Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Car

Aug 30, 2023

Buying a used car is a great way to save money, plus you can still get something that’s only a few years old and has been well looked after. However, you need to be careful; some dealerships and private car salespeople will sell cars with problems for more money than they’re worth. We’ve compiled a list of questions to ask when buying a used car to help you avoid getting a poor deal.

Has the car been in any accidents?

Finding out if the car has been in an accident can help you determine if the cost is reasonable. Some cars could have been in serious collisions, and the repair work done isn’t always up to standard. This can impact the vehicle's safety and potentially lead to further issues in the future. However, not all cars that have been in accidents need to be disregarded; if they’ve been repaired well and the price reflects the condition, the car could still be a good deal. Still, it's always worth asking this question upfront and getting all of the relevant information needed to make an informed decision.

What is the service history?

A car serviced regularly by a reputable dealer will have fewer issues than one that’s rarely been serviced. A key thing to ask when buying a used car is information about the service history; this will usually be written down in the service book. If the car has had yearly services from a reputable garage, you’re less likely to find mechanical issues with the car. If there is no service history with the car or the service book has been lost, you can use this information to negotiate a better price; however, be aware that you may need to pay out more for things that could go wrong.

What will be done to the car before I collect it?

Some car dealerships will ensure any cars that are purchased are given a new MOT and serviced before they are taken away. In addition to this, they may fix advisories and any other problems that arise as part of the MOT checking process. Other dealerships will sell the car as seen, and you won’t get the reassurance that the car has been recently checked and serviced. Ask the dealership what the process would be if you purchased the car and how long it would take to get the car ready. Knowing that the used car you’ve just purchased has been recently checked, serviced, and any issues fixed can make paying a bit more for the vehicle or waiting a bit longer worth it.

Does the car come with a warranty?

Many car dealerships will offer a three or six-month warranty on their used cars; this can be really helpful if you have an issue within that time frame. If you’re serious about one of the prestige cars the dealer has to offer, you may wish to get a longer warranty to cover your investment. Asking If the car comes with a warranty is just the start; you should also find out what exactly that warranty includes and what’s excluded. The dealership might have paperwork you can read to learn more about the warranty. When buying from a private seller, you’re unlikely to get a warranty, but the cost of the car should be lower to reflect this.

Ask if you can test drive the car

It's really important to try out any used car you purchase before you agree and hand over any money. Every car drives differently, and you need to feel comfortable when driving your new car. A test drive will help you see how the vehicle will fit into your everyday life and will ensure the car works for your driving style. Sitting in the car whilst someone else drives isn’t really enough; you need to drive the car yourself before you make the purchase.