What to Check When Buying Used

A good used car can be the smartest buy on the lot — someone else has taken the early depreciation, and you get a well-run-in car for less. The catch is that a used car carries its history with it, and that history isn't always obvious at a glance. The reassuring part is that you don't need to be a mechanic to check the important things. A calm, unhurried look at the paperwork, the bodywork and the drive will tell you most of what you need to know.

Start with the paperwork

Before you even open a door, spend a few minutes with the documents. Paperwork tells the story of how the car has been looked after, and gaps in that story are worth asking about:

• A service history that matches the mileage, with regular entries rather than long gaps.
• Identification numbers on the car that match the registration documents.
• Records of any major repairs, and proof of ownership from the person selling it.

A well-documented car isn't just easier to trust — it's usually easier to sell on later too.

Walk around the bodywork

Next, look at the car itself — ideally in daylight and when it's dry, since rain hides a lot. You're not hunting for perfection; you're looking for anything that suggests hidden damage or heavy wear. Check that panel gaps are even, that paint shades match from panel to panel, and that tyres are worn evenly across their width. Uneven tyre wear can hint at alignment or suspension issues worth investigating.

Take it for a proper drive

Finally, drive it — and drive it properly, not just around the block. A short test on smooth roads hides more than it reveals. Try to include a mix of speeds and surfaces, and pay attention with the radio off so you can actually hear the car.

• Cold start: does it fire up cleanly without heavy smoke or odd noises?
• Brakes and steering: smooth and straight, with no pulling, vibration or clunks?
• Gears and clutch: changes that feel clean, without slipping or grinding?

If the car checks out on paper, looks honest up close and drives without surprises, you're in good shape. And if you'd like a second opinion, an independent inspection before you buy is money well spent.