Buying a Used Car? Here’s What to Check Before You Commit

At a Glance

Buying a used car can be a smart financial move if you know what to look for, whether it’s verifying documents, getting an HPI check done or reviewing your used car’s MOT history. Due diligence matters at every step. In Town Automotive’s used car buying checklist helps UK buyers make confident, informed decisions. Follow these tips to make an informed purchase decision and avoid costly surprises down the road.

Essential Checks to Make Before Purchasing a Used Car

In the current economy, purchasing a used car can be a cost-effective and smart decision. However, this is not to say that it doesn’t have its share of risks. Unlike new cars, used cars don’t offer the same guaranteed reliability or warranty. On top of that, many used vehicles can have hidden issues that aren’t obvious at first glance. 

What should you look for before buying a second-hand car to make sure it’s a good investment? It’s important to consider doing your due diligence, be it verifying paperwork, service records, or spotting potential warning signs. This can save you from needless stress and save you money on costly repairs down the line.

In this article, we break down everything you should know before purchasing a new car. So if you’re considering buying a used car in 2025-2026, we highly recommend you refer to our used car buying checklist for UK buyers.

How to Prepare for Buying a Used Car

Want to make a successful used car purchase? Start by planning your steps carefully. Research the market, compare options, and make sure the car fits your needs. Since cost is a major reason to buy used, setting a realistic budget should be one of your top priorities.

This means factoring in insurance costs, vehicle excise duty (VED), and setting aside a small portion of your fund for initial car maintenance. We also recommend keeping an emergency fund ready for at least a few months to address any potential car problems that may arise.

Used car buying checklists in the UK always suggest that you check the reliability ratings of your proposed purchase model. This could give you a fair idea about depreciation rates, running costs, and potential common car problems it may have. Plus, you should also consider listing out non-negotiable features to ensure your chosen used car model better fits your requirements.

Choosing Where to Buy & Understanding Legal Risks

When you’re considering buying a second-hand car, choosing where to buy from becomes an important consideration. This is because it will largely determine your purchase price, experience and the legal protections you can get. For this reason, our second-hand car buying tips for first-time buyers highly recommend you purchase from a main dealer or a reputable independent used car dealer.

This way, you get everything you’re looking for when buying a second-hand car. It allows you to access high-quality stock with strong buyer protection as covered by the consumer rights act 2015 (CRA). It’s important to note here that independent dealers may give you some room to negotiate prices, making them a better choice.

You could also consider purchasing a used car from an online platform. They can offer you the convenience of fixed prices, a wider range of used car options and a 14-day cooling off period. However, the downside here is that you cannot physically inspect the car before purchasing it. If you’ve been sold a faulty used car or it doesn’t match the product description, you can still benefit from the consumer contracts regulations (2013).

What to Check Before You Buy a Used Car

When you’re buying a second-hand car, what you’re looking for is a well-maintained car with the service records to back it up and a decent test drive. Pay special attention to the V5C logbook and whether the vehicle identification number matches the number on the chassis of your car to ensure there’s no discrepancy.

You can also check your used car’s MOT history to get a clearer picture of its mileage, any major faults or recurring advisories it may have. As part of your due diligence, you should also consider getting a hire purchase investigation (HPI) done. This will allow you to check if the vehicle has any outstanding finance, ensure it doesn’t have a write-off history and protect you from potential fraud.

Buying a used car? Get it professionally checked at In Town Automotive’s award-winning garages in Northampton and Kettering. We offer you a top-quality servicing experience for a wide range of car issues, including exhausts, engines, tyres and much more. Want to learn more about how we support used car buyers? Call 01604 666 700 to book an appointment or get in touch today.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

What else should you be looking for when you’re buying a second-hand car? While there’s no single foolproof method, you can protect yourself from buyer’s remorse by keeping these common pitfalls in mind. 

Prioritising want over need

For many used car buyers, it’s a tempting proposition to prioritise wants over needs because of the perception that buying a second-hand car is a cost-effective purchase. However, this approach may end up costing you more. Instead, stick to your budget and prioritise your non-negotiables to make a smart choice.

Taking a seller’s word over a physical car inspection

Physically inspecting a used car can help dispel any doubts you may have about the car’s condition. It allows you to verify a seller’s claims and check the quality yourself. Never take a seller’s word and bypass a physical car inspection. You can always take the car for a full vehicle scan at a reputed garage like In Town Automotive that uses modern vehicle diagnostics before you commit to a purchase.

Ignoring paperwork and an HPI check

If you want to make a successful, stress-free used car purchase, consider paperwork and HPI checks as top priority in your used car buying checklist for 2026. Neglecting both these steps as part of your due diligence can prove costly, as you could fail to spot discrepancies in mileage, signs of previous damage, and outstanding finance issues.

Finalising Your Purchase

If you’re a first-time buyer, we recommend following our second-hand car buying tips to make an informed purchase. However, before you commit to buying a used car, check the market rates for similar models. This will help you negotiate better and ensure you an even lower price.

Be sure to read the fine print of the contract and warranty. Clarify any doubts you may have with the seller or dealer. If you have a verbal agreement with the seller involving any car repairs to be done before the sale, get it in writing to avoid any potential dispute or address non-compliance.

Lastly, consider insuring your used car and transferring the VED to your name. This can help you avoid fines, ensure legal ownership and protect your used car against any potential damage or incidents of theft.

Contact In Town Automotive for a Professional Car Servicing Today 

Now that you know all about buying a second-hand car, why not consider professional car servicing at our award-winning garages in Northampton and Kettering?

We use top-of-the-line vehicle diagnostic tools to conduct full-service scans and also offer a FREE 16-point vehicle health check. Our technicians are well-equipped to tackle various car issues to support your vehicle’s health.

To keep your used car running safely and efficiently, we recommend sending it in for an all-inclusive health check. We have years of experience in fixing air conditioning, cambelts, exhausts, wheel alignment, and much more. 

With over 1000+ positive reviews on Google, we have a proven track record for delivering reliable car services. Consider visiting our services page or contacting us to book an appointment today.