Pre-Purchase Car Inspection Checklist UK - Complete Guide to Checking a Used Car

Comprehensive checklist for inspecting a used car before buying. Covers exterior, interior, mechanical, and test drive checks. Know what to look for and when to hire a professional inspector.

By How To Car Guides10 November 2024Updated 19 November 20249 min read

A thorough physical inspection can reveal problems that no online check will show. Accident damage, poor maintenance, mechanical issues, and hidden wear - all visible if you know where to look.

Many buyers feel overwhelmed inspecting cars. They miss obvious problems or don't know what's normal versus concerning. This guide gives you a systematic approach to inspecting any used car, with clear guidance on what's acceptable and what should make you walk away.

What you'll learn:

Complete exterior inspection checklist
Interior and electronics checks
Under-the-bonnet inspection guide
Comprehensive test drive checklist
Documents to verify
When to hire a professional
Red flags that mean walk away

Before You Arrive: Pre-Viewing Preparation

Preparation makes your inspection more effective.

Run Your Background Checks First

Before travelling to view, complete these checks:

Free checks:

MOT history (gov.uk/check-mot-history)
Tax status (gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax)
Vehicle details (gov.uk/get-vehicle-information-from-dvla)

Paid check (essential):

Car history check covering finance, stolen, write-off status

Get a comprehensive car check with CarSorted

If checks reveal problems:

Outstanding finance (private sale): Don't view
Stolen: Don't view
Cat A/B write-off: Don't view
Cat S/N write-off: Only view if price reflects this
Mileage discrepancies: Investigate before viewing

Learn more: Complete UK Car Check Guide

What to Bring to the Viewing

Essential items:

This checklist (printed or on phone)
Torch (for looking under car and in dark areas)
Magnet (detects body filler - won't stick to filler)
Notepad and pen
Phone (for photos and videos)
Proof of insurance (for test drive)
Comfortable clothes (you'll be crouching)

Useful extras:

OBD2 scanner (reads engine fault codes)
Tyre depth gauge
Tissue/paper towel (for checking fluids)

Viewing Conditions

Ideal conditions:

Daylight (essential for paint inspection)
Dry weather (rain hides defects)
Car is cold (test cold start)
On level ground (check for leaks)
Allow 45-60 minutes minimum

Avoid:

Evening/night viewings
Heavy rain
Rushed appointments
Car already warmed up

Exterior Inspection Checklist

Work systematically around the car.

Bodywork and Paint (15 points)

1. Overall condition

Stand back and look at car from each angle
Does anything look "off"?
Uneven body lines?
Different colours/shades on panels?

2. Panel gaps

Should be even and consistent all around
Uneven gaps = poor accident repair
Check: bonnet, boot, doors, wings

3. Paint condition

Same shade across all panels?
Different texture = respray
Look in strong daylight from low angle

4. Check for respray signs

Overspray on rubber seals
Masking tape lines
Different paint texture
Orange peel effect
Use magnet: won't stick to body filler

5. Rust inspection

Wheel arches (common rust points)
Door bottoms
Sills (underneath door openings)
Boot floor
Around windscreen
Bubbling under paint = rust underneath

6. Dents and scratches

Small scratches: Normal wear
Large dents: May indicate accident
Multiple dents on one side: Parking damage or incident

7. Stone chips

Some chips are normal, especially on bonnet
Excessive chips: High motorway mileage
Rust forming in chips: Poor maintenance

8. Bumpers

Cracks or damage?
Colour match to body?
Gaps even where they meet wings?

9. Door operation

Each door opens and closes smoothly?
No catching or resistance?
Doors sit flush when closed?

10. Bonnet alignment

Sits flush with wings?
Gaps even both sides?
Opens and closes smoothly?
Hinges not bent or replaced?

11. Boot alignment

Sits flush with rear body?
Opens and closes properly?
Check for water damage inside
Spare wheel/inflation kit present?

12. Windscreen

Chips or cracks?
Chips over 40mm = MOT fail
Cracks = MOT fail and expensive
Check from inside too

13. All glass

Windows clear and undamaged?
Same manufacturer stamps on all windows?
Different stamps = replacement (accident?)

14. Mirror condition

Glass clear and intact?
Housings undamaged?
Adjustment motors work? (Check later)

15. Aerial/roof features

Roof rails secure? (SUVs)
Sunroof seals intact?
No water staining inside around sunroof

Wheels and Tyres (8 points)

16. Tyre condition

Minimum 3mm tread (legal is 1.6mm, but 3mm is safe)
Even wear across tyre?
Uneven wear = alignment or suspension issues
Check inner edges (often forgotten)

17. Tyre age

DOT code shows manufacture date
Format: 4 digits (week/year) e.g., 2521 = week 25, 2021
Over 6 years old = replace soon
Over 10 years old = should be replaced

18. Matching tyres

Same brand/model on axle (ideally all four)
Budget tyres on expensive car = corner cutting
Different sizes = wrong tyres fitted

19. Spare wheel

Present and inflated?
Tyre condition good?
Jack and tools present?
Some cars have inflation kit instead

20. Alloy wheels

Kerb damage (scuffs)?
Minor scuffs: Normal
Cracked/bent: Needs replacement
Corrosion/peeling lacquer?

21. Wheel bolts

All present and matching?
No stripped threads?
Locking wheel nut key available?

22. Brake discs (visible through wheels)

Surface should be smooth
Deep grooves/scoring = worn
Lip on edge = worn
Rust on braking surface = little use

23. Suspension visual

Car sitting level?
No sagging corners?
Springs visible and intact?

Lights and Electrics (6 points)

24. Headlights

Both working (dipped and main beam)?
Lenses clear, not cloudy/yellowed?
Same brightness?
Condensation inside = seal failure

25. Rear lights

All bulbs working?
Brake lights (get someone to press pedal)?
Reversing lights?
No cracks or water inside?

26. Indicators

All four corners working?
Correct flash rate? (Too fast = bulb out)
Hazard lights?
Side repeaters?

27. Fog lights

Front fog lights (if fitted)?
Rear fog light?
Lenses undamaged?

28. Number plates

Securely fitted?
Lights working?
Correct format (no illegal spacing)?
Registration matches documents?

29. Other exterior electrics

Windscreen washers?
Wiper blades condition?
Rear wiper (if fitted)?
Heated rear window?

Interior Inspection Checklist

Sit inside and check everything.

Condition and Wear (10 points)

30. Seats - driver's

Wear level matches mileage?
Heavy wear + low miles = suspicious
Seat adjustment works?
Tears, stains, damage?

31. Seats - passenger

Less wear than driver's (normal)
Similar condition to driver's?
All adjustments work?

32. Rear seats

Condition good?
Seat belts present and work?
ISOFIX points (if claimed)?
Fold flat mechanism works?

33. Steering wheel

Wear matches mileage?
Heavy wear + low miles = clocked
Controls work?
No play when turned?

34. Pedals

Rubber condition matches mileage?
Worn smooth = high mileage
New pedal rubbers + low miles = suspicious
Clutch bite point reasonable?

35. Gear lever/selector

Worn = high mileage
Smooth operation?
All gears engage properly?
Auto: P, R, N, D, etc. all work?

36. Carpets and mats

Condition good?
Check under mats (water damage, rust?)
Boot carpet condition?
Wet or musty smell?

37. Headlining

Sagging?
Stained?
Particularly check around sunroof

38. Dashboard

Cracks?
Warping from sun damage?
Warning lights off (engine running)?
All displays working?

39. Door cards and trim

Secure?
No damage or scratches?
Pockets intact?
Handles working?

Electronics and Controls (12 points)

40. Instrument cluster

All warning lights on then off at ignition
Mileage displayed clearly
Fuel gauge moves
Temperature gauge works
No warning lights when running

41. Air conditioning

Blows cold? (Run for 2-3 minutes)
Temperature controls work?
Fan speeds all work?
No unpleasant smells?
Warm air for heating?

42. Infotainment/stereo

Powers on?
All functions work?
Bluetooth connects?
Sat nav (if fitted)?
CD/USB ports?

43. Electric windows

All four (or two) work?
Up and down smoothly?
Auto function (if fitted)?
No grinding noises?

44. Electric mirrors

Adjust both ways?
Folding (if electric fold)?
Heating (if fitted)?
Memory positions (if fitted)?

45. Central locking

All doors lock/unlock?
Key fob works?
Remote works from distance?
Child locks work?

46. Sunroof (if fitted)

Opens and closes?
Tilt function?
Blind operates?
No water leaks?

47. Electric seats (if fitted)

All adjustments work?
Memory positions?
Lumbar adjustment?
Heating/cooling?

48. Parking sensors/camera

Sensors beep at appropriate distance?
Camera displays clearly?
No blind spots in display?

49. Cruise control

Engages properly?
Speed holds steady?
Resumes correctly?
Limiter function (if fitted)?

50. Other features

Rain-sensing wipers?
Auto headlights?
Lane assist?
Blind-spot monitoring?
Check whatever is claimed

51. Boot electrics

Boot light works?
Electric tailgate (if fitted)?
12V socket works?
Parcel shelf present?

Under-the-Bonnet Inspection

Open the bonnet and check these items.

Fluids and Levels (6 points)

52. Engine oil

Level between min and max?
Colour: Golden/brown = good, black = overdue service
Consistency: Smooth, not gritty
Creamy residue under cap = head gasket concern

53. Coolant

Level correct?
Right colour (often pink, blue, or green)
No oily residue
No discolouration

54. Brake fluid

Level correct?
Not black (should be clear/amber)
No contamination

55. Power steering fluid

Level correct? (If not electric steering)
Clear/slightly pink

56. Windscreen washer

Full?
Not critical but shows care

57. Automatic transmission fluid (if accessible)

Correct level?
Pink colour (not brown/burnt)

Engine Bay Condition (8 points)

58. General cleanliness

Reasonable clean = well maintained
Excessively clean = hiding something?
Excessively dirty = neglected?

59. Leaks

Any visible fluid leaks?
Fresh oil around engine?
Coolant stains (white residue)?
Check underneath car too

60. Hoses and belts

Hoses not cracked or perished?
Belts not frayed or worn?
No oil contamination on belts?

61. Battery

Secure in mount?
Terminals clean (no white corrosion)?
No bulging or damage?
Age (if date marked)?

62. Air filter

Check if accessible
Should be clean, not clogged
Easy DIY replacement

63. Wiring

No exposed wires?
No bodge repairs visible?
Connections secure?

64. Structural points

Inner wings not bent/repaired?
Chassis rails straight?
No welding that looks amateur?

65. VIN plate

Located (usually on bulkhead or door pillar)?
Matches V5C?
Not tampered with?
Check multiple VIN locations

Test Drive Checklist

The test drive reveals what static inspection cannot.

Before Setting Off

66. Cold start

Ensure engine is cold (best test)
Should start immediately
No excessive cranking
No smoke from exhaust

67. Initial idle

Smooth idle?
No misfiring?
No unusual noises?
No warning lights?

68. Check exhaust smoke

No smoke = good
Blue smoke = burning oil
White smoke = coolant issue
Black smoke = running rich

During the Drive (20+ minutes minimum)

69. Acceleration

Smooth and progressive?
No hesitation or flat spots?
Power as expected for car?
No misfires under load?

70. Gear changes (manual)

Smooth into all gears?
No crunching?
No resistance?
Reverse engages properly?

71. Gear changes (automatic)

Smooth shifts up and down?
No delays or jerks?
Kickdown works?
No slipping?

72. Clutch (manual)

Bite point not too high?
No slip under load?
No judder?
Pedal feel normal?

73. Steering

Car goes straight (hands briefly off)?
No pulling left or right?
No vibration through wheel?
Appropriate weight?

74. Brakes

Stop in straight line?
No pulling to side?
No vibration through pedal?
No squealing or grinding?
ABS works (if tested safely)?

75. Suspension

Comfortable over bumps?
No excessive crashes or bangs?
No knocking noises?
Corners without excessive roll?

76. Noise levels

Acceptable road noise?
Wind noise normal?
No unusual rattles?
Engine noise normal?

77. Engine temperature

Gauge reaches normal and stays?
Not overheating?
Not running cool?

78. Motorway/dual carriageway (if possible)

Stable at speed?
No vibrations at 60-70mph?
Engine happy cruising?
Wind/road noise acceptable?

79. Hill start (find a hill)

Handbrake holds?
Clutch doesn't slip?
Normal performance from standstill?

80. Reversing

Visibility acceptable?
Parking sensors/camera work?
Gearbox smooth into reverse?

After the Drive

81. Under-car check

Any fresh leaks underneath?
Oil, coolant, or other fluid?
Exhaust secure?

82. Engine running hot

Any new warning lights?
Coolant level still OK?
No unusual smells (burning)?

83. Brake smell

Slight smell normal after hard use
Strong burning smell = concern
Smoke from wheels = major concern

Documents to Verify

Paperwork confirms the car's history.

V5C Registration Document

Must check:

Seller's name matches ID
Address matches viewing location
VIN matches car
Number plate matches car
Registration date correct

Red flags:

V5C not in seller's name
"Lost" V5C
Photocopied document
Recent name change unexplained
V5C looks altered

Learn more: Understanding V5C and Car Ownership Transfer

Service History

Best:

Full main dealer history
Stamps at correct intervals
Matching mileage progression

Acceptable:

Independent garage stamps
Invoices for work done
Digital service record (2012+ cars)

Concerning:

No service history
Gaps in history
Stamps don't match intervals
Mileage inconsistencies

Get digital service history verification with CarSorted

MOT Certificates

Check:

Current certificate (if over 3 years old)
Previous certificates if available
Mileage matches history

When to Hire a Professional Inspector

Some situations warrant professional inspection.

When Professional Inspection is Recommended

Car value over £10,000:

Cost of inspection (£100-200) is small percentage
Peace of mind worth it
Identifies hidden issues

Private sale:

No dealer warranty
Higher risk purchase
Professional eye valuable

You're unsure:

Don't trust your own judgement
Car seems "too good"
Something feels off

Complex cars:

Prestige/performance vehicles
Older classics
Modified cars
Hybrids/electric vehicles

Long distance purchase:

Can't view multiple times
Inspector can act on your behalf
Worth travel/inspection cost

What Professional Inspection Includes

Typical 150+ point check:

Full exterior inspection
Full interior inspection
Under-bonnet check
Underside inspection (on ramp)
Diagnostic code scan
Road test by mechanic
Written report
Repair cost estimates

Cost: £100-200 typically

Providers:

AA Inspection: ~£199
RAC Inspection: ~£180
Local mobile mechanics: £100-150
CarSorted mobile inspections

How to Arrange

Process:

Agree to view car
Tell seller you'll bring inspector (or arrange them to meet)
Book inspector for same time
Inspector attends (45-60 minutes)
Receive report
Use findings to negotiate or walk away

If seller refuses inspection:

Major red flag
Suggests something to hide
Consider walking away

Red Flags - When to Walk Away

Some findings mean you should not buy.

Immediate Deal-Breakers

1. VIN mismatch

VIN doesn't match V5C
Different VIN in different locations
Signs of tampering
Action: Walk away immediately

2. Outstanding finance (private sale)

Finance company can repossess
You lose car and money
Action: Walk away

3. No V5C available

"It's in the post" is not acceptable
Seller must prove ownership
Action: Walk away

4. Evidence of serious accident damage

Amateur repairs
Structural damage poorly fixed
Action: Walk away (unless Cat S/N disclosed and priced accordingly)

5. Engine warning lights

Check engine light on
Other serious warnings
Action: Walk away or require professional diagnosis before purchase

6. Seller dishonesty

Lied about condition
Hidden damage
Misrepresented history
Action: Walk away - if they lied about one thing...

Serious Concerns - Negotiate or Walk

7. Missing service history

Negotiate 15-30% discount
Or walk if price doesn't reflect

8. High number of owners

4+ owners in short time
Investigate why
Negotiate or walk

9. Mileage that doesn't match wear

Low miles but worn interior
Possible clocking
Request professional mileage verification

10. Cat S/N write-off

If undisclosed: Walk away
If disclosed: Verify repair quality, negotiate 20-40% discount

11. Short MOT remaining

Budget for likely work needed
Negotiate cost of expected repairs

12. Unusual noises

Knocking, grinding, whining
Could be expensive repairs
Get professional opinion before purchase

Final Inspection Summary Checklist

Use this quick summary during your viewing:

Exterior (5 mins)

Interior (5 mins)

Under Bonnet (5 mins)

Test Drive (20 mins)

Documents (5 mins)

All boxes ticked? Proceed to negotiation. Red flags found? Walk away or negotiate hard.

Conclusion

A thorough pre-purchase inspection protects you from buying a problem car. Combined with proper background checks, it gives you complete confidence in your purchase.

Key principles:

Run background checks before viewing - Don't waste time on cars with history issues
Inspect systematically - Use this checklist, don't rush
Trust your instincts - If something feels wrong, investigate
Document issues - Photos and notes help with negotiation
Consider professional inspection - Worth it for valuable or complex cars
Be prepared to walk away - Better to lose this car than buy a bad one

The time spent inspecting properly is always worthwhile. An hour of careful checking could save you thousands in repairs or problems.

Good luck with your inspection!