Viewing a Used Car: The Complete Checklist of What to Check

Summary

• Exterior: Check for rust, dents, paint mismatches, and tyre condition.
• Engine: Look for leaks, oil condition, warning lights, and unusual noises.
• Interior: Test all switches, check for wear, damp, and odours.
• Documents: Verify V5C, service history, MOT records, and ownership.
• Test drive: Essential - check steering, brakes, gears, and overall feel.

Viewing a used car is your chance to spot problems before you buy. Sellers might not tell you everything, so it's up to you to check.

This guide gives you a complete checklist for your viewing.

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Before You Go

• Run a vehicle history check before viewing
• Check MOT history for recurring problems
• Research common faults for that specific model
• View in daylight so you can see properly
• Bring a friend for a second opinion (and safety)
• Take this checklist with you

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Exterior Checks

Bodywork

• ☐ Walk around and look for dents, scratches, and dings
• ☐ Check paint colour matches across all panels
• ☐ Look for signs of respray (overspray on trim, different texture)
• ☐ Check panel gaps are even (uneven = possible accident repair)
• ☐ Inspect for rust, especially wheel arches, sills, and door bottoms
• ☐ Check under the car for corrosion

Glass

• ☐ Check windscreen for chips and cracks (MOT failure if in driver's view)
• ☐ Inspect all windows and mirrors for damage

Tyres

• ☐ Tread depth at least 3mm (legal minimum 1.6mm)
• ☐ Even wear across the tread (uneven = alignment or suspension issues)
• ☐ No cracks, bulges, or damage to sidewalls
• ☐ Matching tyres on each axle
• ☐ Check the spare (if applicable)

Lights

• ☐ All lights working (headlights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights)
• ☐ Lenses not cracked or faded
• ☐ Check for condensation inside light units

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Under the Bonnet

Engine Bay

• ☐ Check engine oil level and colour (should be amber/brown, not black or milky)
• ☐ Look for oil leaks around the engine
• ☐ Check coolant level and colour (should be clean, not rusty or oily)
• ☐ Inspect brake fluid level
• ☐ Look for corrosion on battery terminals
• ☐ Check hoses and belts for cracks or wear
• ☐ Look for signs of water damage or flooding

Start the Engine (Cold)

• ☐ Ask to start it from cold (sellers who warm it up may be hiding problems)
• ☐ Should start easily without excessive cranking
• ☐ No warning lights staying on after startup
• ☐ Exhaust smoke colour: White on cold start is normal; blue or black smoke is bad
• ☐ No unusual knocking, ticking, or rattling sounds
• ☐ Engine should idle smoothly

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Interior Checks

General Condition

• ☐ Seats and upholstery for wear, tears, stains
• ☐ Carpets for wear and damp (lift the mats)
• ☐ Headlining for sagging or stains
• ☐ Smell for damp, mould, or smoke
• ☐ Dashboard for cracks
• ☐ Pedal rubber wear (should match claimed mileage)

Electrics

• ☐ All windows work (up and down)
• ☐ Central locking
• ☐ Air conditioning (should blow cold)
• ☐ Heating
• ☐ Sat nav and infotainment
• ☐ Cruise control
• ☐ Parking sensors and camera
• ☐ Sunroof (if fitted)

Safety

• ☐ Seatbelts pull and retract properly
• ☐ Airbag warning light goes off after startup
• ☐ Check the boot for water ingress

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Test Drive

A test drive is essential. Ideally drive for 15-30 minutes on different roads.

Before Moving

• ☐ Adjust mirrors and seat
• ☐ Clutch bites at sensible point (not too high or low)
• ☐ Handbrake holds on a slope

While Driving

• ☐ Steering straight (car doesn't pull left or right)
• ☐ Gears change smoothly (manual and automatic)
• ☐ No grinding or crunching from gearbox
• ☐ Brakes stop straight without pulling
• ☐ No vibration through steering wheel
• ☐ No unusual noises (knocking, squeaking, whining)
• ☐ Suspension comfortable over bumps
• ☐ Engine pulls well at all speeds

After the Drive

• ☐ Check under the car for fresh leaks
• ☐ Let the engine idle - still running smoothly?
• ☐ Any new warning lights?

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Document Checks

• ☐ V5C (logbook) present and matches the car
• ☐ Seller's name matches V5C registered keeper
• ☐ VIN on V5C matches car (check windscreen and door frame)
• ☐ Service history with stamps or receipts
• ☐ MOT certificate(s)
• ☐ Two keys (if applicable)
• ☐ Owners manual and spare wheel kit

For more on checking the V5C, see our V5C guide.

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Red Flags to Walk Away From

• Seller won't let you view at their home address
• Engine has been pre-warmed before viewing
• V5C is missing or doesn't match
• VIN numbers don't match
• Price is too good to be true
• Seller is rushing or evasive about questions
• Signs of accident damage not disclosed
• Mileage doesn't match MOT history

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Common Questions

Should I take a mechanic?

If you're not confident with cars, paying for a pre-purchase inspection (£100-200) is money well spent.

What if the seller won't allow a test drive?

Walk away. Any legitimate seller will allow a test drive. Your driving licence should be sufficient for their insurance.

How long should a viewing take?

Allow at least 45 minutes to an hour for a thorough inspection and test drive. Don't let anyone rush you.

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Final Thoughts

A careful viewing protects you from buying a problem car. Take your time, use this checklist, and trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, walk away - there are always other cars.

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