The used car buying checklist (before, during and after viewing)

Buying a used car goes wrong in predictable ways: hidden finance, a clocked odometer, a car that is not what the advert says, or a seller who disappears once the money has gone. Almost all of it can be avoided with checks that cost little or nothing. Work through this list in order, and do not skip a stage because the car looks good. Keep notes on each car as you go, so you can compare them properly later.

Before you view

Do as much as you can from home. It saves wasted journeys, and it gives you a list of questions to ask.

1. 1Run a free check on the registrationThe registration is usually visible in the advert photos. Our free check shows the MOT history, tax status, mileage readings and the details the DVLA holds. Check the make, model, colour, engine size and fuel type all match the advert.
2. 2Read the MOT historyLook for failures, dangerous defects and advisories that keep coming back. Note anything recent the seller should have fixed. Our guide to reading an MOT history explains each result.
3. 3Check the mileageReadings should go up at every test. The free check flags any reading that fell by more than 100 miles, and a drop needs a documented explanation. See how to spot a clocked car.
4. 4Check running costs and clean air zonesIf you drive in London, Birmingham, Bristol or one of Scotland's low emission zones, check the ULEZ verdict. Compare the tax and fuel estimate with the other cars on your list.
5. 5Run the full history check on your favouriteBefore you travel or pay a deposit, run the full history check. It costs £4.49, while other well-known checks cost up to £19.99. It covers outstanding finance, write-offs, stolen and scrapped markers, keepers and plate changes, and gives you the last five characters of the VIN to match on the day.
6. 6Speak to the sellerAsk how long they have owned the car, why they are selling, whether it has a service history, and whether the V5C logbook is in their name at the address you will visit. Vague or changing answers are a warning.

At the viewing

View in daylight, in dry weather if you can, and take someone with you. Do not let the seller rush you, and do not feel awkward about taking your time.

Paperwork

• The V5C logbook: the name and address should match the seller and the place you are viewing. Hold it up to the light and check for the 'DVL' watermark. Our V5C guide explains what else to check.
• The VIN: find it at the base of the windscreen, on a door pillar or under the bonnet. It must match the logbook and the last five characters in your full check. Our VIN guide shows where to look.
• The service history: stamps, invoices and dates. Check the mileages on the invoices fit with the MOT readings.
• Receipts for recent work, especially anything the last MOT advised.

The car

• Walk round in good light. Look for mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and overspray on rubber seals, which can point to accident repairs.
• Check all four tyres for tread depth and uneven wear.
• Look underneath for leaks and corrosion, and under the bonnet for fresh oil or signs of a recent steam clean.
• Hear the engine start from cold. Ask the seller not to run it before you arrive.
• Check every warning light comes on with the ignition and goes off once the engine starts.
• Test the electrics: windows, mirrors, lights, air conditioning and the infotainment screen.

Then take it for a proper drive. Our test drive and inspection checklist covers what to look at, listen for and feel.

Agreeing the deal

• Use what you found. Advisories, worn tyres and missing service records are all reasons to offer less.
• If the full check shows outstanding finance, do not pay until the seller has settled it and you have written confirmation from the lender. Our finance guide explains how.
• Pay by bank transfer so there is a record, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Get a written receipt with the date, price, registration and VIN, and both parties' names and addresses.
• Know your rights. Buying from a dealer gives you much more protection than buying privately: see buying privately or from a dealer.

If you are buying from a dealer, ask what preparation the car has had, whether it comes with a warranty and what that warranty covers. A warranty sits on top of your legal rights, not instead of them.

After you buy

1. 1Tax it before you driveTax never transfers to a new keeper. Tax the car online with the reference number on the green new keeper slip (V5C/2) before you drive it away. Our car tax guide explains the rates.
2. 2Insure itYou need insurance in place before you drive the car, so arrange it before you collect.
3. 3Make sure the DVLA is toldThe seller should tell the DVLA about the sale, ideally online while you are with them. Keep the green slip until your new V5C arrives in the post.
4. 4Set remindersSet up free MOT and tax reminders so you never miss a renewal.
5. 5Deal with the advisoriesBook in any work the last MOT advised, and check the free report for an outstanding safety recall.