Questions to ask when buying a second hand car?

Quackers1

I've been asked to go with a friend who is looking to buy a car. I would be grateful for help compiling a list of questions and things she should look for.

She currently doesn't know what she wants in terms of make/model/type of car so the plan is to visit a car supermarket and look at lots of different types.

I bought my last car new from a dealer, so I'm currently not much use, but I'm sure with your help, I can be.

Thanks in advance.

Quackers

arcon5

What age group/mileague range is she looking at? What is her budget?

It really depends on this - a 1 year old car for example you'd be looking at asking when and where it was serviced? And if the terms of the warranty have been met and is it transferable?

If an 8 year old car with 60k+ possibly enquiring about service history, whether timing belts been changed, etc.

If 100k mile +, dig in to reason for sale etc etc etc

1DayAAT

Service history - how much, proof of.
Mileage - if low, evidence of previous MOTs.
Previous owners - how many?
Check V5 to show not marked as Cat C/D (unless declared as)
Any modications or bodywork repairs, receipts or assurance that work was carried out to a good standard.
Condition of tyres- how much life left in them.
Any advisories on last MOT
Date of last service
How long this car has been with current owner
Reason for sale
Known mechanical faults (eg expense on horizon, reason for sale).

I've bought and sold many many used cars of various ages but those are pretty much standard, without seeming like a picky so and so, you need to be careful when buying something expensive that also has a lot of safety implications. Good luck.

facade

At a car supermarket:

How much will I actually pay to drive this car away?

Some places have a whole raft of extra charges above the screen price, e.g. charging you £50 for an unnecessary HPI check (as if they don't do one on purchase, and they pay about £3 for it too: they are liable if they sell it with outstanding finance)

And never never never let them scotchguard it for £400.

Quackers1

Thank you arcon5, 1DayAAT and facade. I really appreciate it!

Tigerprint

As well as the above, I would also ask if the car is HPI clear

If it has had a cambelt kit change (depending on model/age/miles)

If it has 2 keys

How much to tax & how many miles per gallon it does (if important to you)

cootuk

Insurance group - do a few dummy quotes to see how high they are
Do they want 3 or 5 door, luggage space
Manual or auto..small autos quite a bit more expensive
Driving - short trips wont suit a modern diesel
Proper spare tyre, spacesaver, or tin of tyreweld
Two keys not just one
VED..some cars are £140pa for a 1.3 but £250 for a 1.6

jaydeeuk1

Check the mot before you go and see it, can do it online.


Another tip to see if a write off (for free)

http://www.hotukdeals.com/freebies/free-insurance-write-off-check-without-need-pay-a-penny-for-a-hpi-1962832

colino

Forget the source of car, ask what will the cars main purpose be? Will it do a trundle to the office five days a week with driver only, or be a soccer Mums car needing space and economy combined with long range trips on a regular basis?
There are a load of questions to be asked of what a car will be genuinely put to task for before looking for one, and that is long before setting foot on a forecourt and being, "sold" the turkey that they want rid of.

macman

As above. You can do 90% of your research online before seeing a single car. The go to the supermarket with a shortlist.
Wandering in without a clue as to make/model/spec/ almost guarantees that a shiny-suited salesman will offload something that he wants to sell, not one that is necessarily suitable for your friend.

Sooler

Check it's one key for all doors, not a different key for each lock