Check the car’s identity and records, assess its condition and confirm that it meets your practical needs.
Check the basics first
GOV.UK recommends checking the vehicle details against DVLA information, reviewing MOT status and history, and checking for safety recalls before a viewing. Compare the registration document and the vehicle identification details when you see the car.
Review service records and repairs
A folder of receipts is most useful when you can connect it to the car’s timeline. Ask the seller to explain the work that has been done and any gaps in the record. Make a note of the questions that need an independent answer.
Separate appearance from condition
A clean interior and attractive photographs can make a car appealing. They do not tell the whole story about its mechanical condition. If you are unsure, arrange an independent professional inspection and understand what that inspection covers.
Check the car against your requirements
Take your own shortlist of requirements to the viewing. Will the car fit your parking space? Can everyone sit comfortably? Is the boot useful for what you carry? A good example of the wrong type of car is still the wrong choice for your needs.