Heading
Close X
Menu
Buying a used car is how most motorists avoid depreciation and get the make and model they want on a budget. The used car market in the UK is large, with a multitude of options available from private sellers to car dealers.
Knowing what to look for when buying a used car is one of the most effective ways to avoid issues after purchase.
Research from the AA found that seven out of ten used cars have at least one fault, and some of those faults cost more than £1,000 to fix. The same research revealed that while 85% of buyers would open the bonnet, 45% have no idea what to look for.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most common issues to look out for when buying a used car, whether that’s from a private seller or a dealer.
A car’s brakes are arguably the most important component in any vehicle. Faulty brakes are a major safety issue and among the most common faults in used cars. The braking system involves multiple parts: pads, discs, pipes and callipers, all of which wear over time.
To ensure the brakes are in good working condition, check out the following things:
Aside from the danger of driving with faulty brakes, brake repairs average around £400, so it pays to check carefully before committing.
A car doesn’t have to be a write-off to have a history of damage, and it’s important to know what to check when assessing if the car has been previously damaged. The best way to do this is to check the car in good natural light, then inspect each panel. Misaligned body panels, uneven gaps between doors and frames, or subtle differences in paint colour can all indicate prior damage.
Not many people pay enough attention to rust, but unfortunately, rust is the third most common issue found during car inspections. When checking for rust, check the wheel arch edges and the underside of the vehicle. Look carefully around the sills, the boot floor and beneath the rear bumper. Although surface rust can be managed, you don’t want to buy a vehicle with deep corrosion, as it can affect structural components.
If the car you’re buying is a manual, make sure the clutch is in good condition. A worn clutch makes the car harder to drive, so it’s important to check how it feels on your test drive.
You want to look out for:
Replacing a worn clutch isn’t cheap to replace, with a typical repair cost between £600 and £800.
Although an oil leak is not the equivalent of a disaster, it’s still something worth checking, as you surely don’t want to buy a used car with an oil leak. You’ve probably heard that to check for an oil leak, you should check the ground beneath the car when it’s parked. That is sound advice, but for lots of minor oil leaks, you want to check the engine bay for signs of oil residue around the engine block and gearbox, also check the car's oil levels whilst you have the bonnet up.
The timing belt is an essential component of a car as it keeps your engine running in sync. A failed timing belt is a serious issue that often requires a full engine replacement. Make sure you ask when the belt was last changed, especially if it’s an older vehicle. Most manufacturers suggest changing the timing belt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or 5 to 10 years, whichever comes first. If the dealer or private seller says the timing belt has been recently replaced, make sure you check the service history book for evidence.
Modern cars store fault codes when something goes wrong. These codes remain in the system even after a warning light has been cleared manually. A pre-purchase inspection using diagnostic equipment can reveal faults the seller may not have mentioned. If during your test drive a warning light pops up, don’t ignore it and investigate further. Diagnostic repairs typically cost between £250 and £600, although the underlying issue can push the cost higher.
Battery failure is a common issue in used cars, particularly those that have been infrequently used or subjected to extreme weather. A car battery typically lasts five to six years under normal conditions. Check whether the engine starts confidently, without hesitation. Dimming interior lights at ignition or a sluggish starter motor can both indicate a struggling battery.
Worn shock absorbers and suspension components affect handling and comfort. During your test drive, notice how the car behaves over bumps. Excessive bouncing, a tendency to drift or pull to one side, or clunking noises from the suspension area all suggest wear. Uneven tyre wear is another sign to look for. Once again, suspension problems can be costly, but most importantly, they affect safety, so make sure you pay extra attention to this.
Buying privately means taking these checks on yourself, and if you don’t have someone with you who knows how a car works through and through, the risk of buying a car with hidden issues increases, and that is not worth your money or your safety.
Buying from a reputable dealer makes things a bit easier, although it’s still recommended to check every aspect of the car.
Here at Wilsons Motor Group in Epsom, Surrey, every used car goes through a multi-point inspection before it even reaches our forecourt. We check the things on the list and many more, so you can approach a purchase with confidence rather than anxiety.
When you come to buy a used car from us, we want you to ask as many questions as possible, and we’re happy to take you through the checks so you know we are serious about our inspections.
All of our used vehicles come with a warranty, giving you additional peace of mind after you drive away. If something does come to light, our service team is on hand to help. We’re a local business, and our reputation is built on customers who come back and recommend us to their friends and family.
If you’re considering a used car purchase, we’re here to help, and you will always receive a full vehicle history so that you can make a genuinely informed decision.
You can visit us at our Epsom, Surrey, location just outside London, or browse our stock online and contact us when you’re ready for a test drive.
Brake wear, signs of prior accident damage, and corrosion are among the most common faults in used cars. Clutch wear, oil leaks and battery failure also appear regularly.
Look for uneven gaps between body panels, paint colour differences between panels, and any signs of filler or overspray. Check the car in bright, natural light and crouch down to look along the bodywork. Misaligned panels are one of the clearest giveaways that a car has been repaired
Yes, particularly when buying privately. A professional pre-purchase inspection checks mechanical, structural and cosmetic condition, often covering over 200 individual points. It can identify faults you might miss and give you solid grounds to negotiate on price, potentially saving you far more than the cost of the inspection
Pay attention to any juddering on pull-away, a high clutch biting point, pulling to one side, unusual noises over bumps, or dashboard warning lights. These can indicate clutch wear, suspension issues, or underlying faults. A thorough test drive on a variety of road types will reveal far more than a short run around the block.
Generally, yes. A reputable dealer will inspect and prepare vehicles before sale, and most offer a warranty for added peace of mind. At Wilsons Epsom, every used car goes through a thorough multi-point check before it reaches our forecourt, and our team is happy to walk you through the vehicle's full history.