Car Checklist Before Buying

Buying a used car can be both exciting and daunting. With so many options and factors to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

But don’t worry! This ultimate guide to choosing the right used car will walk you through everything you need to consider when choosing the perfect used car. From budget and body type to essential equipment and colours, we’ve got you covered.

Plus, we’ve included a handy checklist to help you stay on track and make it easy to tick off your car checklist before buying to ensure you haven’t missed anything.

 

1. Budget: The Starting Point

Before you start your search, establish a clear budget. This will not only narrow down your options but also prevent you from overspending. Consider the following:

• Total budget: How much are you willing to spend in total?
• Financing: If you’re financing, what’s the comfortable monthly payment?
• Down payment: How much can you pay upfront?

Online loan calculators can help you figure out your budget. Always try to stick to your budget as closely as possible to avoid financial strain, however tempting the cars on sale.

Tips for budgeting:

1. Research average prices: Look at prices for the types of cars you’re interested in. This will give you a realistic idea of what you can afford.
2. Consider additional costs: Don’t forget to factor in insurance, taxes, registration fees, and potential repairs or upgrades.
3. Look for financing options: Explore different financing options and compare interest rates to get the best deal.

 

2. Type of Body: What Fits Your Needs?

The body type of the car is crucial as it influences how you’ll use the car and your driving experience. Here are some common types:

• Hatchbacks: Ideal for city driving and small families.
• Saloons: Perfect for a more comfortable ride with additional boot space.
• SUVs: Great for larger families and those needing more cargo space.
• Convertibles: Fun and stylish but with less practicality.
• Coupes: Sporty and stylish but usually with limited rear seating.

Choosing the right body type:

1. Look at your lifestyle: Consider your daily needs. Do you need extra boot space? Do you frequently drive in urban areas with tight parking spaces?
2. Think about passengers: How many people will you regularly transport? Do you need easy access to rear seats for children or elderly passengers?
3. Future-proof your choice: Think about any changes in your life that might affect your car needs in the near future, such as starting a family or a new job with a longer commute.

 

3. Size Matters: Compact or Spacious?

Consider the size of the car based on your needs. Smaller cars are easier to manoeuvre in city traffic, while larger cars provide more space and comfort, especially for families.

Advantages of different car sizes:

• Small cars: Easier to park, better fuel efficiency, and generally lower maintenance costs.
• Mid-sized cars: A good balance of space and manoeuvrability.
• Large cars: More interior space and comfort, suitable for longer trips and larger families.

Things to keep in mind:

1. Parking space: Ensure the car size fits your regular parking spaces at home and work.
2. Storage needs: Consider the amount of boot space you need for daily use or special activities like road trips.
3. Driving conditions: Smaller cars are ideal for city driving, while larger cars are better for motorways and long-distance travel.

For more tips on choosing the right car size and body style, check out our blog post with more details on how to choose and what to choose

 

4. Gearbox: Manual or Automatic?

The choice between a manual and automatic gearbox often comes down to personal preference and driving conditions:

• Manual: Often cheaper and gives a more engaging driving experience.
• Automatic: Easier to drive, especially in heavy traffic.

What to consider when you’re choosing a gearbox:

1. Driving environment: If you often drive in stop-and-go traffic, an automatic gearbox might be more convenient.
2. Personal preference: Some drivers enjoy the control and involvement of a manual transmission.
3. Resale value: Automatics are generally more popular and can be easier to sell later on.

 

5. Fuel Type: What’s Best for You?

The fuel type you choose will affect running costs as well as environmental impact. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Diesel: Great for long-distance driving and fuel efficiency but not always environmentally friendly.
• Petrol: Generally cheaper and suitable for shorter trips.
• Hybrid: Combines petrol with an electric motor for better fuel economy.
• Electric: Environmentally friendly and cost-effective if you have a home charger but requires planning for longer trips.

Pros and cons of different fuel types:

Fuel Type	Pros	Cons
Diesel	Efficient for long distances, often better torque for towing	Higher fuel costs, negative environmental perception
Petrol	Cheaper to buy and fuel, less maintenance	Less efficient than diesel, higher fuel consumption
Hybrid	Better fuel economy, reduced emissions	Higher initial cost, complex maintenance
Electric	Low running costs, environmentally friendly	High initial cost, limited range, charging infrastructure

 

6. Brands: Reputation and Reliability

Different car brands come with different reputations. Here’s a snapshot of some popular brands:

• Ford: Great value and reliable but needs proper maintenance.
• BMW: Sporty and well-built but can be expensive.
• Toyota: Known for reliability and longevity.
• Tesla: Leader in electric cars but may have service challenges.
• Volkswagen: Solid all-rounder with good build quality.
• Mercedes – Comfortable and quality feel but expensive and some less reliable than their reputation suggests.

• Audi – Very similar to Volkswagens but higher quality.

• Nissan – More problematic than they used to be but great value.
• Renault – Mixed reliability reports but good value.
• Subaru – Usually boring but very solid.

Brand considerations:

1. Reliability: Look for brands known for producing reliable vehicles.
2. Resale value: Some brands hold their value better than others.
3. Dealer network: Ensure there are service centres and parts available for the brand you choose.

 

7. Essential Equipment: Must-Haves vs Nice-to-Haves

List the equipment and features you can’t live without on your dream car checklist before buying. Some common essentials include:

• Air conditioning
• Sunroof or panoramic roof
• Leather seats
• Reversing camera
• Parking sensors
• Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

Equipment tips:

1. Prioritise essentials: Focus on the features that will make the biggest difference in your daily driving experience.
2. Be realistic: Understand that not all used cars will have every feature you want.
3. Check compatibility: Ensure that any preferred tech features are compatible with your devices.

 

8. Preferred Equipment: Your Wishlist

Beyond the essentials, consider what additional features you’d like. These can help one car stand out over another later in your search.

Examples of nice-to-have features:

• Heated seats
• Advanced driver assistance systems
• Premium sound system
• Ambient lighting

 

9. Colour: Aesthetics and Resale Value

Colour can affect the car’s resale value and how much you enjoy driving it:

• Grey: Always popular and looks great on most cars.
• White: Divisive – some love it, some don’t.
• Red: Striking but less popular in non-sporty cars.
• Blue: Safe bet, especially in darker shades.
• Wild colours: Can be fantastic but may reduce resale value.

Colour considerations:

1. Personal preference: Choose a colour you like, but be aware of potential resale challenges.
2. Practicality: Some colours show dirt and scratches more than others.
3. Market trends: Popular colours tend to have better resale value.

For more tips on which car colour is best, check out our blog post with more details on how to choose and what to choose

 

10. Mileage: How Much is Too Much?

Mileage is a crucial factor in the condition and longevity of a used car. Here’s what to consider:

• Low mileage: Typically means less wear and tear but can be more expensive.
• High mileage: Often cheaper but may require more maintenance.

Evaluating mileage:

1. Service history: A well-maintained high-mileage car can be a better buy than a low-mileage car with a poor service record.
2. Average annual mileage: Calculate the car’s average annual mileage by dividing the total mileage by its age. Around 10,000-15,000 miles per year is typical.
3. Usage type: Motorway miles are generally less stressful on a car than city miles.

 

11. Vehicle History: Knowing the Past

Understanding a car’s history can save you from potential headaches and it’s one of the most important steps on any car checklist before buying. Here’s what to check:

• Accident history: Has the car been in any significant accidents?
• Ownership history: How many previous owners? Fewer owners often means better maintenance.
• Service records: Regular maintenance is a good sign of a well-cared-for car.

Tools for checking history:

1. Vehicle history reports: Services like HPI Check can provide detailed history reports.
2. MOT history: Check the MOT history to see if there were any recurring issues.
3. VIN check: Use the vehicle identification number (VIN) to verify the car’s history and specifications.

 

12. Warranty and After-Sales Support

A warranty can provide peace of mind, especially with used cars. Consider the following:

• Dealer warranty: Many dealers offer warranties on used cars. Check the duration and coverage.
• Manufacturer warranty: If the car is relatively new, it might still be under the manufacturer’s warranty.
• Extended warranty: Consider purchasing an extended warranty for added protection.

Questions to ask about warranties:

1. What does it cover? Understand what parts and repairs are covered.
2. How long does it last? Check the duration of the warranty.
3. Are there any limitations? Be aware of any mileage or age limitations.

 

13. Test Drive: The Ultimate Decider

A test drive is essential to assess the car’s condition and suitability. Here’s what to do:

• Check for comfort: Ensure the car is comfortable to drive and has good visibility.
• Listen for noises: Pay attention to any unusual sounds from the engine, brakes, or suspension.
• Test the features: Make sure all the car’s features work properly.

Tips for a successful test drive:

1. Plan a route: Include a mix of city streets and motorways if possible.
2. Check the handling: See how the car handles turns, stops, and accelerates.
3. Feel the brakes: Test the brakes for responsiveness and smoothness.

 

14. Negotiating the Price: Getting the Best Deal

Negotiation is a critical part of buying a used car. Here are some tips:

• Do your research: Know the market value of the car.
• Be prepared to walk away: Don’t be afraid to walk away if the price isn’t right.
• Use any issues as leverage: If you find any minor issues, use them to negotiate a lower price.

Effective negotiation strategies:

1. Start low: Begin with a lower offer than you’re willing to pay.
2. Be polite: Stay calm and courteous throughout the negotiation.
3. Have a maximum price: Know your limit and stick to it.

 

15. Finalising the Purchase: The Last Steps

Once you’ve agreed on a price, there are a few final steps to complete:

• Review the paperwork: Ensure all the paperwork is in order, including the bill of sale and title transfer.
• Payment: Decide on the best payment method, whether it’s cash, bank transfer, or financing.
• Insurance: Arrange for insurance before you drive the car away.

Paperwork checklist:

1. Invoice: Includes details of the transaction.
2. V5C Registration Document: Ensures the car is legally transferred to you.
3. Warranty documents: Review and keep any warranty information.

 

Car Buying Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you’ve considered all aspects of choosing the right used car – you can also download a copy of the car buying checklist here.

Criteria	Details	Tick when considered
Budget	Total budget, financing options, down payment
Body Type	Hatchback, Saloon, SUV, Convertible, Coupe
Size	Compact, Mid-size, Full-size
Gearbox	Manual, Automatic
Fuel Type	Diesel, Petrol, Hybrid, Electric
Brands	Ford, BMW, Toyota, Tesla, Volkswagen
Essential Equipment	Air conditioning, Sunroof, Leather seats, Reversing camera, Parking sensors, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Preferred Equipment	Additional features from your wishlist
Colour	Preferred colours considering resale value
Mileage	Consider total and average annual mileage
Vehicle History	Accident history, ownership history, service records
Warranty	Dealer warranty, manufacturer warranty, extended warranty
Test Drive	Comfort, noise, feature functionality
Negotiation	Research market value, start low, be polite
Final Steps	Review paperwork, arrange payment, secure insurance

 

Buying a used car checklist: Final Thoughts

Choosing the right used car involves careful consideration of multiple factors.

By starting with a clear budget and knowing your preferences for body type, size, gearbox, fuel type, brand, equipment, and colour, you can narrow down your options and make an informed decision.

Additional Tips for Used Car Buyers

1. Research the Market: Check various online platforms such as AutoTrader, eBay Motors, and Facebook Marketplace. Compare prices and read reviews about specific models.
2. Check the Car’s History: Use services like HPI Check to verify the car’s history, including any previous accidents, outstanding finance, or mileage discrepancies.
3. Inspect the Car Thoroughly: Before making a purchase, inspect the car for any signs of damage or wear. This includes checking the exterior, interior, and mechanical components.
4. Test Drive: Always take the car for a test drive to see how it performs. Pay attention to how it handles, any unusual noises, and the condition of the brakes and suspension.
5. Negotiate the Price: Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Use your research to justify a lower price if the car has any issues or if you find it overpriced compared to similar models.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the Test Drive: Never buy a car without test driving it first.
2. Not Checking the Vehicle’s History: Ensure there are no hidden issues or outstanding finance on the car.
3. Ignoring Total Cost of Ownership: Consider insurance, fuel costs, and maintenance when budgeting.
4. Being Swayed by Looks: Don’t buy a car based on appearance alone. Ensure it meets all your practical needs.
5. Overlooking Resale Value: Consider how easy it will be to sell the car in the future and how much you might get for it.

 

Car Checklist before buying: Conclusion

Buying a used car is a significant investment, and taking the time to consider all these factors will help ensure you make the right choice.

Use our car buying checklist to stay organised and focused throughout the process. Remember, the perfect car for you is out there – happy hunting!

For more detailed information and personalised assistance, check out Palmdale Car Finders.