Buying a used car can be both exciting yet daunting. There are tons of options and considerations in todays online market. Used cars can be bought online and delivered directly to your door without even seeing them in person with the help of 360 live viewings. With all the possibilities to purchase now just a click away, it’s important to ask the right questions when buying a used car.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned veteran at purchasing used cars, this used car buying guide provides an essential checklist before making your decision. The guide will cover important questions to ask, critical checks to perform, and how to verify what your dealer tells you.
Can you provide a complete vehicle service history?
Always ask to see the service history book for a used car. Knowing a used cars complete service history can save you a lot of time, stress, and money in the long run. A service history provides a clear record of the car’s maintenance, indicating how well it has been cared for. Regular upkeep of a vehicle is especially important in used cars as a regularly serviced older car can be a better choice than a newer car with a sparser service history.
How to spot red flags in service records
When examining a used car’s service records, certain red flags should prompt caution. Look out for long gaps between services or missing entries, which could indicate neglect. Be wary of repetitive repairs, as they might signal ongoing issues that are difficult to resolve. Also, a sudden change in the place of service, from a dealer to a less reputable garage, could hint at cost-cutting on maintenance. These red flags can be crucial indicators of the car’s health and future reliability.
Dealers, especially those who are reputable, typically have access to a vehicle’s service history and should be able to provide detailed information. Similarly, private sellers, particularly those who have owned the vehicle for a considerable period, should also be aware of the car’s maintenance history and any repairs undertaken. However, the depth and accuracy of information might vary, with individual owners potentially offering more personal insights into the car’s history and care.
What is the current mileage, and can you verify its accuracy?
Checking the mileage of a used car is crucial as it provides valuable insights into the vehicle’s condition and potential future reliability. A car with low mileage generally has less wear and tear. Critical components like the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension have experienced less stress, which means they’re in better condition and may last longer. This generally means you might not need to invest in major maintenance tasks immediately, as many parts won’t have reached their wear limits.
When considering buying a used car, a common query is what is considered high mileage for a used car. While it’s true that higher mileage often raises concerns about a car’s longevity and potential future repairs, it’s important to always consider mileage in context. A low-mileage car that’s been poorly maintained or stored in harsh conditions might not be as reliable as a high-mileage car that’s been well cared for. Factors such as the car’s age, make, model, and usage history (city driving vs. motorway driving) also significantly influence its overall condition and expected lifespan. Hence, while mileage is a key consideration in assessing a used car, it should be balanced with other factors like service history and the car’s overall condition.
If you are unsure whether the mileage provided is accurate or not, read our detailed blog on how to check a car’s mileage is genuine.
Can you describe the mechanical health of the car?
When buying a used car, assessing its mechanical health is crucial. This part of your purchase decision involves inquiring about the car’s overall condition, focusing on key mechanical aspects. It’s essential to ask specific questions about the engine’s performance, the condition of the transmission, and the integrity of the suspension system. Other critical areas include brakes, steering, and exhaust systems. Understanding these components’ state helps you gauge the car’s reliability and the likelihood of future repairs.
Here’s how you can frame these questions:
Engine Performance:
- Can you tell me about the car’s engine performance? Have there been any issues or repairs related to the engine?
- How does the engine run during cold starts and when at operating temperature? Are there any unusual noises or vibrations?
- Has the car ever undergone any major engine repairs or part replacements? If so, can you provide details on what was done and when?
Condition of the Transmission:
- I’d like to know more about the condition of the transmission. Has it been serviced regularly?
- Are there any known issues with the transmission, such as slipping, rough shifts, or unusual noises?
- Has the transmission fluid been changed according to the manufacturer’s schedule? Can you provide records of this?
Integrity of the Suspension System:
- What is the condition of the suspension system? Have there been any replacements or repairs done on it?
- During the test drive, I’d like to pay attention to the suspension. Is there anything specific I should be aware of, like noises or handling characteristics?
- Are there any known issues with the suspension components like shocks, struts, or bushings?
Specific questions about recent repairs and replacements
Following the assessment of a used car’s mechanical health, it’s important to ask specific questions about recent repairs and replacements. Inquire about the nature and extent of any recent mechanical work. Key questions include:
- What repairs were made recently?
- Were any major components like the engine, transmission, or exhaust system replaced?
- How often have these repairs been needed? Also, ask for the reasons behind these repairs and replacements.
Answers to these questions can reveal underlying issues and the vehicle’s maintenance history. For instance, frequent brake replacements might indicate hard driving habits, while a recent engine overhaul could suggest major past mechanical failures. The responses to these questions will help you understand not only the car’s current condition but also provide insights into its maintenance and care by previous owners.
A reputable dealer should generally be knowledgeable about the cars they are selling. Dealers are legally obligated to disclose any known issues or defects with a vehicle. Ask them directly about any known problems with the car – a trustworthy dealer should be transparent.
How many previous owners has the car had?
When considering a used car purchase, delving into its ownership history is as crucial as inspecting its mechanical condition. This part of your investigation provides valuable insights into the car’s past and can influence your decision. Asking about the number of previous owners, the duration each owner had the vehicle, and their reasons for selling are key aspects of this history. This information can shed light on how the car was used and maintained, and frequent changes in ownership might be a red flag. Understanding the ownership history helps paint a more complete picture of the vehicle’s past, guiding you towards a more informed purchase.
Whilst Private sellers may provide direct and personal insights about their time with the car, dealers might offer a more standardised history, potentially including records from multiple past owners. Regardless of the source, it’s important to verify the information provided.
Tracing the ownership history of a car in the UK
It’s important to note that due to privacy laws, you might not be able to access detailed information about previous owners’ identities. Here’s what you can do to verify a car’s ownership history:
- V5C Registration Certificate: The V5C, or logbook, is the most important document for checking a car’s ownership. It lists the current registered keeper and the number of previous keepers. While it won’t give you the names of the previous owners, it will indicate how many there have been.
- Service History and MOT Records: Check the service history and MOT records of the car. These documents can sometimes include details about where the car was serviced, which might give clues about its geographical location and potentially about its owners.
- Vehicle History Check: Conduct a vehicle history check through services like HPI Check, Experian AutoCheck, or AA Car Data Check. These checks can provide information on the number of previous owners, although they won’t disclose personal details.
- Online MOT History Check: Use the UK government’s online service to check the MOT history of the car. This won’t give you ownership details but can corroborate the vehicle’s age, mileage, and maintenance history.
Remember, due to data protection laws in the UK, you won’t be able to access the personal details of previous owners without their consent. The focus should primarily be on the number of previous owners and the overall history of the vehicle, rather than on specific individuals. This approach will help you gauge how the car has been used and maintained over its lifetime.
Is there any outstanding finance on the car?
In the UK, if a vehicle is purchased with outstanding finance, the finance company retains ownership of the vehicle until the finance is fully repaid. If you buy a car with outstanding finance without settling the existing agreement, the finance company could reclaim the vehicle, leaving you without the car and the money you paid.
Even though it is illegal to knowingly sell a vehicle with outstanding finance without informing the buyer, and dealers are required to provide this information, explicitly asking about it is a crucial step. Asking the seller directly provides an additional layer of security for the buyer as it ensures the dealer has conducted due diligence and that you won’t face any surprises after the purchase.
Some dealerships, like Greenland Cars, will offer all of their cars as HPI checked which means the car will be checked for any outstanding finance. If this is not the standard with who you’re buying the car from, asking the dealer if they have performed a HPI check and requesting to see the results, can provide peace of mind and verify the car’s financial status.
What is the reason for selling the car?
Asking why a car is being sold can provide useful insights, but it’s more applicable and revealing in private sales rather than transactions with dealerships. Private sellers might offer a range of personal reasons for selling a car, such as:
- Upgrading to a new or bigger vehicle.
- Moving to a different location where a car isn’t needed.
- Changes in personal or financial circumstances.
- The car no longer suits their needs.
Understanding the seller’s motivation can give you clues about the car’s condition and history. For example, if the seller is upgrading because the car is too small, that’s straightforward. However, if they’re vague or evasive about significant issues like constant breakdowns, it’s a red flag. This question helps gauge the transparency and honesty of the seller and helps you better assess its value when negotiating a price.
Dealerships are in the business of selling cars, so their reasons for selling are primarily commercial, aiming to offer a variety of vehicles to potential buyers. Asking a dealership why a specific car is being sold might not yield insightful information because the reasons are usually not related to the car’s condition but to their business model. All reputable dealerships assess, repair, and prepare cars for sale as part of their operation, regardless of why the car was acquired.
How many keys come with the car?
The number of keys that come with a used car can vary. Ideally, you should receive two keys, but this isn’t always the case. It’s important to ask the seller about the number of keys provided before completing the purchase. If only one key is available, consider the cost of obtaining a second key as part of your overall budget.
If it comes with only one key, try to negotiate the price down or request that the seller provides a second key as part of the deal. Having a spare key is important for convenience and security. Losing your only key can be significantly more expensive and troublesome than getting a spare made.
The cost to replace a car key can vary significantly depending on the type of key. Traditional mechanical keys are the least expensive, usually ranging from £5 to £20. Transponder keys, which include a chip for added security, can cost from £50 to £200. Keys for luxury vehicles, or keys with integrated remote functions, can cost from £200 to £500 or more due to the more advanced technology and programming required.
Is there a warranty on the car, and if so, what does it cover?
Buying a used car with a warranty from a dealership offers peace of mind because it provides a safety net against unforeseen mechanical failures and defects after the purchase. A warranty, especially when offered by a reputable dealership, signifies that the dealer stands behind the quality and reliability of their vehicles. It covers the cost of repairs for specific issues within a set period, mitigating the financial risk associated with potential problems.
Purchasing a more expensive used car from a dealership that includes a warranty can be more cost-effective in the long run compared to opting for a cheaper vehicle without any warranty. Dealerships that offer warranties often ensure that the cars are thoroughly inspected and serviced before sale, which can significantly reduce the likelihood of immediate maintenance issues.
Is the car ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) compliant?
ULEZ stands for Ultra Low Emission Zone, a traffic pollution charge scheme aimed at reducing harmful emissions in certain areas. Vehicles that do not meet specific emission standards are required to pay a daily charge to drive within the zone. Considering whether a car is ULEZ compliant when buying a used car is becoming increasingly important, especially if you plan to drive in urban areas that have or are planning to implement low emission zones.
Can I take the car for a test drive?
A test drive allows you to experience the comfort of the car firsthand. You can assess the seating position, legroom, headroom, and overall comfort of the vehicle. During a test drive, you can evaluate the car’s performance, including acceleration, braking, and handling. It gives you a sense of how the car responds to your inputs and whether it meets your expectations for driving dynamics.
A test drive also helps in assessing the mechanical condition of the car. You can listen for any unusual noises, check for smooth transmission shifts, and ensure there are no signs of problems with the engine, brakes, or suspension. Skipping a test drive could mean overlooking potential issues or mismatches between your expectations and the vehicle’s actual performance and condition. Hence, always insist on a test drive to ensure the car you’re considering is the right fit for you.
In conclusion, asking the right questions when buying a used car is pivotal in ensuring you make a well-informed and secure purchase. From understanding the vehicle’s service history to verifying its mechanical health and legal documentation, each question you ask brings you closer to finding a reliable and suitable car for your needs. Remember, if you prefer a more straightforward route, you can always browse our selection of used cars. Each vehicle in our collection is carefully selected, ensuring there are no hidden issues with servicing or mechanical problems, offering you peace of mind and a hassle-free car-buying experience.