Questions to ask when buying a second hand car?

1DayAAT

Deffo do the HPI check (can get a full one online for about £10) before you agree to buy it... was stung once by not doing it, done it ever since, money well spent!! And good shout on the 2 keys - not only says a lot about careful ownership but also keys are dang expensive to replace so having the spare is always a big plus.

arcon5

Noting your buying from the trade, a couple of comments:

don't be suckered in on the day - if she sees one she likes then go back another day to avoid potential buyers remorse
don't give them the keys to your car, i've read of some places that ask for them when you come in to inspect its trade in value - only to use it as a stalling tactic and pressure tactic to complete a sale

Look for:

gaps in body work for evidence of possible previous accident damage
check tyre tread and brake pads (easier on alloy wheels)
check all buttons in car works, a/c, fans etc etc.
check heat comes from internal heaters
check oil level before even running the engine - i've turned up to look at a car before to find there was no oil in the sump, ran a mile fearing engine damage
when starting car, sit whilst idling to make sure there's no excessive movement or lumps - feel for it when driving it too
put car in gear 5 and try drive off - if it stills the clutch is unlikely to be on its way out
keep radio off during test drive and aim for small pot holes and roads with speed humps - listen for any clunks etc.
head for a dual carriageway if possible to feel for any juddering or pulling at speed