Second-hand car buying guide

You’ve chosen to buy your next car second-hand... But with so many options available, where do you even begin?  

Luckily for you, we’ve put together a complete guide to buying a second-hand car - so, strap yourself in and get ready to buy with our complete guide. 

• #1 - Dealerships, independent garages or driveway traders... Who do you choose?

  Choosing to buy second-hand is one thing, but deciding where to actually purchase your new vehicle from can feel like a whole other ball game.  

  One huge point to consider is the benefits you’ll get after the sale is complete. Whereas a dealership or independent garage may offer aftersales support and protection, once a sale is made with a driveway seller, you’re likely to never hear from them again.  

  Similarly, a car from a dealer or independent garage will have been thoroughly put through its paces both inside and out, ensuring it’s fit to sell. A driveway trader, however, will often sell on the car in the same condition they have had it for the duration of their ownership.  

  Although buying from a driveway seller may carry a lower price tag than a dealership, you will need to be far more cautious when checking it over (but more on that later!). A dealership this may put a higher price tag on their vehicles at first, but when your safety is at stake, is this really worth compromising on?

• #2 – Things to Consider

  Once you’ve decided where you’re going to buy your next car, it's time to be sure it’s going to match your requirements. Whether you have a specific vehicle in mind or are happy to be led by what’s on offer, here are some points you should always consider:  

  • Budget – set yours in advance and try to stick to this.  
    
    
  • Size – think about what you’re using this vehicle for; would three doors be enough? Would you struggle without a middle seat or additional boot space? 

  • Petrol consumption & CO2 emissions - the efficiency of the car is now a big factor in your decision making. How much petrol are you happy to burn on your journey? Look for the MPG (miles per gallon) metric, the highest, the longer you can drive with one fill up.
    
    
  • Mileage & year of the car – does this match its wear and tear?
    
    
  • Has the car been in any of these categories: C, D, etc? This could impact the cost of repairs and insurance.

• #3 Don't be afraid to ask questions!

  We get it – coming with a list of questions that’s as long as your arm might make you feel like your mum grilling you after a night out. But it’s essential to know everything about the second-hand car you’re buying before you take the plunge.  

  As much as we’d all like every seller to be as trustworthy as we are at SLM, unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for some sellers to try and catch you out.  

  So go in confident, and spot the red flags before it’s too late by always asking the following...   

  • How many previous owners has the vehicle had? 
    Multiple owners on a car are not necessarily a bad thing. It could be an indication for you to check the car in-depth to make sure it was kept in good condition throughout each ownership. 

  • Has the car been modified in any way? 
    All modifications, no matter how minor, have the potential to affect the cost of your car insurance. These modifications could lead to higher premiums. 
    
    
  • Has the car been imported? 
    A car insurance is normally more expensive for imported cars because insurers see them as 'higher-risk' with potential higher costs to cover parts & other elements for repair. 
    
    
  • Why are you selling the car? 
    You’d be surprised of the answers to this question. But sometimes, you can feel when it’s a lie or they have something to hide. 
    
    
  • Has the car been used for towing? 
    Towing, even for short distances, can do significant damage to your vehicle's transmission. A cost for you to bear in mind if you go ahead with the purchase. 
    
    
  • Are you able to pass on the paperwork? 
    Big red flag if the owner or dealership cannot handover the paperwork. 

  • Is the car still under warranty?  
    Not a must-have for second-hand car, but always good to know. Sometimes, sellers reflect this bonus in their prices. 
    
    
  • Is the spare wheel still there – and is it new? 
    This is not a dealbreaker if the spare wheel is not there or has been used. It’s an additional cost or safety for you to be aware of. 

  And if it passes all these, be sure to finish with some practical tests, asking: Can I take it on a test drive?  

• #4 – What to check when test driving a used car

  Ready to hit the road? Before you get behind the wheel, make sure to check over these parts of the vehicle. 

  • Tyres condition (including spare) 
  • Dents, scratches & rust – be sure to look at this in daylight. Small scratches shouldn’t necessarily be dealbreakers but could be used to work the price down.  
  • Under the coil cap 
  • Accessories – does the car have everything it should? 
  • Glass & electrics – are there any chips or scratches in the windscreens? Are the lights clear or foggy? Are the windows coming down & up?
  • Do all the doors open effortlessly?  

  If you’re happy with the above, it’s time to drive, but don’t let the checks stop there – here are some more important things to pay close attention to while you’re driving:  

  • Are there any unusual noises while driving?
  • Are the dashboard lights all working fine? 
  • Is the suspension and steering fine? Listen for any noises that may say otherwise. 
  • Are the transmission and clutch working fine? Are the gears changing smoothly, and does the steering feel good? Would you feel confident keeping up in traffic? 
  • Test an emergency brake 

  If it passes all these checks, think about the final question: is this the car for you?  

• #5 – Ready to buy?

  Ready to hand over the cash? Here are some final points you should check before the deal is complete.  

  • V5C completion 
  • Recent and valid MOT certificate
  • Record a bill of sale
  • Are you paying with finance? Make sure this is legitimate 

• #6 – The red flags that should be dealbreakers

  One key thing to remember throughout the process of buying a second-hand car is that you can say no. If you’re having second thoughts, or any of these red flags show themselves in the process: 

  • The dealer/seller is pushy, and keen to seal the deal  
  • The sellers ‘words are their promise’, but there’s no proof 
  • You can’t see or test drive the car 
  • They’ll give you the car after you have paid 

  Then maybe it’s time to reassess if this is really the vehicle for you.

• Is it time for you to upgrade your car?

  Why not visit one of our SLM branches around the UK, with hundreds of fully vetted second-hand cars on offer! We offer expert advice, a no-pressure environment, and an excellent aftersales service to keep you on the road for years to come.  

  Have a browse here: Used Cars 

• Is it time for you to upgrade your car?

  Why not visit one of our SLM branches around the UK, with hundreds of fully vetted second-hand cars on offer! We offer expert advice, a no-pressure environment, and an excellent aftersales service to keep you on the road for years to come.  

  Have a browse here: Used Cars