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Buying a used car privately

• Don't buy a car on 'private sale' terms if you suspect the seller might be a dealer.
• If you call in response to an advert, say you're calling 'about the car you advertised'. If the seller has to ask which car, they may be a dealer.
• Be wary of adverts quoting mobile numbers or numbers that appear in several ads.
• Don't let the owner bring the car to you - view it at their home, in daylight.
• Does the seller really appear to be the owner?
  • Is it their home?
  • They should be familiar with the car and its controls.

Buying from a used car dealer

On the whole, a dealer with a new-car franchise for the make you're interested in is probably best, although there are many highly respected used car dealers around.

• Choose an established dealership with a good reputation they'll want to maintain.
• Check that the extras a dealer includes, such as warranties, are competitively priced.
• The best way of finding a dealer is through personal recommendation.
• It's vital to check the warranty:
  • a mechanical breakdown warranty from some dealerships may cost extra and won't cover everything
  • find out exactly what is and isn't covered, for how long and for how much.

Auctions for used cars

It's best not to buy a used car at auction unless you know your way around an engine and you're aware of current price trends.

• Take someone with you - preferably someone familiar with auctions and who knows about cars.
• Go first as a spectator to get the feel of how auctions work.
• Read the terms and conditions of sale carefully.
• Don't get carried away bidding:
  • stick to your budget
  • factor in any seller's premium or other fees charged on top of the 'hammer price'.
• Test the car as soon as you can after you've paid - if there's anything wrong you'll only have a very short time in which to complain

Buying a used car online

However tempting the offer, don't rush into making a purchase - you could save yourself a lot of time, trouble and money. Remember, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

• Make notes of what's on offer:
  • you can use them to compare cars
  • they'll give you a written record of what's been agreed.
• Make sure that you know exactly who you're buying from:
  • check the firm is credible and trustworthy
  • if possible, see whether others have had positive dealings with the company
• Read the small print before you click that 'Buy' button:
  • if an online seller can't or won't offer 100% customer satisfaction, shop elsewhere.
• If you decide to buy, print off all details:
  • this includes the seller's details, terms and conditions, quotes and the completed order form.
• Always get confirmation of your order by post, fax or email. As a minimum, your confirmation should give you an order number, the main specifications you've ordered, the price agreed and when the car should be delivered.