What to look for when buying a used car?

Well I am looking for a car, just want to know what to check when I go to see the car.

Body work - rust? - How problematic is this, should I avoid completely?
Suspensions - see if the car is bouncy
See if the car is veering to the left/right
Check the oil colour?

Thanks :smile:

Reply 1

Syntax Terrier

If there is creamy white stuff in the oil or coolant bottle that'll be a head gasket gone.

The special code number on the windscreen matching the one under the bonnet as well as in the log book.

Reply 2

_khan

another thing, how worn the gear knob and pedals are

Reply 3

FyreFight

How expensive is the car? If it's over £1000 and you think it looks ok after the first viewing, get it double checked by the RAC before you buy it. £120 for the inspection is nothing compared to how much you'd lose if you overlooked something important, like a part that urgently needed to be replace.