Used Car Checks: Everything You Must Do Before Buying a Second-Hand Car
Check this vehicle's MOT and tax history
Buying a used car is one of the biggest purchases most people make - and one of the riskiest if you don't do proper checks. Around 1 in 3 used cars has some form of hidden history. The Finance & Leasing Association reports that over £500 million of outstanding finance is discovered on used cars each year in the UK. Always run a finance check before handing over any money. Here's the complete checklist, in the order you should do it.
Before You Even See the Car: Online Checks
1. Check MOT history
The government's free MOT history checker at gov.uk/check-mot-history shows every MOT test since 2005 - passes, failures, advisories and recorded mileage. Look for:
- Mileage consistency - readings should always increase
- Repeated failures on the same item
- A long gap between tests (may indicate the car was off the road)
- Recent advisories that might be developing into failures
2. Check the car is taxed
Use vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk to confirm the car is currently taxed and check the make, colour and year match what the seller told you.
3. Run a vehicle history check
A paid check (typically £10–£25 from HPI, AA or RAC) reveals outstanding finance, write-off status, stolen records and plate changes. This is worth every penny - if the car has outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it even after you've bought it.
When You View the Car: Physical Checks
Bodywork
- Walk around the car in daylight - look along panels for ripples indicating filler or previous repair
- Check panel gaps are even - uneven gaps suggest accident repair
- Look for colour differences between panels - doors or wings may have been resprayed
- Check the sills and wheel arches for rust
Under the bonnet
- Check oil - should be amber/brown, not black or milky (milky oil can indicate a blown head gasket)
- Coolant reservoir - should be clear or slightly tinted, never brown or rusty
- Look for oil leaks around the engine
- Check the VIN number on the plate matches the V5C and the windscreen
Interior
- Check all electrics - windows, lights, air conditioning, heated seats
- Look for water staining on carpets or headlining (flood damage)
- Mileage on the odometer should be plausible for the age
- Check seat belts retract and lock properly
Test drive - essential, never skip it
- Brakes should feel firm, not spongy, and pull straight
- Steering should be responsive with no vibration at speed
- Listen for clunks, rattles or grinding sounds
- Check the gearbox shifts smoothly (or clutch doesn't slip on manual)
- Look for smoke from the exhaust when accelerating
Documents to Check Before Paying
| Document | What to check |
|---|---|
| V5C (logbook) | Name/address matches seller, VIN matches car |
| MOT certificate | VIN/reg matches, expiry date |
| Service history | Stamps match claimed mileage, regular intervals |
| Finance settlement | Get written confirmation finance is cleared before paying |
Never buy a car without a V5C. A seller who doesn't have the V5C logbook is a major red flag. Apply to DVLA for a replacement only if you're certain the car is legitimate - and even then, proceed with extreme caution.