Used car buying guides
Preparing a viewing, spotting scams, knowing which engines to watch and negotiating the right price: everything to know before you buy, explained simply.
All guides
How to check a car's MOT history and read the advisories
The free GOV.UK MOT history check shows every test, mileage reading, failure and advisory. Here's how to use it to spot clocking, neglect and the repairs coming next.
V5C logbook: what to check before you buy, and what to do after
Registered keeper, VIN, colour and the new keeper slip: how to check the V5C before paying, tell the DVLA after buying and tax the car before you drive it home.
Cat S and Cat N cars: should you buy a write-off?
What the Cat S and Cat N categories mean, why these cars are cheaper, how they affect insurance and resale, and what to check before buying a repaired write-off.
Outstanding finance: how to avoid buying a car you won't own
A car still on hire purchase or PCP belongs to the finance company. How it happens, the warning signs and how to protect yourself before you hand over any money.
Your rights when buying a used car: dealer vs private seller
The Consumer Rights Act gives you a 30-day right to reject a faulty car from a dealer. A private sale gives you far less. What each one covers and how to use it.
ULEZ and Clean Air Zones: check a used car before you buy
Euro 4 petrol, Euro 6 diesel: how to check whether a used car is ULEZ and Clean Air Zone compliant, and how much a non-compliant car can cost you every day.
How to negotiate the price of a used car
Market value, MOT advisories, maintenance due and known faults: a step-by-step method to negotiate with a dealer or a private seller using numbers, not haggling.
Used car engines and gearboxes with known problems
1.0 EcoBoost, 1.2 PureTech, BMW N47, early 1.2 and 1.4 TSI, DSG7 and Powershift: the engines and gearboxes common in UK ads with well-known weaknesses, and what to check.
Used car scams in the UK: the warning signs
Deposit scams, cloned cars, fake escrow and sellers who can't meet: the most common used car scams on UK listing sites and how to buy safely.
10 guides