity cloning, mileage fraud, or outstanding finance issues.

After the Purchase

Once the DVLA processes the paperwork, you will receive a new V5C in your name—usually within 4 to 6 weeks. If it hasn’t arrived by then, you can chase the DVLA using the reference number on your new keeper slip.

Final Tip

Always check the V5C before viewing the car in person and verify the details again at the location. A properly completed logbook protects you from fraud and ensures a smooth transfer of ownership.