Buying a used car can be a real headache, especially if you're unsure about the correct questions to ask to get a reliable set of wheels.
Read our essential questions for buying a second-hand car to help you uncover any issues and ensure you secure a vehicle that doesn’t let you down.
EASY AS HACK
Make sure you check the history of a used car before buying it. If you think the seller might be bending the truth or the details don’t add up, it’s best to walk away.
At a glance
Always ask questions when buying a second-hand car to uncover its history and potential issues and do some research beforehand.
questions to ask when buying a used car
As used cars now average £17,000[1] , asking the right questions can uncover potential problems and spare you from future stress and monetary loss.
Whether you’re buying privately, from a dealership, online or at an auction, here are the questions you should consider asking when purchasing a second-hand car.
What fuel type do I need?
One of the first things to ask when buying a used car is: “What fuel does it run on?”. It might seem obvious, but with more options available than ever (petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric) it’s a key detail that can affect how you drive and maintain the vehicle.
Knowing the fuel type helps you understand what goes in the tank and whether you’ll be charging the car, filling it up, or both. If it’s a hybrid, you’ll want to check whether it uses petrol and electric together, or if it can run on either independently.
What is the service history?
One question to ask any seller is about a used car’s service history. As part of a background check, this essential paperwork can flag any issues that occurred previously and may recur, potentially risking your safety and costing you more.
- Ask for a complete service history, including services and MOTs
- Ensure the vehicle has a logbook (V5C registration certificate) and details such as the owner’s name match DVLA records
- You should also ask to see a valid MOT certificate
A Hire Purchase Investigation (HPI) check will also show the car’s financial, legal and write-off status. Reputable dealers will conduct a check, but you should always ask for proof. If they refuse, it signifies that the purchase carries a risk.
You can also organise an HPI check if you’re buying privately – but don’t click on any links the seller sends you in case it’s a phishing scam.
Find out how to check a car’s history in more detail.
how old is the car?
Knowing the car’s age can help determine how much maintenance it needs or how many problems it might have. It’s also a good idea to ask the dealer about previous owners, as the number of them can affect the vehicle’s worth.
Past owners should be listed in the car’s logbook or V5C registration document, which you should view before buying a second-hand vehicle.
what is the condition of the tyres and brakes?
One of the most critical questions to ask when buying a used car is the condition of the tyres, brakes and handbrake. Damage to the tyre rims, worn thread (less than 1.6mm), uneven wear and a mix of tyre brands are all red flags. Don’t forget to check the spare tyre, too.
If you take the car out for a drive, query any noises the brakes make as you test them. Swerving to one side when you press the brake pedal is also concerning.
Service intervals for electric cars may differ from petrol and diesel cars, but the owner should still have had the brakes inspected at the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals. If you’re interested in specific models, you could research their inspection periods and match them to the logbook details.
Learn about a car service and why you need one.
what is the car's mileage?
A car’s mileage can have an impact on the vehicle’s value, so it’s a wise question to ask when purchasing a second-hand motor.
You can also check the mileage clock (odometer) yourself and consider whether the figure is about right for its age based on your research. Be wary if the car’s interior looks worn but the clock shows very little mileage, as it may have been clocked (illegally tampered with).
does the car have any scheduled maintainence due?
Some people sell a car because they anticipate a hefty maintenance bill, so it’s crucial to ask about any significant repairs or replacements that are due, since older cars are more likely to need them.
You could ask when the last gearbox fluid change occurred (if it’s an automatic) or the most recent chain or cambelt replacement on any petrol, diesel or hybrid vehicle.
Batteries are an expensive item to replace on electric and hybrid vehicles, so check the warranty. Replacing a diesel car’s turbocharger could be costly, as are catalytic converters and the clutch on both petrol and diesel vehicles.
However, remember that cars with higher mileage typically cost less.
will the car meet emissions standards?
You should make sure a used car complies with emissions standards in low-emission zones (LEZ) and ultra-low-emission zones (ULEZ) to avoid paying a charge.
Many towns and cities, such as Portsmouth, London and Birmingham, have introduced these zones to reduce pollution. You can check the registration of the car you’re interested in buying on the government website.
Vehicle types and ages for meeting emissions standards:
- Buying an older diesel car? Check whether it meets the Euro 6 emissions standard. Typically, vehicles registered before September 2015 do not.
- Diesel hybrids older than 2015 may not comply with Euro 6, so it’s worth asking before you buy.
- A petrol vehicle must meet Euro 4 standards, introduced in 2005, to avoid a ULEZ/LEZ charge.
- Compliant petrol/electric hybrid cars must also meet Euro 4 or higher.[2]
Electric vehicles are exempt.
Read our guide to driving in low-emissions zones.
will the car meet emissions standards?
Inspecting a second-hand car, especially when viewing it with a private seller, can be a stressful experience for non-car enthusiasts. You may not feel confident or worry that your lack of knowledge could lead to buying an unreliable vehicle.
One option is to arrange a third-party inspection. Organisations like the AA will inspect the car and search for any issues the seller might be hiding to put your mind at rest.
Note that a dealership or garage will typically have already inspected the car. A question to ask dealers is how long the warranty lasts (most offer three or six months) and what it covers.
can i have the car inspected?
Inspecting a second-hand car, especially when viewing it with a private seller, can be a stressful experience for non-car enthusiasts. You may not feel confident or worry that your lack of knowledge could lead to buying an unreliable vehicle.
One option is to arrange a third-party inspection. Organisations like the AA will inspect the car and search for any issues the seller might be hiding to put your mind at rest.
Note that a dealership or garage will typically have already inspected the car. A question to ask dealers is how long the warranty lasts (most offer three or six months) and what it covers.
what is the 30 day rule for buying a used car?
The law doesn’t require a seller to tell you about the 30-day rule for buying a second-hand car, but they must comply with it. As a buyer, you have the following rights:
- Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015[3], a car must be of satisfactory quality considering its age and mileage, be fit for purpose and as described.
- You can return the car and get a full refund if it doesn’t meet the standards within 30 days of purchase.
The right to reject a car applies only if you bought it from a registered trader or dealership, not from private sellers or at a public auction (though it must still match the advertised description).
considerations when buying a second-hand car
In addition to asking these essential questions, consider the following before purchasing a second-hand car.
Would this car impact my car insurance premiums?
When considering buying a used vehicle, check with your insurer how much it would cost by doing a mid-term adjustment to your existing policy or by getting a new quote if starting a new policy.
Factors that could increase your premiums:
- The vehicle make and model
- High ABI/Thatcham insurance group rating (e.g. performance cars)
- Older cars’ higher repair and parts costs
- Write-off costs for costlier vehicles
- Keyless entry cars and others that thieves target
- A high number of owners
Factors that could lower your premiums:
- In-built alarms and other security features
- Low insurance group ratings (e.g. city cars)
- Lower write-off costs for cheaper, older cars
- Safety features, such as autonomous braking
- Very few owners
Requesting quotes from insurance providers would give you an idea of how much the cover could cost you.
Discover the UK’s most reliable used cars.
Ensure you are covered when driving off
If you decide to purchase the second-hand car, make sure you are insured before you drive it away, even for short distances. In the UK, it's illegal to drive any vehicle on public roads without at least third-party insurance, regardless of whether the car is newly purchased or second-hand.
Find out more about Ageas car insurance.
Sources
[3] Gov.uk - Consumer Righs Act 2015
