USED CAR BUYER'S GUIDE YOUR KEY CHECKLIST

Ten Points To Consider

Is It Legitimate?

Check the V5 vehicle registration document, the service history, and any old MoT certificates and receipts. Does the car seem well looked-after? If you're buying anything other than a banger, an HPI inspection may well be worthwhile. This will tell you if it's a UK car, whether it's stolen, if finance is outstanding on it ever been an insurance total loss. The other documents will give you an idea of who's owned it and how it's been cared for. Also look for the car's VIN plate to see that it corresponds to the registration document and to check that it hasn't been removed or tampered with.



Has It Been Crashed?



The golden rule here is to view the car in daylight, and avoid the rain, which can hide a multitude of horrors. Check under carpets for signs of welding, and take a good look at the shutlines around the bonnet and boot for evidence of misalignment. Many vendors won't be too enamoured if you bring a magnet to check for signs of body filler, but the old adage regarding amateur paint spraying “if you see overspray - walk away” still holds true. Suspension damage is often highlighted by irregularly worn tyres.



Has It...