Used car buying checklist

Buying a used car privately can save you money, but the RAC points out you get fewer rights than when you buy from a dealer, and you could have no comeback if it breaks down on the way home. Most problems can be spotted before you hand over any money. Work through this checklist in order: online checks first, then the viewing, then the paperwork.

Checked on 17 October 2026 against GOV.UK's Buy a vehicle guidance, Citizens Advice and the RAC.

Step 1: Free checks before you travel

All you need is the number plate.

  • MOT history: GOV.UK's MOT history shows every test since 2005 for cars, whether it passed or failed, the mileage at each test, what failed and any minor problems. Look for mileage that goes down or jumps oddly, and for the same fault coming back. Run a free MOT history check on CheckMOT.
  • DVLA details: the vehicle enquiry service shows the tax status, SORN status, MOT expiry, date first registered, the date the logbook (V5C) was last issued, colour, engine size and fuel type. Check they match the advert.
  • Safety recalls: your MOT history may show if the car has been recalled. GOV.UK also has a separate recall checker.
  • Ask the seller for the reg, make, model and MOT test number, and confirm they have the V5C.

Step 2: The viewing

Citizens Advice says view the car in daylight, ideally when it's dry, because rain hides damage. It also suggests meeting at the private seller's home, so you have a record of their address if something goes wrong. Take someone who knows cars if you can.

  • Bodywork: look for dents, rust and mismatched paint. Large or uneven panel gaps can be a sign of a poor crash repair (RAC).
  • Wheels and tyres: look for kerbed alloys, uneven wear and tread depth. Cars need at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. A tread depth gauge settles it.
  • Interior: the RAC says heavy wear on the driver's seat, steering wheel and pedals that doesn't fit a low mileage should raise alarm bells.
  • Under the bonnet and underneath: use a torch to look for leaks, and check the oil and coolant levels.
  • Warning lights: switch on the ignition. The lights should come on and then go out once the engine runs. An ABS or airbag light that stays on is an MOT fail, and so is an engine light on most cars (see our MOT checklist). A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner reads any stored engine fault codes on your phone.
  • Service history: ask for the receipts and stamps.

Step 3: The test drive

You must be insured to drive it. Check whether your own policy covers you, or ask if the seller's insurance does. Citizens Advice says don't test drive if you're not insured, as you'd be liable for any damage and could get points. Drive for at least 15 minutes on different types of road. Check the brakes pull straight, the gears change smoothly, there are no knocks over bumps, and that everything electrical works.

Step 4: The paperwork

  • The make, model and number plate on the V5C must match the car (RAC).
  • The VIN on the V5C should match the VIN on the car, which you can usually read through the bottom of the windscreen.
  • If you're buying privately, the registered keeper's name and address on the V5C should match the seller and the address you're buying from.
  • GOV.UK's buying guide says to check the logbook is not for a stolen vehicle.

Step 5: Paying and driving away

  • Pay with a traceable method, not cash, and get a receipt (RAC).
  • Tax: the tax doesn't transfer with the car. You must tax it before you drive it, using the green new keeper slip from the V5C.
  • Insurance: you must have at least third-party insurance. Driving uninsured can mean a £300 fixed penalty and 6 penalty points.
  • MOT: if the car is over three years old, it needs a valid MOT to be taxed and driven.

Not sure? Get it inspected

If you're spending serious money, an independent inspection is worth it. Book a pre-purchase inspection through CheckMOT, and once it's yours, set a free MOT and tax reminder.

Shop the viewing kit

See the MOT prep range.

FAQs

What should I check before buying a used car?

Run the free MOT history and DVLA vehicle checks with the number plate, view the car in daylight, test drive it for at least 15 minutes, and check the V5C and VIN match the car and the seller. Then tax and insure it before you drive away.

Does car tax transfer when you buy a used car?

No. GOV.UK says the tax is not transferred when you buy a vehicle, so you must tax it before you drive it, or declare it off the road (SORN).

Can I test drive a car without insurance?

No. You must be insured. Check whether your own policy covers you to drive other cars, or ask whether the seller's insurance covers you. Citizens Advice says not to test drive if you're not insured.

How can I tell if a car has been clocked?

Check the mileage recorded at each MOT in the car's MOT history. It should only ever go up. Wear on the seat, steering wheel and pedals that doesn't match the mileage is another warning sign.

What is the VIN and where do I find it?

The Vehicle Identification Number is the car's unique ID. It is printed on the V5C logbook, and on most cars you can read it through the bottom of the windscreen. The two should match.

Sources

Checked 17 October 2026:

This page is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules can change, so check the official sources linked above.