Ray DonovanMarch 9, 20268 min read 
A second-hand car is the biggest purchase most of us make from a stranger. A little process removes almost all of the risk — here is the checklist our motoring team swears by.
Before you visit
Run a history check on the registration: outstanding finance, accident records and mileage discrepancies all show up in seconds. Ask the seller for the service book photos and the VIN before you travel.
At the viewing
Always see the car in daylight, start it from cold, and drive it for at least fifteen minutes — motorway speed included. Check panel gaps, tyre dates and every single button.
Paying safely
Never transfer a deposit before seeing the car. Pay by bank transfer at the viewing, confirm the seller's ID matches the registration document, and take a signed receipt with the price, date and both names.
- Meet at the seller's home address, not a car park.
- Bring a friend — and tell someone where you are going.
- Walk away from pressure: "someone else is coming at six" is theatre.
Browse verified motors from sellers with rated history on our marketplace.
