High mileage may mean more wear and tear and maintenance needed. On average, a car should have around 6,800 miles a year, according to Carbuyer. So for example, a 4 year old car should ideally have 27,200 miles or less.
If the mileage feels too low for its age, although it’s rare, there is a chance the car has been clocked (when the mileage is tampered with).
Make sure you see a vehicle log book (V5C) before buying. This shows that the seller is the registered keeper of the car. It’s also useful to have any manuals or warranty handbooks that it came originally with.
You can use the car’s registration to check the vehicle’s MOT history. It’s also handy to have any physical records from the seller.
Ask the seller to see the service history (not available online). This will give you an indication of whether the car has been looked after. This also helps you understand if the car is healthy and safe to drive.
The best number of previous owners is 1. Less previous drivers can mean a car has had a more consistent driving experience so it will be in better condition.
The less previous owners the better. But, if the car’s condition and service history seems good, it shouldn’t matter too much.
You may view a car online first before buying. If you want a more in-depth sense of the condition of the car, we recommend you book a test drive (see point 5).
Look out for wear and tear of the bodywork and interior that’s not consistent with the car’s age and mileage. Most used cars will have some small marks and imperfections, but bear this in mind when agreeing price.
Things to look out for include:
- Scratches and dents
- Rust spots
- Windscreen chips
- Stains or tears in the upholstery
You can book a test drive before buying. This will help you make sure it drives well and everything is in working order. It’s also a good idea to test drive other cars of the same make/model to compare too.
When you arrive for the test drive, make sure to:
- Check the condition matches the advert (see point 4)
- Test lights, electrics and advertised features
- Check tyre tread (3mm recommended)
- Check the brakes and if safe, try a hard stop
- Listen out for unusual noises or sensations (such as pulling)
- Check fluid levels (oil, brake and power steering)
Looking to buy your next car? Browse thousands of used cars across our 52 trusted UK dealership locations.
Find used cars near you
Browse our used cars