Buying a used car online can be quite an ordeal, but using the tips we have laid out for you it will be a walk in the park.
Check the current market value
If the car you are looking at is more than 15% below the current market value for trade or private, there will usually be a good reason for it. Fraudsters will often place adverts online which are on sale for a fraction of what they could be. Be wary of adverts without telephone numbers, you should always be able to speak to the seller and see the car in person before you make a purchase.
Check the expected market value with this tool.
ALWAYS view the car before you purchase it
You'd be amazed how many people send money online for a car they have never seen. Keep your hand on your wallet until you see the colour of the metal. If the seller gives you any reason for why you can't view the car eg.) they are out of the country, do not proceed with the sale.
Check the history
If a car you buy turns out to have outstanding finance or appears on the insurance write-off or stolen car registers, the police can repossess it - with no compensation for you. All cars advertised by a car dealer legally have to display if the car is a write-off. This is not the same for private advertisers, therefore you must do the leg work and get a full vehicle provenance check.
There are four levels of damage used by the insurance industry to describe cars that have been involved in accidents. These levels, or categories as they're more commonly known, are labelled as A, B, C and D.
- Cat A is the worst of the four. Vehicles in Cat A cannot even be used for salvage and should be crushed.
- Cat B cars may be broken down for spare parts.
- Cat C cars can be fixed, but the repairs alone will cost more than the car's market value.
- Cat D cars can be fixed and the repairs will cost less than its market value. However, the insurance company's decision to repair it is dependent on more than the cost of the repairs.
If you're buying a Cat D car, there's no guarantee that it hasn't incurred chassis damage. You can find out for sure by investing in a full mechanical inspection at an approved dealership.
For a comprehensive guide of things to consider when buying a Cat D car, have a read of ("Cat D - what you need to know")
Meet in a suitable place
When buying privately, try to arrange a viewing at the seller's house . This allows you to verify the environment in which the vehicle has been kept and decreases the likelihood of buying a stolen car. Remember never to take large amounts of cash with you, especially if you aren't meeting at the vendor's house.
You can download our printable checklist before going to view a car. Check all boxes before you part with any money.
Engage with the seller, ask why they're selling it: a conversational slip might save you a lot of money and heartache. Engage with the car, research the car's known weak points and tap key body parts like sills with something metal to make sure they're not made of filler. Our 100,000 forum users are always at hand with any questions you may have on the car, you can use our forum search to find any previous posts about the car here.
Match the numbers
VIN and engine plate numbers must match the number on the V5C registration document. The VIN can be found in the Engine bay and the base of the windscreen. If they don't match, it's very likely a stolen car. Mileages on the service history, odometer and old MOTs should all make sense.
Don't leave any spare keys with the vendor 'for onward posting'. A spare key could be used to steal the car back once you've handed over your money.
Make sure you are insured for test drives
If you want to test drive the car, make sure you are covered for all eventualities. Just because you are fully comp with your insurer, it doesn't mean you are insured to test drive any car. Please always check with your insurer as to what your policy entails.
Buying from a Dealer?
Perform a company check on them and look for reviews online. You can check companies house records too!
Inform the correct people
Once you have purchased your vehicle, inform the DVLA of the sale by completing and sending off the form on the V5C. If your car is listed on a security register, tell them too (the number should be etched on the windows). Same goes for warranties.
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