Second hand. For many of us, used cars offer a far more popular car-buying option. And, of course, starting with a brand-new vehicle will often be cost-prohibitive. Nevertheless, there are things you could keep in mind when buying a second-hand car to help. And as part of this, the following checklist may allow you to make a more informed choice.

Second-Hand Car Buying Checklist

Have you been looking to purchase second hand? If you have, the following second-hand buying checklist may help.

1. Are the car and seller genuine?

The first step is simple: you need to ensure the car is genuine. As part of this, in addition to checking the vehicle, also inspect the seller to make sure they’re legitimate.

There are several ways to check that a seller is genuine before going any further. If buying through an online site, checking the individual’s history and profile can be useful; check their past sales as well to see if their listings seem genuine. If the seller seems to have sold an unrealistic number of cars, for example, they may just be a scammer.

Another way to check if the seller is genuine is to ask for more photos. If the seller owns the car, they should be happy to get more obscure photos of the vehicle; however, if they kick up a fuss when asked for pictures, it could be a sign they aren’t genuine. After all, if the seller is fraudulent and doesn’t own the car, getting those pictures will be much harder.

Once you’re confident the seller is genuine, be sure to try a car history check. This allows you to verify the vehicle’s details match up with the registered information tied to the number plate. In turn, you may be able to avoid buying a dodgy or dishonest car.

2. Is the vehicle in good condition for the age?

Secondly, you should look at the condition of the vehicle. Of course, with age and use, scratches and dents are likely to occur. However, you should ideally look for a model that’s in good nick given its age and usage history. If the car does seem to have been through more than you’d normally expect, check the price reflects this fairly.

3. Can I take the car for a test drive?

Before handing over any money, asking if you can take the car for a test drive may help. This can allow you to get a feel for how the vehicle runs. It may also bring to light potential issues that could cause you to be less confident while driving the car. Being aware of these can allow you to make a more informed decision overall.

Of course, we should point out here that not all sellers will necessarily be happy to allow test drives. If this is the case, asking why and seeing the car in action may be helpful still.

4. Do you have the documentation?

As a final check, always make sure the seller has all necessary documentation – including the V5 – for the car. This is a legal requirement when buying or selling a vehicle, so there’s no room for error.