The UK was one of the most competitive markets for the auto industry in 2019, making it ideal for companies to launch new v read more
Top tips when buying a car - checking the car
15/04/2021 Audi A4 40 Avant quattro 2.0TDI 204 S line STron Auto7 - Save 25.2% - £10,725 off list price - £31,845
15/04/2021 Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer MPV 1.5 BlueHDi 130 Shine EAT Auto8 - Save 30.8% - £10,448 off list price - £23,477
15/04/2021 Land Rover Range Rover Velar 2.0P 249 R-Dynamic Auto8 - Save 12.6% - £6,260 off list price - £43,405
15/04/2021 Mercedes-Benz A200d Hatch 150 AMG Line Premium Plus 8G-DCT Auto - Save 12.9% - £4,634 off list price - £31,217
How it looks, feels and drives are just three factors to consider, so here we have collated some of our top tips for thoroughly inspecting a car in order to get the best deal for you.
Tyres
Check when the tyres were last changed how much tread is remaining as replacement tyres can be expensive, especially when it is on top of purchasing the car.
Also check the spare wheel, if the car has one, and make sure sure it is there and how much tread it has.
Check the interior
Sitting in the driver's seat, passenger seat, and rear seats allows you to test how comfortable they are.
Check that the boot provides you with all of the capacity that fits your needs. If you have anything specific you are likely to need to put in the car e.g. pushchairs, car seats etc. and take them with you to try out.
Test drive
Always test drive a car before buying. This will give you a good sense of comfort and visibility for the driver, as well as giving you a sense of if the car has enough power and indications of any faults the car may have.
If you can, try driving the car on different road types e.g. slow traffic, faster roads, corners etc. Take the car up and down through the gears and check that the gear changes are smooth.
Try braking hard, as long as it is safe to do so, as this allows you to check if the car pulls to one side and whether it judders excessively.
Make sure no warning lights appear on the dashboard.
If the car has parking sensors, electric windows, remote locking, adjustable seats, or heated windscreen etc. try them out and make sure they work correctly.
For more information on what to look out for when buying a used car visit our extensive guide here.