What to check before booking a used car

Before you decide

A polished photograph is a starting point, not the whole buying decision. Before paying a booking deposit, understand the actual car, its available records and the terms of the purchase.

Confirm which car you are viewing

Check the unit, year and variant against the advertisement. Ask where it is kept and arrange the appointment, especially if it remains with its owner.

List the features you consider essential. Test them on the actual car rather than assuming every version of the model has the same equipment.

Ask about history and findings

Request available service information and an explanation of inspection findings, repairs or inconsistencies. Ask how the mileage and relevant history have been checked.

A low reading, clean interior or confident sales description is not enough on its own. Do not interpret the absence of a document as proof that no problem has ever occurred.

Understand the inspection's scope

Different inspection types have different purposes. A transfer inspection is not the same as a comprehensive pre-purchase assessment or a warranty against future faults.

Ask what report is available and what it actually covers. If you want an independent mechanic, confirm access and arrangements before committing.

Take a meaningful test drive

Confirm the licence, insurance and appointment requirements. Use an appropriate route and pay attention to how the actual vehicle behaves. Test comfort, visibility, controls and equipment as well as basic operation.

Do not perform unsafe tests or continue driving if a serious issue is apparent. A qualified inspector is the right person to investigate technical concerns.

Read the terms before the payment

Get the agreed price and inclusions in writing. Record any promised repairs or replacement items. Read the booking and refund conditions, and obtain an official receipt.

If warranty protection is included, ask for eligibility, covered components, exclusions, limits and the claims process. A logo or short headline cannot answer all of those questions.

Repeat the key checks at collection

Check that agreed work is complete and inspect the condition again. Confirm keys, accessories and documents, and record unresolved items before signing acceptance.

The objective is not to demand that a used car be new. It is to understand what you are buying and what has actually been agreed.