Buying a used car - what to ask

[Kitchencomposter]

Hi there,

Apologies for this as there are similar threads but can anyone provide a list of what questions to ask dealerships as we're planning to go on the weekend to see a few.. what do we need to ask, what do we need to know?

We're a couple in our 50s, no kids or pets, and need a reliable used car - looking, from reviews given on MN, at Skoda, Kia and Honda - if anyone can recommend other types, do say!

Budget 10k (cash), need for town/country use and 4 hr each way motorway trips every few months or so, so minimum 1.3hp, 4 dr automatics (hubby is insistent on this).

I haven't owned a car since 2007 so all my NCD will have gone and I'll start all over again so need something which won't break the bank insurance wise!

Thank you! :-)

You need to know the mileage, service history, has it been in any accidents, is it clear of finance, any mot advisories.
I'd advise you to check tyres etc to make sure they're in decent condition

Get the RAC to do a FULL VEHICLE CHECK it costs about £100 and they check engine, test drive, and basically check everything

Including if there are outstanding payments due on it

They do different types of levels but I would suggest the most expensive one cos it is really good for finding things that aren't obvious

Don't do it n all the cars you like but if you really like one then very good idea to get it checked out

You do not to be a member but think it is a bit cheaper if you are

AA probably do one too but not used them

In the UK all dealerships are closed you can only purchase online.
Make sure the place is offering a six month warranty, any less and they are not following trade and standards rules. Use the mot checker to look back and see what the mot history is like.

Don't rule out Seat, all part of the VW group

As well as Skoda, Kia, Honda, Toyota are good for reliability. I think Hyundai are the same company as Kia, so should offer similar reliability.

@CruelAndUnusualParenting

As well as Skoda, Kia, Honda, Toyota are good for reliability. I think Hyundai are the same company as Kia, so should offer similar reliability.

Thanks.. I think DH has ruled out Toyota as not within budget... but he would have to have a bloody automatic!!

if you go on the GOV mot check webpage and put the Reg in (when you find a car) it will tell you if its had any advisories on it. Then you can ask if they were done. E.G Tyres, brakes becoming worn and advising they are changed before a period of time.

Make sure the place is offering a six month warranty, any less and they are not following trade and standards rules.

There are no rules which say that any warranty has to be given. There are rights under CRA 2015 which can’t be signed away though.

MN isn't where I'd be doing my research on what car to buy next.

If you look on Parker's and AutoTrader you can get really good detailed reviews for free and you can also find out what prices you should be paying for a Private or Trade sales if you give a reg and mileage

If you were looking to buy a VW Jetta for example Parker's will tell you the exact differences between the S, SE and Sport models as well as mpg and road tax. It's the best car site I've found for this and there's also cars for sale and owner reviews

Lexus are supposedly the most reliable cars but I've never owned one so can't confirm. I've had seven VW's and two Audi's, German cars tend to be built v well. I have a Kia now which is great but the build quality just isn't quite the same

The first step before buying a used car is to check car history online by VIN. You can use such sites as Carvertical, Autodna, or similar. That might help you to find more questions about the car and could be useful in negotiations.

You could ask the dealer a ton of questions about the vehicle, but if your knowledge about cars is limited, it might be useless. So, take a person who knows more about cars with you or ask the dealer to take a vehicle to check by a mechanic. He could check and tell you about the real condition of a car. Find a good used car could be difficult. There are a lot of scammers in the used cars market.