A used-car advertisement is a starting point, not a condition report. Use this checklist to organise a viewing and an independent inspection before deciding whether to buy.
Before travelling to see a car
- Ask for the exact model, variant, registration year, mileage and seller’s relationship to the registered owner.
- Ask what service records, repair invoices and ownership documents are available for inspection.
- Ask directly about accident repairs, flood exposure, modifications and warning lights. Keep the seller’s answers with your notes.
- Arrange a daylight viewing and agree in advance whether an independent workshop inspection is permitted.
Make a condition record
Photograph visible damage with permission. Record each observation by location rather than writing only “good condition”. Compare paint finish and panel alignment across the car, but do not diagnose accident damage from a photograph alone. Ask an independent technician to investigate discrepancies.
| Area | Question for the inspection |
|---|---|
| Body and cabin | Are visible wear and repairs consistent with the history provided? |
| Tyres and brakes | What requires replacement, and what will it cost? |
| Engine or electric drive | Are there stored faults, leaks, unusual behaviour or service requirements? |
| Equipment | Do the installed features operate correctly? |
| Records | Do identifiers and service entries correspond to this vehicle? |
Separate the asking price from the immediate cost
Make a second list for repairs, tyres, scheduled service, missing keys and other items identified by inspection. Obtain estimates instead of assuming these costs are small. An attractive asking price may be less useful if important maintenance is undocumented.
For a used electric car
Ask for the battery warranty terms applicable to that specific car, service records and any available manufacturer-supported battery assessment. Check charging equipment and ask the technician to assess charging operation. Dashboard range alone does not establish battery condition.
Keep the decision evidence
Retain the advertisement, seller statements, inspection report and itemised quotation. Verify ownership and transfer requirements through the relevant official transport service before paying. This page is an inspection-planning guide; it is not a vehicle listing or a certification of any seller.
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