Checklist when looking at a 2nd hand car - anything to add?

Hodders

Hodders

Hodders

Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
5,189
Location
Riding my bike
Looking to get a small car for my kids to learn to drive in.

There is a Hyundai i10 locally that is insurance group 01a. 8 years old, 40k miles at a decent price.

Seller is upgrading after finishing uni, car has been in family since new.

Everything checks out on vcheck. MOT has 7 months to run. Partial service history.

I've got a sort of check list below - anything I can add?

MOT will spot stuff like worn/thin brakes, split gaitors. Emissions test would hopefully spot any gasket issues.

So my list of pokes and prods is fairly limited:

Check V5 matches VIN
Check V5 registered keeper ID
Check engine number
Check 2 keys
Locking wheel nut

Receipt

Check air-con works
Any dashboard lights
Seatbelt warnings
Electrics - windows, wipers etc
Spare tire
Road tires for uneven wear/damage
Oil level and filler cap for mayonaise
Exhasut on cold start-up
Check all lights
Engine compartment/driveway free of oil leaks

My insurance does cover me to drive another vehicle 3rd party - so I guess:

Lock to lock - check for noises
Smooth gear change
Clutch bite point and slipping
Brake straight no pulling
Check hand brake
 
Last edited:

Armageus

Armageus

Armageus

Don
Joined
19 May 2012
Posts
17,625
Location
Spalding, Lincolnshire
I think that's fairly comprehensive, and given the type of car/owner then I'd suggest it's unlikely to be anything but honest.

- Worth checking is that the seller name/address match up with the V5 (presumably should be the sellers house if that's where you are meeting them)
- 2 Keys (and/or any special service keys that some makes have) - can potentially be expensive to have a 2nd coded if missing
- Locking wheel nut key

- Worth checking panel gaps, signs of paint overspray etc that may indicate it has been in a minor accident
- General cosmetic condition - if it looks ropey (dents, big scratches, untreated stone chips etc), then it's probably been treated the same. Same on the inside - if there's rips and tears on the seats, smells bad, probably had a hard life
 

Malt_Vinegar

Malt_Vinegar

Malt_Vinegar

Transmission breaker
Don
Joined
20 Oct 2002
Posts
16,888
Location
In a house
Do a receipt also!

Car seller's contract | AA

When you sell a used car privately it's important to provide a 'sold as seen, tried and approved without guarantee' receipt, though you should bear in mind that this doesn't affect the buyer's legal rights. The car must match any description you give in writing or verbally in the course of the sale.
www.theaa.com www.theaa.com

2 copies, fill them out the same, both of you sign both, and keep for records.

Useful if you need to prove you actually own the car, as the V5 is not proof of owership.
 
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