Used Car Buying Checklist: What to Check Before You Buy

1. Before You View the Car

Do your homework before you even see the vehicle. A few quick checks can save you from wasting time on a car with hidden problems.

• Check the MOT history. The DVSA publishes every MOT test result online. Look for recurring advisories, mileage trends, and recent failures — these can reveal how well the car has been maintained. The Motovo Car Check includes full MOT history with Key Observations that highlight patterns at a glance.
• Run an HPI check. An HPI check reveals outstanding finance, write-off categories, stolen vehicle flags and mileage discrepancies. The Motovo Car Check includes HPI-backed vehicle data where available — run it before you arrange a viewing.
• Check the ULEZ status. If you drive in London or other clean air zones, find out whether the car is compliant — non-compliant vehicles face daily charges.
• Look up the road tax rate. Vehicle tax bands vary significantly. Check the annual VED cost before you commit.

2. Paperwork to Look For

When you view the car, ask to see these documents. Missing paperwork is not always a dealbreaker, but it should raise questions.

• V5C log book. The vehicle registration certificate. Check the VIN matches the car, the keeper details look right and there are no obvious alterations.
• Service history. A full or part service history shows the car has been maintained. Look for stamps from recognised garages and receipts for major work like cambelt changes.
• MOT certificates. Past certificates confirm the mileage and test history. Cross-reference them with the DVSA online MOT record.
• Receipts for recent work. New tyres, a recent clutch or a cambelt change are all good signs — and they save you money.

3. Exterior Check

Walk around the car in good daylight. Look for issues that could point to accident damage or poor maintenance.

• Panel gaps. Uneven gaps between body panels may indicate accident repairs.
• Paint match. Look for panels that are a slightly different shade — a sign of respray work.
• Tyres. Check tread depth (legal minimum is 1.6mm) and look for uneven wear, which can indicate tracking or suspension issues.
• Lights and glass. Make sure all lights work and there are no cracks or chips in the windscreen.

4. Interior and Under the Bonnet

• Dashboard warning lights. All warning lights should go out after starting the engine. A lit engine management or airbag light is a red flag.
• Seat belts and electrics. Test every switch, window, seat belt and the air conditioning.
• Fluid levels. Check the oil, coolant and brake fluid. Low or dirty fluids suggest neglect.
• Signs of leaks. Look for oil or coolant stains under the car and around the engine bay.

5. The Test Drive

A test drive tells you more than any checklist. Make sure you are insured to drive the car and take it on a mix of roads.

• Engine behaviour. The engine should start easily, idle smoothly and pull without hesitation. Listen for knocks, rattles or excessive smoke.
• Brakes and steering. The brakes should feel firm and stop the car in a straight line. The steering should not pull to one side.
• Gear changes. Manual gears should engage cleanly without crunching. Automatic changes should be smooth.
• Suspension noises. Clunks or creaks over bumps can indicate worn bushes or suspension components.

Run a Car Check Before You View

Many of the checks on this list — MOT history, HPI data, ULEZ status and road tax — can be done in one step with the Motovo Car Check. Running a report before you arrange a viewing gives you a clear starting point and helps you ask the right questions when you see the car in person.

• MOT history with mileage trends and repeated advisory patterns highlighted
• HPI-backed vehicle data where available — finance, write-off and stolen vehicle checks
• ULEZ compliance, road tax rates and DVLA data in one report
• A Key Observations summary that pulls important points to the top, so you do not need to scroll through years of data