Following on from this thread, http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... we decided it best to have a wiki of Do's and Don'ts for buying second hand cars.

Do	Don't
Ask lots of questions	Pay before you collect
Get a professional to check the car out if you don't know much about them	Buy a car where the MOT will quickly expire
Check the V5
ID the seller if unsure
Check panels are level
Check for signs of accident damage
Take a friend with you