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Inspection

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What do you look for when you're buying a used car? Here's a thorough tick list of things to check.

From handy hints on how to spot if a car is stolen to alterations on the mileage, we've got an essential list of questions to ask, plus items to check when you're viewing a used car. You could print this document and check each item when viewing a vehicle.

Has it Been Stolen?

Can the seller show you the V5 vehicle registration document?
You won't be able to tax the car without it.

Is the seller the registered keeper shown on the V5?
If not, why are they selling it for someone else?

Does the registration document have a watermark?

Are there any spelling mistakes on the registration document?

Do the VIN (vehicle identification number), engine number and colour match what's on the V5?

Does the number plate match what's on the V5?

Has the VIN plate been tampered with (stamped onto the body in the engine compartment)?

If there are VIN numbers etched on glass are they all the same and do they match those on the VIN plate and V5?

Can you see deliberate scratches on glass to remove etched-in marks?

Does the fuel filler look as if it has been forced or replaced?

Are there any signs of forced entry, damaged or different locks, suggesting they've been replaced?

Does the seller have a current MOT certificate and certificate of insurance?

Is the Mileage Accurate?

Does the mileage roughly tie in with the age and appearance of the car?

Are there stone chips across the front of the bonnet, grille and bumper that could indicate higher mileage?

Are there worn screws in the dashboard suggesting that the instruments might have been tampered with?

Does the mileage recorded on the service records, MOT certificates and other documents increase at a consistent rate year on year? Is it consistent with the current mileage?

Written-off in a Smash?

Are there signs of inconsistent gaps between panels or mismatched colours on doors, bonnet and tailgate which could indicate extensive repairs?

Is the paint finish even across the car?

Are there traces of spray paint on door handles, window seals and mouldings?

Are there signs that the car's colour has been changed?
(Look under carpets and in other hidden areas in particular.)

Are there signs of unusual looking welding under the bonnet or in the boot?

How about safety?

Are the tyres (including the spare) in good condition?
Check there's no sign of excessive or uneven wear or damage.
Key point If the tread on any tyre is less than 3mm you'll have to replace it very soon.

Do all the seatbelts operate correctly?
Check there are no cuts or fraying that could affect the way they work.

If airbags are fitted, do warning lights come on with the ignition and then go out?
This indicates they're in good working order.

How Does it Perform on a Test Drive?

Are the brakes effective or does it take a long time or a lot of effort to stop?

Is the braking even or can you feel the car pull to one side?

Are there any unusual noises when you brake?

Is the handbrake effective?

Is the steering heavy?
Can you feel it vibrate or pull to one side?

If ABS is fitted, does the warning light go out after the engine is started?

What about the Mechanics?

Are there any abnormal noises when the engine is started from cold?

Does the oil warning light go out as soon as the engine starts?

Are there signs of excessive visible exhaust emissions?

White water vapour from the exhaust is normal
Blue smoke isn't normal – that's oil burning
Don't worry about faint blue smoke from diesels
Key point black smoke from diesels is serious

Is the clutch in good condition?
If you hear a noise when you press down on the clutch, this could mean the release bearing is worn and likely to fail. If it bites more than halfway up, you may need to have it replaced.

Is the catalytic converter in good condition?
Look for a recent emissions test, either alone or as part of an MOT. This will confirm that emissions are within the stringent limits applied to modern cars.

Is there sludge on the underside of the oil filler cap?
This could indicate poor servicing.

Is the oil level correct?
Too low shows neglect; too high could be an indication that the engine is using oil.

Has the cam belt been replaced according to the manufacturer's recommended intervals?
If you're not sure then replace it anyway – it's much cheaper than a new engine!

Are the Locks and Windows up to Scratch?

Do all the locks, including central locking and remote control, work properly?

Do all windows, including any sunroof, open/close normally?

Have you got all the right keys?
Check the handbook to see which keys were provided when the car was new. Modern keys are expensive to replace, particularly the coloured 'master' key provided by some manufacturers to programme new spare keys to the car.

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