Used Cars: Banging bargain or buyer beware

The checks you need to make when it comes to buying a used car.

The used car market is awash with quality motors, yet it’s important to lean on the talents of a mechanical mind who can give your prospective purchase a once-over. Alternatively, if the seller agrees, book it in for a professional health-check. Before you get to that stage, there are a number of checks you can perform yourself on the driveway:

1. Beginning with the outside of the car, have a good look at the wheels and tyres. Make sure that you confirm the tyre depth and tread are road legal and do the 20p test by inserting a coin into the grooves. 2. Make sure you take a torch along on a viewing in order to check bodywork, both the exterior and underneath. Rust, leaks and splits should be evident.

3. Next is the interior. Check all warning lights work properly, and that the mileage is ticking along properly on a test drive. Electronics are important and could be costly to get replaced. 4. Next look at the engine. Check for leaks (when you previously looked underneath the car, you may have seen liquid on the tarmac). Inspect pipes and hoses for any splits or abrasions. 5. The test drive is where you will truly put your new motor through its paces. If you have someone else with you, get them to check the colour of the smoke from the exhaust.

Drive along with windows open and music off so that you can listen out for any unexpected noises – squeaks, purrs and grinds should cause alarm.

Ensure you drive at varying speeds to get an accurate idea of what the engine has in it (or doesn’t!).

6. Gear box and clutch issues can be particularly expensive, so ensure you move through all configurations. If the car doesn’t get through each of the gears happily, there could be an issue. 7. Documents and paperwork should include the car’s previous service history. Perform an online vehicle history check to confirm nothing is outstanding regarding MOT and tax. Summing up, although the fun of landing a new car can seem like it’s being taken away by an exhaustive look at possible motor issues, you may well save yourself a lot of money in the long run.