How to Buy a Second Hand Car in the United Kingdom

You can buy second-hand cars at most car dealers or through private sales in the United Kingdom. The advantage of buying from a garage is that you will usually get some sort of parts and breakdown guarantee for at least six months, and often up to one year. If you decide to go privately, magazines such as Exchange and Mart lists cars in your area. Check the local newspapers and notice boards at your local supermarket. Online UK auctions are also another good option, as many used car dealers and garages advertise and sell their cars through auction websites.

Instructions

1

Decide what type of car you want to buy. If you find one via a private seller, check that the car is legally registered. You will find this information on the V5C registration certificate or log book.

2

Check the log book for details of the car, including past owners, date of sales, name and address of current owner, chassis number, registration number, car make and model, year and color. Verify the document is watermarked to show it is the original. Check the car's service history and mileage. Check the tax disc is current.

3

Match the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to the number on the registration documents. You will find the VIN number in three places: on the windshield next to the tax disc, somewhere under the hood, and somewhere else on the body of the car, depending on the make of the vehicle. Ask the current owner where you can find it.

4

Check the current Ministry of Transport (MOT) certificate. This is mandatory for cars over three years old and must be up-to-date and valid. Have a good look at the body work of the car for any signs of major accident repairs.

5

Check for oil leaks, damaged hoses, wear and tear to the upholstery, tread on the tires, rusty bits, strange holes, working windshield wipers, lights, dashboard lights, working electric windows and central locking. You don't need to be a car mechanic to do this basic check.

6

Call in a professional if you are in doubt about the car's mechanics. The Automobile Association (AA) or Royal Automobile Club (RAC) will inspect the car and give you a full report for a relatively small fee.

7

Fill in your name and address and sign the bottom of the change of ownership tear-off section on the registration documents, once you are confident the car is a good buy. The current owner must fill this document out and sign it as well.

8

Send the paperwork to the Drivers Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in Swansea, or go to your nearest local office, and they will issue you with new registration papers in your name.