Buying guide
How to buy a used car without getting stung.
From setting a budget to the handshake: what to check, what to ask and how to negotiate.
Six things worth knowing.
- Age
- Cars three to five years old are often the best value: the steepest drop in price has already happened.
- Timing
- March and September, when new plates arrive, can be good months to negotiate with dealers.
- Before you travel
- Read the MOT history first. It's free and shows the mileage and advisories at every test.
- Negotiating
- Go in with evidence. A priced list of faults is harder to argue with than a lower number.
- Paperwork
- Check the V5C logbook matches the seller's name and address, and the VIN matches the car.
- Reliability
- Look up the exact model and engine, not just the brand. Reliability varies a lot within one maker.
The full guide.
Found a car you like?
Check it for free before you travel, then inspect it properly at the viewing.