| Here are the top three standard checks | | | | repair - Open the boot and bonnet. Is |
| to make for each area of a used car. | | | | the metal work in good condition? |
| They will help you identify any misuse | | | | Wherever there is exposed metal you need |
| or signs of neglect or accident damage. | | | | to look for ill-matching colours or |
| INTERIOR - Do all the controls, switches | | | | buckling. These are signs of an accident |
| and displays work properly? - Do all the | | | | ENGINE - Is the exhaust smoke-free when |
| lights work? - Are the carpets and seats | | | | the engine is warm? If not, there may be |
| all dry? If not, is there a leak? | | | | a problem - Is the coolant reservoir |
| BODYWORK - Is the bodywork free from | | | | full of brightly coloured coolant? It |
| dents, scratches and rust? - Make sure | | | | should not be empty or brown. If not, |
| you are not checking the car in the wet | | | | are there any leaks that need further |
| or the dark, as you are more likely to | | | | inspection? - Is there plenty of clean |
| miss problems - Squat down and look | | | | oil in the engine? |
| along the sides of the car to help you | | | | TEST DRIVE - Does the car drive in a |
| spot mild dents - Pull back rubber seals | | | | straight line when you loosen your grip |
| around windows. Is the paintwork free | | | | on the wheel? - Is the steering accurate |
| from over-spray and suspect repair | | | | and free from play or judder? - Does the |
| signs? - Look for signs of additional | | | | car pull away and brake easily without |
| layers of paint, or ill-matching spray | | | | any noises or judder? If you are unable |
| marks where an additional layer of paint | | | | tick one or more of the boxes, the car |
| has been added but the finish is not | | | | should be inspected by a qualified |
| right. These are signs of an accident | | | | mechanic. |