Buying a used car checklist
Before you go
Run a free checks on the DVLA website (see homepage for details)
Run a full Vehicle Report Check – if you’re going to look at it
Check the price online to make sure it is a sensible price, not too good to be true
Print off or have easy access to the report, you will refer to it when you’re with the car
Know where the VIN (Vehicle Identity Number) is located on that car – front, middle and rear
Know where the engine stamp is on that car
Inform seller you will want to see 2 forms of ID.
Inform seller you will meet them at the premises where the vehicle is registered.
Inform seller you may bring a friend who knows about cars
Inform seller you want to see the car in daylight
Inform the seller your times, can they agree to that (so you’re not rushed)
If a deposit is agreed, don’t pay more than you are willing to lose
Seller and car details
Look at two forms of ID. Are they real?
Take a photo of the seller
Are you at the registered address?
Have you gone into the registered address?
Look at the V5 document, hold it up, is there a watermark?
Ensure the V5 is not a duplicate if you’ve not been told that
Compare Total Car Check report to V5
1) Is the VIN the same
2) is the engine number the same?
3) Is the V5 log book date the same?
4) Are basic details the same e.g. colour, model, transmission, doors
5) Is the mileage correct?
Service book: Does it have a front page?
Service book: Is it stamped with garage details?
Service records: Are they on headed paper from the garage?
Car check: look at VIN in place 1 e.g. windscreen
Car check: look at VIN in place 2 e.g. under seat carpet
Car check: look at VIN in place 3 e.g. boot, door post, door panel, engine compartment
Car check: If a VIN is on a sticker, have a pick to see if it comes off
Car check: Does the engine number match the number on the Total Car Check?
Is it an original key? Take out the pop-out key and try it in the door.
You check. Stop. Take a moment. Are you letting the thought of a deal get the better of you.
Have you ticked anything above that’s not 100%?
Vehicle Check (Simple)
Oil
Tyres
Wheels
Window chips
Bodywork
Test drive
Purchase
- Print a receipt to take with you, twice
- Both of you sign the receipt
- Fill in the V5 details
- Take the green slip
If there’s anything we should add to this list, please contact us