We have compiled some simple, practical advice to help you minimise any risks you might experience when buying a used car.

Bodywork

• Does the car appear genuine; what are your general impressions?
• Are the body panels consistent, is there any evidence of repaired accident damage? If unsure, run a magnet along the body of the car.
• Does the colour and texture of the paintwork match all over?
• Check beneath the bonnet or under the boot for bad welds, untidy seams or any other evidence of accident repairs.
• Check for rust and paint bubbles particularly on the sills, wheel arches, seams, door bottoms and suspension mountings.

Electrical
Make sure these are working

• Check headlights, dashboard warning lights and other electrical equipment. Electric window and central locking repairs can be expensive. Remember to check the obvious things, such as the hazard lights, windscreen wipers and the horn.
• If there is a stereo fitted make sure it is included in the sale and that it works.

Interior
Take a look around

• Make sure the seatbelts show no sign of damage or wear, check for loose buckles and faulty mountings.
• Check door, window and sunroof seals for any sign of leaking. Damp patches in the carpet could mean a rusting floor panel.

Test drive
Try it out

• Always take a drive that is long enough to test the car properly. Try a route involving a variety of road conditions: hills, stop-start urban driving and open roads. On the drive listen out for any odd noises from the engine and suspension.
• Make the most of the opportunity to test the priorities: steering, brakes and clutch. At the end, let the engine idle and check under the bonnet for oil or water leaks.

Tyres
Check the wheels

• Check all tyres including the spare for tread depth and damage.
• Check for any bulges or cuts in the tyre wall which could lead to a blow-out at speed.

Hints and tips

• Determine how much you wish to spend prior to going to buy a car - do not exceed this amount.
• Decide which questions you will ask prior to going to buy the car - record the answers to these questions on paper and ask the seller to sign and date the document.
• Ask whether the vehicle has been involved in an accident or whether it is imported.
• Check the car's odometer reading - does the condition of the car match? Ask the buyer if the reading is correct (it is an offence to alter the odometer reading of a vehicle). Signs that the car may have been "clocked" (had the odometer reading altered) include misaligned digits on the odometer, or where the reading is not consistent with entries in the service history.
• Check engine numbers/chassis numbers match the documentation provided with the vehicle.
• Ask to test drive the car, but ensure that appropriate insurance is obtained.
• Once you have decided on a car, arrange to have the car inspected by an approved vehicle inspection agency. A genuine seller won't mind.