Create a Used Car Checklist

Buyers have two options when they go to view a used car. The first is to listen to the seller, who is sure to point out that only a certifiable dingbat would pass up the opportunity to buy such a fine motor. The second, more sensible option is to get the car checked out.

Of course, it is a good idea to have a professional inspect the car or, failing that, a friend who knows a bit about used cars can come in handy. For those determined to go it alone, create a checklist and use it when carrying out a thorough inspection. A typical checklist may look like this:

Exterior

• Are there any bumps, dents, scratches or scuffs?
• Looking at the bumpers, front and rear wings, bonnet and boot, do all the panels line up evenly?
• Do all the lights line up evenly and are any chipped?
• Are there any scratches on the windows or front and rear screens?
• Do the doors open without creaking and close smoothly without being slammed?
• Has the exhaust been dented by poor reversing or pumped excessive soot on the bumper?
• Are all the wheels the same type and the standard wheels for the car?
• Are the tyres mix and match or all the same make?
• Do the edges of the tyres have any nicks or signs of kerbing?
• Are the tyres evenly worn?
• Is anything hanging loose on the underside of the car?
• Are there any leaks or spots of rust?

Electrics

• Do all the lights work?
• Does the central locking work?
• Do the electric windows go up and down smoothly?
• Does every button work as it should?
• Does the air-conditioning work?

Interior

• Are there any rips, scuffs or stains on the upholstery?
• Are any seats loose or do they rattle?
• Do the seatbelts run smoothly and hold tight when pulled firmly?
• Are the driver's seat, steering wheel and foot pedals excessively worn for the stated mileage?
• Have holes been made in dashboard or trim to accommodate mobile phone holders or stereo speakers?
• Does it smell of cigarettes and are there any cigarette burns?
• Are all the keys present and is more than one key needed for ignition, doors and boot?
• Is the carpet damp, perhaps due to a leaky door or sunroof?
• When wheels are aligned ahead, is the steering wheel straight?

Mechanical

• Does the engine start easily, settle to an even idle and rev freely when the accelerator is pressed?
• Are there any noises or leaks from the engine?
• Are the fluids at the correct levels and is the oil clean or is there white sludge, which could indicate water contamination?
• Do the pedals work smoothly and the gears engage easily?
• Make sure the clutch takes up smoothly and doesn't slip?
• Are the brakes strong, or do they pull to one side?
• Any unpleasant noises from the suspension, gearbox or clutch?
• Does the suspension settle quickly?
• In bends, does the car roll too much or feel too firm?
• Is the exhaust quiet or does it rattle and is there smoke coming from it?

Paperwork

• Are all the documents present?
• Is there a full service history, including MOTs?
• Do the MOTs run concurrently?
• Is the mileage backed up by MOTs and service records?
• Does the seller's name match the name on the logbook?
• Is the viewing address the same as the one on the logbook?
• Is work carried out on the car backed up by receipts?
• Does the engine capacity, fuel type and colour match?

Make a note of any small defects and use the list as a bargaining tool when it comes to haggling over the price. Even if the faults are minor, when faced with an extensive list a seller may have a sudden desire to offload the car and alter the asking price accordingly.

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