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Buying a used car is different from buying a new car. Understanding the used car market and how to buy the best used car, one that perfectly meets your needs while remaining within your budget will make the entire process run smoother. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide outlining every stage of buying the best used car.
We explain the key information you need to know about the used car buying process. From how to choose the right used car, to the paperwork you’ll need to drive off the lot, the final steps, and much more!
Buying a used car isn’t the same as buying new. The process involves different checks, decisions, and negotiation points.
When choosing the right used car,there are a handful of decisions to make. These decisions will help you filter options and focus only on vehicles that fit what you need, budget, and lifestyle.
Budget
For most buyers, budget is the single biggest deciding factor. Set a realistic spending limit and stick to it, avoid stretching for extras that don’t fit your budget.
Don’t forget to consider running costs, like insurance, road tax, maintenance, engine size and fuel consumption. These can save big money in the long run!
Mileage vs. Age: Which Matters More
It depends on the vehicle’s use and care.
High mileage, newer car: may have more wear if used for commercial purposes, but could still be in good condition if well maintained.
Low mileage, older car: might look great, but could have outdated tech or hidden age-related issues.
Always check service history and condition rather than relying on mileage or age alone.
Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid or Electric
Petrol
Advantages: Lower purchase price; widely available.
Considerations: Lower MPG than diesel; higher fuel costs over time.
Diesel
Advantages: Higher MPG (50–60 mpg avg); better for long-distance drivers.
Considerations: Can be more expensive to buy; ULEZ/clean air zone restrictions.
Hybrid
Advantages: 30–50% better fuel economy than petrol; no charging needed; more environmentally friendly.
Considerations: More complex systems; may cost more to repair.
Electric
Advantages: Cheaper per mile; fewer moving parts, so less maintenance costs; instant torque providing smooth, fast acceleration.
Considerations: Charging infrastructure; battery health varies with age.
Transmission – Manual or Automatic
Manual
Advantages: Cheaper to buy and repair, better fuel economy if driven efficiently, and has a wider choice on the used market.
Considerations: It naturally requires clutch control, which can be tiring in heavy traffic.
Automatic
Advantages: Easier and less tiring to drive, especially in traffic, smooth gear changes; ideal for stop-start driving, and less of a learning curve for new drivers.
Considerations: Often costs more to buy and repair, fewer options on the used market, and may have lower fuel efficiency (unless hybrid/EV).
If you’re buying a used car in the UK, where you choose to buy it can have a big impact on price, vehicle condition, legal protection, and the level of aftercare you receive.
The three most common options are dealerships, private sellers, and auctions. Each offers different levels of choice, security, and flexibility, and knowing these differences will help you make the best decision for your budget, risk tolerance, and buying priorities.
Dealership
Advantages: Often includes warranty; protected by the Consumer Rights Act; finance & part exchange available; paperwork handled for you.
Considerations: Higher prices due to overheads; less room for negotiation; may be upsold extras you don’t need.
Private Seller
Advantages: Lower purchase price; more room to negotiate; direct insight into the car’s history; wider variety of models.
Considerations: No legal protection; risk of hidden issues or scams; no finance or part exchange options.
Manual
Advantages: Often lower prices; wide range of vehicles; quick buying process.
Considerations: No warranty or legal protection; no test drive allowed; limited paperwork; immediate payment required.
Tyre Tread
What to Check: Minimum legal tread is 1.6mm; replace if under 3mm.
Why it Matters: Low tread means replacement soon, and tyres plus fitting can be costly.
Body Panels
What to Check: Look for large gaps, dents, mismatched paint.
Why it Matters: Could indicate accident damage or poor repairs.
Fluid Levels
What to Check: Oil, brake, coolant, power steering, washer fluid.
Why it Matters: Low or dirty fluids may mean poor maintenance.
Electrics
What to Check: Lights, windows, air con, heated seats, radio.
Why it Matters: Repairs can be costly; faults can be used to negotiate price.
Glass & Lights
What to Check: Chips or cracks in windscreen, moisture in lights.
Why it Matters: MOT failure risk and repair cost.
Spare Wheel & Tools
What to Check: Wheel, jack, locking nut adapter present and in good condition.
Why it Matters: Essential for roadside emergencies.
Interior Wear & Tear
What to Check: Seats, dashboard, carpets match age/mileage.
Why it Matters: Heavy wear on low mileage could mean poor care.
HPI or Vehicle History Check
What to Check: Confirms if car is stolen, written off, has finance, or mileage discrepancies.
Why it Matters: Protects against fraud and hidden issues.
Test driving is your best opportunity to spot issues a visual inspection might miss.
Before you set off, make sure you bring your driving licence and proof of insurance. For private sales, confirm you’re covered to drive the vehicle.
A thorough test drive will give you confidence in the car’s condition and help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Route tips: aim for a mix of urban stop–start, a bumpy road, and a short stretch at higher speeds, like a dual carriageway (if possible). You’ll spot issues that won’t show up on a two‑minute loop.
Set-up & Interior
How to Check: Adjust seat, mirrors, steering wheel. Test interior lights, wipers/washers, stereo, heater/AC. Check doors lock and windows operate smoothly.
Green Flag: Everything works the first time; smooth switches and windows.
Red Flag: Sticking switches or slow-moving windows.
Start-up
How to Check: Start the engine from cold if possible. Watch for smoke; listen closely.
Green Flag: Clean start, steady idle, no warning lights.
Red Flag: Excessive smoke, rough idle, or warning lights that stay on.
Low-speed Feel
How to Check: Pull away gently and drive at low speed.
Green Flag: Smooth acceleration, straight tracking, predictable braking.
Red Flag: Jerky movements or pulling to one side.
Steering & Suspension
How to Check: Drive over bumps and rough surfaces; make a few tight turns.
Green Flag: No clunks or vibration. Car feels composed and stable.
Red Flag: Knocks, clunks, or excessive play in the steering.
Braking
How to Check: Brake progressively from different speeds.
Green Flag: Firm, straight stops with no issues.
Red Flag: Pulling, grinding, or juddering under braking.
Gears & Clutch (if manual)
How to Check: Shift through all gears; find the bite point.
Green Flag: Smooth, quiet gear changes; consistent clutch bite.
Red Flag: Crunching gears, slipping clutch, or an inconsistent bite point.
Auto Transmission (if automatic)
How to Check: Move through P-R-N-D and accelerate/brake gently.
Green Flag: Smooth upshifts and kickdown.
Red Flag: Thumps, delays, or hesitation when shifting.
Electrics & Safety
How to Check: Check indicators, horn, external lights, heated seats (if fitted), air con.
Green Flag: All systems working correctly.
Red Flag: Faults or non-functioning electrics.
Noises & Vibration
How to Check: Listen throughout for rattles, humming, or whines.
Green Flag: Quiet cabin with no unusual noises.
Red Flag: Persistent rattles or humming, suggesting wheel bearing, gearbox, or tyre issues.
After the Drive
How to Check: Park, leave engine idling briefly, then switch off and restart.
Green Flag: No smells, leaks, or dashboard warnings.
Red Flag: Burning smells, fluid leaks, or new warning lights appearing.
When buying a used car in the UK, having the right paperwork protects you legally and ensures you know exactly what you’re getting. These are the essential documents to check before completing the purchase:
V5C Registration Certificate (Logbook)
What it is: proof of ownership and vehicle registration details, should match the seller’s ID and the car’s VIN/engine number.
Why it matters: Confirms the seller is the legal owner. Never buy without it, missing or mismatched details could indicate theft or fraud.
MOT Certificate
What it is: Proof the car passed its annual roadworthiness test; includes expiry date and advisories.
Why it matters: Ensures the vehicle meets legal safety standards; upcoming advisories may mean future costs.
Service History
What it is: Record of all servicing, repairs, and replaced parts.
Why it matters: A full history shows the car has been maintained properly and can increase resale value.
Proof of Purchase / Receipt
What it is: Written confirmation of sale price, date, and both parties’ details.
Why it matters: Protects both buyer and seller in case of disputes.
Vehicle History Check: from services like HPI; reveals if the car has been written off, has finance owing, or mileage discrepancies.
Warranty or Guarantee Information: ensure any dealer or third-party warranty documents are provided in full.
Asking the right questions before you commit can help you spot potential issues, negotiate a better deal, and avoid future headaches. Use this checklist when speaking to a dealer or private seller.
When buying a used car in the UK, you have several ways to pay. The right choice depends on your budget, whether you want to own the car outright, and how quickly you want to complete the purchase.
Part Exchange
Part exchange allows you to trade in your current car to reduce the cost of your next one. A quick and convenient option that saves you the time and effort of selling privately. However, you may not get the full market value for your old car, so it’s worth comparing offers before committing.
Outright Purchase
Buying outright can be done via bank transfer, debit card, or, less commonly, cash. Bank transfers are secure and traceable, making them a preferred choice for both dealers and private sellers. Paying by debit or credit card can offer extra consumer protection, although some dealers may charge fees for credit card use. Cash payments are now rare because of fraud risks and the difficulty of tracing large sums, and many reputable dealers limit or discourage them.
Hire Purchase (HP)
Hire Purchase allows you to pay a deposit and then fixed monthly instalments until the car is fully paid off. Once the final payment is made, you own the car outright. The downside is that monthly payments are usually higher than with other finance types, and you must keep up with repayments to avoid the risk of the vehicle being repossessed.
Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)
PCP works similarly to HP, but at the end of the agreement you can either make a larger “balloon” payment to keep the car or return it and choose another. PCP offers lower monthly payments than HP and suits drivers who like upgrading regularly. However, you won’t own the car unless you make the final payment, and agreements usually include mileage limits and condition requirements that could add costs if exceeded.
Once the paperwork is complete and payment is made, there are a few final tasks to ensure your newly bought used car is legal, protected, and ready for the road.
1. Tax the Car
It’s a legal requirement to have road tax in place before driving. You can tax the car online using the 12-digit reference from the green “new keeper” slip of the V5C, or in person at a Post Office. Vehicle tax doesn’t transfer from the previous owner, so it must be registered in your name before you set off.
2. Arrange Insurance
Driving without insurance is illegal in the UK. You’ll need at least third-party cover in place before taking the car onto the road. Many insurers can activate a policy immediately, so you’re protected from the moment you take ownership.
3. Set a Maintenance Plan
Even if the car is in great condition, scheduling regular servicing will help keep it reliable and prevent costly repairs later. Check the owner’s manual for service intervals and note when key items, such as the oil, brakes, and timing belt, may need attention.
Special Circumstances: If you’re fitting a personalised number plate, follow the DVLA’s transfer process and wait for confirmation before installing it on the vehicle.
With these steps complete, you can drive away knowing your used car is safe, legal, and ready for the journeys ahead.
When buying a used car, peace of mind is everything. Choose a dealer like M53 and you’re guaranteed a friendly, customer-centric service that aims to find the best used car for you.
We offer a wide selection of used cars and used vans to suit all budgets and preferences. Every vehicle comes with a 12-month warranty, full roadside assistance, and access to our complete aftersales support, including MOTs, servicing, repairs, and fixed-price service plans.
What’s more, our Ellesmere Port and Birkenhead dealerships are open till 6pm on weekdays and we even offer online viewings and purchase options to make buying a vehicle perfect for you easy and straightforward.
Need help buying or selling a used car? Contact Group M53 today. Trusted by drivers across the Wirral, Ellesmere Port, and beyond.