Buying a secondhand car

Find out your rights when you buy a second hand car and what to watch out for when you inspect and test drive a car.

This content applies to England

Choosing a secondhand car

What you should think about when choosing a secondhand car.

What to watch out for when buying a secondhand car

Checklist for viewing a secondhand car

Checklist to help you remember what to look for when buying a second-hand car including checking the car's condition, has it been in an accident, has its identity been changed, has the car been clocked, and what to check during and after a test drive.

How can you pay for a car?

Options that might be available to you for paying for a car including cash payment, credit arranged by the dealer or yourself, credit or debit cards and part-exchanging your old car.

How to check a car’s history

Getting a vehicle history check can help reduce your chances of buying a car that is being sold illegally. There are several different checks you can make: checking the details held by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), getting a private history check, and checking the MOT history.

How to check a car's mileage is genuine

How to check the mileage on a second-hand car hasn’t been falsified. This is also known as clocking.

How to check if a car is stolen or still on hire purchase

How you can ensure the seller of a second-hand car has the right to sell you the car and that you don’t unwittingly buy a car that is stolen or still on hire purchase.

Getting an independent report about a car’s condition

How you can establish the condition of a secondhand car by getting an independent report.

Know your consumer rights

Videos about your consumer rights.