1. Before you find a car

Do your research

• Read road tests / trade guides / classified ads.
• Visit garages.
• 

  Check the history of model of car you are thinking of buying - are there any common faults?

Consider the costs

• Financing options.
• Insurance group and costs.
• Running costs.
• Servicing, maintenance and MoT costs.

Think about where to buy

• Franchised dealer.
  
  • Better quality but higher prices.
  • After-sales back-up and advice and assistance.
• Car supermarket.
  
  • Few specialist cars but lower prices.
  • Variable quality, some after-sales back-up.
• Independent dealer.
  
  • Wide variety and cheaper prices.
  • Variable quality and after-sales care.
• Privately (eg- from a classified ad).
  
  • Lots of choice and lowest prices.
  • Watch out for rip-offs.
  • No after-sales service.
• Auction.
  
  
  • Keen prices.
  • Inconsistent quality; some rogue cars.
  • Usually no chance for a test drive and limited comeback on serious faults.

2. When you find a car.

Check the paperwork.

• Check the car's logbook.
  
  • Check the log book tallies to the car.
  • Check the chassis number (the vehicle identification number [VIN]) - usually a small plate on the driver's door or in the engine bay.
  • If no VIN plate, walk away.
  • Check the registered keeper's name is the same as the person selling it.
• Check for other paperwork.
  
  • Servicing receipts / repair bills.
  • MoT certificates.
  • Cross-refer mileage readings on receipts to the MoT certificates and the car's mileage reading.

Check the car

• 

  Look at the car very carefully, using the checklist below to make sure you don't miss anything.

• 

  If in doubt, have the car inspected by a professional.

• 

  Compare several examples of similar cars to rate their condition and prices.

Used car examination checklist

Bodywork

• Dents / scratches / rust.
• Inconsistent paint quality / signs of respray.
• Signs of repairs / filler and / or welding.
• Crash damage in engine bay / boot area.
• VIN plate tampering.

Engine

• Oil / water leaks.
• Loose belts.
• Corrosion.
• Rattles, knocks and screeches.
• Engine number plate tampering.
• Condition of hoses.
• Excessive smoke.
• Condition of exhaust pipe.

Cabin

• Door trim.
• Ripped or stained or excessively worn seat upholstery.
• Condition of carpets.
• Damaged fascia.
• Mileage reading.
• Rips in roof lining.

Wheels and tyres

• Uneven tyre wear.
• Different tyre sizes / makes of tyres.
• Check the tread.
• Condition of spare.

Windows

• Dents / scratches / chips.
• Etching matches car registration.
• Leaky seals.

Electrics

• Headlights / Rear lights.
• Indicators.
• Hazard lights.
• Reversing light.
• Interior light.
• Windscreen wipers.
• Electric windows / mirrors.
• Audio system.
• Heating / ventilation system.
• Alarm.
• Horn.

3. Take a test drive

Things to watch out for

• Watch for cold-start and cold-running problems.
• 

  Make sure your test drive is long enough for the engine to warm up properly - at least 15 minutes.

• Try to mix urban and dual carriageway motoring.
• Check steering for quickness of response.
• 

  Do a three-point turn to gauge the steering on full lock.

• Check the gears change easily.
• 

  Check for any tendency to pull to one side in normal driving.

• Do two emergency-style brake tests.
• Apply the handbrake when stationary on a hill.
• Ensure the clutch engages cleanly.
• 

  Listen for odd noises, look for exhaust smoke, smell for signs of overheating, petrol leaks.

• Watch gauges and warning lights.