27/08/2026
The Used Car Viewing Checklist for buyers under £3,500 -a quick guide.
Print this, bring it to the viewing, and don't be afraid to use it in front of the seller. A genuine seller won't mind.
Or just simply read it off your phone whilst stood next to the car.
Before You Leave the House..
Checked MOT history on GOV.UK (look for repeated advisories on the same part).
Run an HPI check (outstanding finance, stolen, write-off status, mileage discrepancy)
Confirmed seller's name matches the V5C logbook (if not, its probably been bought to sell on for profit with No Warranty.
Asked to see the V5C logbook in person (not a photo) at the viewing
Arranged insurance cover for the test drive (check your policy or ask the seller)
Viewing arranged at the seller's home address, not a "neutral" car park
First Impressions (Before You Touch Anything)
Registration plate matches the V5C and the advert
VIN plate (under bonnet/door frame) matches the V5C.
Car is parked on flat ground, engine cold (a warm engine can hide starting issues) Full details and video in my £5 Guide.
No excuse given for a missing logbook, missing keys, or "paperwork's at home"
Exterior Walkaround
Panel gaps even all round (uneven gaps can suggest accident repair) Full details and video in my £5 Guide.
Paint colour/texture matches across all panels (mismatch = respray after damage) Full details in my £5 Guide.
No rust bubbling around wheel arches, sills, or underneath
Tyres: even wear, legal tread depth (1.6mm minimum, more is better), matching brands ideally
-All lights, indicators, and number plate lights working
Check under the car for oil/fluid leaks or drip marks on the ground
Interior Checks
Mileage matches the MOT history and advert
Wear on seats, pedals, and steering wheel roughly matches the mileage claimed
All electrics tested: windows, mirrors, aircon, infotainment, warning lights on the dash
No warning lights stay on after the engine starts (except momentarily)
Check for damp smell or water stains (signs of a leak or flood damage)
Spare wheel/space-saver and tools present, or note if missing
Under the Bonnet
Oil level and colour (should not be black and gritty, or milky)
Coolant level and colour (no oil in coolant, no mayonnaise-like residue) Full details and video in my £5 Guide.
No obvious corrosion on the battery terminals
Listen for unusual noises when the engine idles and when up to operating temperature, Full details and video in my £5 Guide.
The Test Drive, Full details and video in my £5 Guide.
Engine starts first time without hesitation
No warning lights appear once moving
Gear changes are smooth (no crunching, slipping, or hesitation)
Brakes stop the car straight, without pulling to one side
No unusual vibration through the steering wheel
Test at both low speed (town) and higher speed if possible (motorway/dual carriageway)
Listen for knocks, rattles, or grinding over bumps
Paperwork to Check
V5C logbook (original, matches seller and car)
Full or part service history, ideally with stamps/receipts
MOT certificates matching the online MOT history
Any receipts for recent work (tyres, brakes, cambelt, etc.)
Before You Pay
Agreed price confirmed in writing (text/email)
Payment via bank transfer or verified method — never hand over cash before confirming the car is genuinely the seller's to sell
Do not release full payment until you physically have the keys and V5C
Get a signed, dated receipt noting: registration, mileage, price, both parties' names and addresses
Red Flags, Walk Away If:
Seller pressures you to decide immediately ("someone else is coming at 2pm")
No V5C, or V5C doesn't match the seller's ID (selling for profit with no comeback)?
Price is significantly below similar listings with no clear reason (cant wait to get shut due to problems)?
Seller avoids a proper viewing address or wants to meet somewhere public with the car only
Asked to pay a deposit before you've seen the car in person
All this and so much more is covered in much more detail and with video explaining in simple to understand terms all for just £5
https://www.buyingyourkidsfirstusedcar.com/order
