When you finally find a used car that seems perfect on paper, the next step is arguably the most critical: the viewing – so much so that we’ve created this guide to viewing a used car.
Because this is your chance to uncover potential issues, verify the seller’s claims, and ensure you’re getting a good deal. Buying a used car is an investment, and a thorough inspection can save you from costly mistakes.
Which is why this guide will walk you through everything you should do when viewing a used car in the UK.
Before You View the Car
Your checklist for viewing a used car begins before you even get within touching distance of the car itself.
1. Ask for Key Documents in Advance
Before wasting time on a visit, request copies of:
- V5C logbook (ensure seller’s name matches the ID and address)
- Service history (ideally with receipts, not just a stamped book)
- MOT history (you can verify online at GOV.UK)
- Any outstanding finance reports
- Warranty details, if applicable
Bear in mind that some sellers may be reluctant to release this information to you beforehand, for security reasons. This is an acceptable response and not necessarily a sign that the seller is hiding something.
2. Check the Car’s History
For extra peace of mind, use a vehicle history check service like the RAC, HPI Check, or AA to uncover past write-offs, outstanding finance, mileage discrepancies, and previous owners.
You can also verify the service history by calling up the garages who have maintained the car and checking the services did actually happen. Also, find out when large maintenance items like timing belts are due.
3. Prepare a Checklist
Having a structured approach ensures you don’t miss anything when you finally get to viewing the used car. A simple checklist should include:
- Exterior bodywork
- Tyres and wheels
- Interior condition
- Under the bonnet checks
- Test drive observations
- Paperwork verification
When You Arrive
The next step in making sure your potential purchase is as good as it seems also comes before you get to the car itself.
4. Never View a Car in Poor Lighting Conditions or if Dirty
It might seem convenient to swing by after work, but inspecting a car in dim light, rain, or when it’s dirty can hide scratches, dents, and poor paint repairs.
Always view a car in daylight and preferably in dry weather. Likewise, a dirty car can hide all manner of minor damage. While minor damage may not be a reason to reject a car it does tell you a lot about how the car has been previously treated.
5. Inspect the Seller’s Setup
Alarm bells should ring loudly if the seller asks to meet at a motorway service station or a car park rather than their home or a dealership. Private sellers should be selling from their registered address (found on the V5C logbook). If the seller refuses, just walk away.
With dealers, you can tell a lot about how they operate from their premises. If filthy, with no signs of it being an actual permanent place of business, also walk away. Some dealers work from home. This isn’t always a bad thing but trust your gut.
6. Observe the Car from a Distance
Does it sit level? Is it lower on one side, indicating suspension issues? Are there any noticeable dents, misaligned panels, or odd colour mismatches suggesting accident repairs?
7. Check for Signs of Clocking
An unusually low mileage on an older car could be a red flag. Look for excessive wear on the steering wheel, seats, pedals, and gearstick – these should be consistent with the mileage. Verify the mileage history with the MOT records online.
Exterior Inspection
Then it’s on to viewing the car itself – starting with the outside.
8. Check Bodywork for Rust and Repairs
- Inspect wheel arches, door sills, under the doors, and around the windscreen for bubbling paint or rust spots. Newer cars should never have any rust at all.
- Look for mismatched paint or overspray inside door frames, which may indicate accident damage.
- Ensure panel gaps are even; large gaps suggest a poor accident repair.
9. Examine the Lights and Windows
- Ensure headlights, indicators, and brake lights work properly. You may need to ask the seller to sit in the car to operate the lights and indicators while you check from the outside.
- Check for any cracks or chips in the windscreen – these can be costly to fix.
- Operate electric windows to confirm they function smoothly.
10. Inspect the Tyres
- The legal tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, but anything under 3mm means replacement is due soon.
- Uneven tyre wear could indicate poor wheel alignment or suspension problems. For example, if a tyre has lots of tread on the outside edge but much less on the inside edge.
- Are all four tyres matching in brand and type? A set of the same tyres points to a careful last owner.
- What brand are the tyres? A well-known brand such as Pirelli, Michelin or Goodyear indicate that the last owner did not scrimp on buying decent tyres. Mid-brand tyres such as Kumho, Avon and Hankook are also good unless they are on a high-performance car. Any brand you don’t recognise will be worth Googling.
Interior Inspection
Once you’ve finished your checks on the exterior, it’s time to look inside the car
11. Check the Seats and Upholstery
- Look for excessive wear, sagging, or stains.
- Try adjusting all seats and ensure recliners work correctly.
- Smell for any musty odours, which may indicate water leaks.
- Don’t forget to check the headlining too.
12. Test All Electronics
- Does the infotainment system work? Bluetooth? Sat-nav?
- Check air conditioning – make sure the engine is running, turn the blower to its strongest level, drop the temperature as low as it will go and adjust the flow to the centre vents. Hold your hand in front of a centre vent. After a minute your hand should be so cold it’s uncomfortable. Be wary that many sellers tell you that the system, “Just needs a re-gas,” but it is impossible to tell whether this simple £80-ish job will solve the problem or if there are bigger issues which may cost hundreds or sometimes thousands to fix.
- Operate all dashboard buttons, including heated seats, mirrors, and windows.
13. Check the Boot and Spare Tyre
- Ensure the boot opens and closes smoothly.
- Look under the carpet for signs of water damage or repairs.
- If the car comes with a spare tyre, check its condition and confirm the presence of a jack and tools.
- If the car has alloy wheels, make sure the locking wheel nut key is present and that it fits the wheels on the car.
Under the Bonnet
Exterior and interior checks complete? The next step is taking a look under the bonnet.
14. Look for Leaks and Cleanliness
- A spotless engine bay can be suspicious – it might have been cleaned to hide oil leaks.
- Check under the car for fluid leaks.
15. Fluid Levels and Condition
- Oil: Should be golden brown, not thick and black unless it’s a diesel engine.
- Coolant: Should be pink or blue, never murky.
- Brake Fluid: Should not be too low, as this may indicate worn brake pads.
16. Check the Battery and Belts
- Corrosion around the battery terminals may cause future issues.
- If the car has a timing belt, confirm it has been changed as per the manufacturer’s service schedule. If not independently find out the cost – some timing belts are very expensive to renew!
The Test Drive
Only once you’ve gone through all the visual checks is it time to see how the car actually drives.
17. Start the Engine Cold
If the seller has pre-warmed the engine, they could be hiding starting issues. Request to start it from cold to see if it struggles to turn over.
18. Listen for Unusual Noises
- Knocking sounds could indicate engine or suspension issues.
- A whining sound when turning the wheel might mean power steering problems… unless the car is an older MINI (they all whine!)
19. Check Steering and Braking Performance
- The car should steer smoothly without pulling to one side.
- Brakes should feel firm and stop the car without grinding or squeaking.
- Try an emergency stop from 20 miles an hour. The car should stop quickly and in a straight line. Just make sure to warn the seller before you do this and make sure you’re in a safe place.
- At a higher speed (eg 50 MPH+), lightly apply the brakes and see if you can feel any vibration.
20. Test the Clutch (For Manual Cars)
- If the clutch engages very high on the pedal travel, it might need replacing soon.
- Try pulling away in second gear with the handbrake still on – if the car stalls immediately, the clutch is in good condition.
Final Checks Before Buying
All good so far? There are a few last checks to make before you make a final decision.
21. Verify All Keys Are Present
Many modern cars require two electronic keys. Replacing a lost one can cost hundreds of pounds.
22. Confirm the Price and Payment Method
- If the car is at a dealership, negotiate the price before discussing financing or add-ons.
- Never pay with cash unless you get a proper receipt.
- A bank transfer or credit card is safest for security.
23. Ensure All Promised Fixes Are Completed
If the seller agrees to fix anything, get it in writing before you transfer any money.
Guide to Viewing a Used Car: Final Thoughts
Viewing a used car is about more than just kicking the tyres – it’s about being methodical, asking the right questions, and trusting your instincts. If anything seems off, walk away.
There are thousands of cars on the market, and patience will pay off. Happy car hunting!
As ever, if you’d like a helping hand with all the checks, just get in touch with the Palmdale team.