Driver's Guide To Buying A Used Car

Drivers in the UK have been holding onto their cars for longer in recent years, with the average age of a car on the road increasing; this does mean that when it comes time for a change, a lot of drivers are realising they are out of practice when it comes to buying a used car.

Naturally, not everyone will feel 100% confident in finding the best used car deal for them – fear of unexpected repair costs, fake documentation and hidden accident damage can make the process intimidating and nerve-wracking.

For most, buying a car is a massive commitment, so having a trustworthy source of advice and a surefire list of checks is important. This is our handy guide for anyone looking for support while buying a used car and wanting to feel completely confident about their purchase.

Why Buy a Used Car?

It is quite apparent once you start your search for a car that prices drop off massively between new and used vehicles. This is due to depreciation, which kicks in as soon as a car is driven off the forecourt, and often leads to a good gap in price around three or four years after it hits the road.

Price, however, is not the only benefit to buying used – going for cars a couple of years old (or even decades) offers far more choice than selecting from the new market – there are already hundreds of combinations of models, trims, powertrains and colours to choose from, and buying at a cheaper price point often allows you to get a higher specification model than you would have gotten brand new.

Equally, there tends to be more information available on cars that have been around a little while – more reviews to help you make a decision, more trained mechanics to service, diagnose and repair them, and a bit more online discussion to read up on.

How Much Should You Spend on a Used Car?

Setting a budget is usually where the process begins, and it can have a huge impact on the result too – while it’s nearly impossible to find a new car under £10,000 unless you’re ready to commit to the Citroen Ami, there are thousands of used car options below that mark, with a huge selection available as Value Cars by Vertu.

When setting a budget, it is important to remember that you also have to set aside the money for:

• Insurance costs
• Tax
• Fuel
• Servicing
• MOTs

Under £10,000 – There is plenty of wiggle room within this category and some fantastic deals to be had. Even if your maximum budget caps at £5,000, there are still some expertly prepared, mechanically checked cars ready to go home with you; however, your choice is likely to be somewhat limited to hatchbacks and generally petrol and diesel models. Ford, Vauxhall and Nissan have a range of excellent models available within this price range.

£10,000 - £20,000 – This bracket puts you in an excellent position and gives you a wide pick of the used car market, with a range of body styles and powertrains available. SUVs, estates and saloons tend to be more accessible within this price range, as well as more hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric models. At this point, particularly £15,000+, you also have your pick of the more premium brands, such as used BMWs, Mercedes and Audis.

Over £20,000 – You’re in luck, as a massive range of used cars is available past this budget – as well as all of the aforementioned models and brands, you have a wide choice of powertrains, well-equipped trims and more executive models available, including Land Rovers, Jaguars and, if you’re really willing to stretch the budget, Ferraris.

How to Choose the Right Car for You?

Body style

Choosing the right model – or at least the right body style – is mostly dependent on how you use the car, rather than what you like the most.

SUVs – If you are looking for a family car, especially if you’re not living in the city, an SUV is a good option. Plenty of interior space, a higher seating position, higher ground clearance and an overall larger car make SUVs ideal for those with children, dogs, a country road commute and a need for some durability. Plenty of SUVs incorporate four-wheel and all-wheel drive too, making them perfect for those in rural areas.

Estates – Despite estates falling out of fashion with manufacturers as of late, they are still an excellent choice for those wanting space and practicality, but not necessarily an SUV. Often more executive than their competition, they make a handsome choice that tends to suit keen drivers who can’t sacrifice space.

Saloon – Similar in length and practicality to an estate, a saloon simply has a more traditional three-box design with a steeper sloping rear window. Saloons can provide plenty of passenger space with a sleeker, more aerodynamic appearance than an estate or SUV.

Hatchbacks – The humble hatchback is defined by its rear door (or hatch) swinging upwards to give access to the cargo area and interior cabin, rather than a separate, enclosed boot like a saloon or Estate. Hatchbacks are efficient, affordable and fun, and make for ideal first cars, smaller family runabouts and everyday city commuters.

Roadsters & Coupes – The wildcards of the bunch, these sleeker, sportier, sometimes two-seater cars are often designated the role of a Sunday car. Still, nothing is stopping you from using them as a daily, especially if you’re often driving on your own. A coupe entails a fixed, non-removable hardtop, while a roadster is typically an open-top design, featuring a folding soft top or removable hardtop. Coupes can feature rear seats, while roadsters are strictly two-seater only.

Fuel Type

Fuel types are also important to consider, not just for your convenience, but also for the longevity of your car.

• Electric – with constantly improving technology, electric cars aren’t limited to city drivers anymore; however, that is where electric models still shine the brightest economically.

• Plug-in hybrid – looking to reduce your fuel costs but aren’t ready for the jump to all-electric? Modern plug-ins often have a long enough range to run solely on electric for short trips, but have the reassurance of a petrol engine if needed.

• Self-charging hybrid – After more efficiency, but can’t (or don’t want to) install a home charger? A self-charging hybrid is the perfect choice.

• Petrol – the classic all-rounder – if you want exactly what you’ve always known, there are still plenty of petrol-powered cars about.

• Diesel – great for regular long-haul trips, but not so suitable for cities and short journeys – using a diesel primarily for short runs around town can lead to issues further down the line.

What Should I Check Before Buying a Used Car?

Before you even organise a viewing, you can rule out any potential disasters with quick, free online checks.

• An MOT history check – this is free, easy and gives you plenty of insight into whether a car has been well maintained or is on its last legs.
• DVLA information checks – it can be handy to see when the car’s current MOT expires, as well as the date of first registration, last V5C logbook issue, engine size and fuel type – any inconsistencies between this and the listed advert are big red flags.
• Outstanding finance checks – you will need to verify a used car doesn’t have an active finance agreement attached to it – if it does, the finance company still technically owns the car till the debt is cleared.
• Any common faults and recalls – buying from an independent seller does not guarantee that any recalls have been addressed and repaired. It’s always good to double-check there isn’t anything serious outstanding.

What questions should I ask when buying a used car?

Questions to ask both yourself and the seller include…

• Does this car suit my needs? – A trustworthy dealership can help guide you towards a car that perfectly suits your habits and usage, rather than a private seller who may try to sell you the first car you see (or the most expensive one).
• Can I test drive it? – You should always test drive a car before buying it, not just to check for any issues, but to make sure it suits you, your driving style, seating position and that it is the right shape and size for your needs.
• When was it last serviced? – This is something you can’t check online with an easy number plate search. Some cars will have their own service history book with stamps from garages; others may need you to trust word-of-mouth statements.
• Has it been in an accident? – Some visual features can hint towards a car having a bump in its history – panel gaps, mismatched paint and structural damage – but these can be easy to miss. Previously damaged cars often have hidden mechanical and safety issues, compromised integrity and no guarantee of fully functioning safety features.
• Why is the car for sale? – This only really applies to private sellers, as with dealerships, you can assume most cars have come to their lot through part exchange agreements, rather than anything nefarious.

How to inspect a car when buying

The all-important part - once a time has been arranged and you've made the journey to see a car, sometimes the excitement and pressure can lead to a hasty decision - it's important to run through the essentials, especially before a private sale.

• Paperwork – there should not be a rush to look through paperwork – sitting down and double checking the car’s manual is present, as well as a service record, spare keys and even a radio code on occasion can save a lot of hassle in the long run. Invoices for repairs and services, MOT results and any ongoing policies for the vehicle are also good signs.
• Exterior – As well as visual issues you may not like (such as scratches, dents, chips and paint flaking), checking for panel gaps, tyre tread, cracks and noticeable bodywork rust is a good indicator of how well the car has been cared for.
• Interior – It’s important to check that windows open and close, that you can make sense of any infotainment systems and that seatbelts and seatbelt anchors are in top condition, especially if you are regularly carrying passengers or attaching child seats to the car.
• Under the bonnet – Checking oil levels, ensuring there’s coolant and screen wash present and making sure the battery is secure will ensure the car definitely makes the journey back home.
• Underneath the car – this doesn’t really require getting down on the ground unless you are extremely diligent; however, a quick walk around to check the sills and wheel arches for rust can help prevent future MOT failures.

Should I buy a used car from a dealership?

With all of these essential checks to consider, and the time it takes to fully scope out multiple potential cars, for the majority of buyers, buying from a trusted dealership offers a wide range of options, personalised recommendations and an immediate, easily accessible, mechanically sound car with the correct paperwork – making it a clear-cut choice.

Trustworthy locations with used cars for sale, such as your local Vertu dealerships, will have clear information available on their used car standards and preparation process, taking the stress out of searching for a spotless example with no required maintenance, no upcoming MOT, no mechanical issues and a clean finance record.

Buying from a dealership also gives you stronger consumer protections, convenient finance options and, with Vertu, the offer of a full refund if the car doesn’t meet expectations within 14 days.

Buying privately can make sense if you are looking for a much older (or even vintage) car, as cars of this age are far less likely to pass modern mechanical inspection and repair standards, but if you’re looking to drive away happy – and get all the way home – it's best to contact your local dealership for personalised advice and guidance.

Learn more about some of the best models for you:

Best Small Used Cars for Under £10,000

Cheapest Small Used Cars to Insure

Best Used Family SUVs for Under £20,000 That Will Suit YOU

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