These are the checks I carry out before buying any used car. Most of them don't cost anything and could save you thousands.
What does a mechanic look for when buying a used car?
One thing I always say to people is that buying a used car isn't just about finding one that looks smart and good on Instagram. A good wash and a quick polish can make almost any car look presentable, but what really matters is what's underneath and how it's been looked after.
After over 10 years in the motor trade, there are a few things I look at before I even think about buying a car. Most of these checks don't cost anything.
1. Service History
People get far too focused on mileage, but I'd much rather buy a car that's done 120,000 miles with excellent service history than one that's only done 60,000 miles and has missed half its services.
A well-maintained engine will nearly always outlast a neglected one. Don't just ask if it's got service history. Have a look through it and make sure the services have actually been carried out at the correct intervals.
If it's a diesel, check things like the fuel filter have been replaced when they should have been. It's surprising how many major services end up just being an oil and filter change.
2. MOT History
Before I even go and look at a car, I'll check the MOT history online. What I'm looking for isn't whether it's passed or failed, it's whether there's a pattern. If the last four MOTs all mention corroded brake pipes or worn suspension components, chances are the owner has only repaired the bare minimum to get it through another MOT.
Repeated advisories normally tell you more about how a car has been maintained than the pass certificate itself.
3. Tyres
Tyres tell you a lot about the previous owner. If they've fitted four decent branded tyres, it's usually a good sign they've maintained the car properly. If it's got four different budget tyres fitted, it doesn't automatically mean it's a bad car, but it can suggest they've always gone for the cheapest option when something needed replacing.
Also have a look to see if the tyres are wearing evenly. Uneven wear can point towards suspension problems, worn steering components or poor wheel alignment.
4. The Engine Bay
A lot of people would see a steam cleaned engine bay and think this has been really well looked after. If it's been steam cleaned, I'd probably be more suspicious. A little bit of dust is normal. What I am looking for is signs of oil leaks, coolant leaks, damaged wiring or anything that doesn't look original.
Take the oil filler cap off and have a look. A small amount of creamy residue isn't unusual if the car has only done short journeys, but excessive sludge or contamination is worth asking questions about. Also check the coolant level is correct and the coolant looks clean.
5. Cold Start
If possible, always try to see the car before it's been started. A cold engine can tell you far more than one that's already warm. Listen carefully for rattles when it's first started.
Some engines have common timing chain issues which are often much noisier when cold. The first cars that spring to mind would be some BMWs, Minis, some Vauxhalls and one that comes to mind is the 2.0 Ingenium diesel Land Rover engine.
6. Clutch and Gearbox
During the test drive, don't just see if the car gets up to speed and the radio and air conditioning work. Make sure every gear selects smoothly. The clutch shouldn't bite right at the very top of the pedal and there shouldn't be any slipping when accelerating hard. One way to test for slipping is driving in 3rd gear at around 50mph and seeing if the revs increase. If they do, it usually means the clutch is slipping.
On an automatic, changes should be smooth without hesitation or jolting. Gearbox repairs can quickly become very expensive, which is why a lot of people sell cars as soon as gearbox problems appear, so it's definitely something to be careful of.
7. Suspension
Drive the car over uneven roads if you can. Listen for knocks, clunks or rattles. The steering should feel straight and the car shouldn't pull to one side. If it does, it could be something simple like wheel alignment, but it could also point towards worn suspension or accident damage.
8. Trust Your Judgment
This might sound obvious, but if something doesn't feel right about the car or the deal then walk away. If the seller can't answer simple questions or seems desperate to sell, it's normally an indication there is something wrong with the car.
I know this because when I first started buying and selling cars, I got stung a few times simply because I felt like I owed it to them to buy the car, which caused me to miss things and eventually lose money. One I learnt early was a Ford KA which I bought. It seemed really good inside and out, there were no dashboard warning lights and they didn't know anything about the car. Anyway, after buying it I found it had recently been written off, so it was categorised. Then when I drove it the airbag light came on and I found more damage underneath, so that was an expensive mistake.
Don't let the excitement of buying a car make you overlook warning signs.
My Honest Opinion
The best used cars aren't always the lowest mileage or the newest. They're usually the ones that have been looked after properly, so take your time, do your checks and don't be afraid to walk away if something doesn't add up.
Buying the right car is far easier than paying to fix the wrong one.
Alfie has over 11 years of experience in the motor trade and founded Alfa Prestige to give buyers the insider knowledge that was previously only available to professionals.
