Used Car Buying Checklist: What to Check Before You Pay

Before you travel

Ask for the registration number and check it matches the advert. Look up the MOT history and the tax status. If the make, model, colour or year on the official record does not match the car being advertised, stop there.

When you see the car

Ask to see the V5C registration document and compare the registration, VIN and keeper details with the car and with the seller. Meet at the address on the V5C where you can. Check the service history, the number of keys, and whether the mileage on the dash is in line with the MOT readings.

Look the car over in daylight and take a test drive of reasonable length. A pre-purchase inspection is worth paying for on a higher-value car.

Before you hand over money

A basic check reads DVLA and DVSA records: make, model, MOT, tax and test history. A fuller check also looks at insurance and finance databases, which is where write-offs, outstanding finance and stolen markers are recorded. See our guide on what each check covers. No check removes the need to inspect the car, and a clean report is not a guarantee.

Pay by a traceable method, get a receipt that names both parties, and complete the keeper change in the V5C as soon as you can.

The checklist, in order

1. 1

   Check the registration

   Confirm the make, model and colour on the official record match the advert.

2. 2

   Read the MOT history

   Look for repeated failures, ignored advisories and mileage that does not rise.

3. 3

   Check the tax status

   Tax does not pass to you on purchase, so you must tax the car before driving it away.

4. 4

   Inspect the V5C

   Check the VIN and keeper details match the car and the seller.

5. 5

   Run a vehicle check

   Look for outstanding finance, write-off and stolen markers before you pay.

6. 6

   Inspect and test drive

   Check the car itself in daylight and drive it.