Buying a used car can feel like a smart money move. And often, it is.

You avoid that steep first-year depreciation. You get more car for your budget. You might even pay outright and skip finance altogether.

But here’s the thing. A cheap used car can quickly turn into an expensive mistake if you don’t check it properly.

If you’re trying to save money when buying a new car, protect your finances, and avoid unexpected repair bills, these are the seven things you need to look at before handing over your cash.

And yes, it’s worth taking your time.

1. Vehicle history

If you only check one thing before buying a used car in the UK, make it the vehicle history.

A proper history check tells you whether the car has:

• Been written off
• Outstanding finance
• Mileage discrepancies
• Previous accidents
• Been reported stolen

You can use a paid UK vehicle history check service to access this information. It’s a small upfront cost, but it can save you thousands.

Don’t just rely on what the seller tells you. Ask to see the V5C logbook. Check that the registration, VIN and keeper details match. Look through the service history and MOT records. You can check MOT history online for free using the UK government website, which shows advisories and past failures.

If anything feels inconsistent, pause. Walk away if needed. There will always be another car.

2. VIN cloning

VIN cloning is more common than people think.

Every car has a Vehicle Identification Number placed by the manufacturer. Dishonest sellers sometimes copy a legitimate VIN from a similar vehicle to hide a car’s true history.

That could mean you’re unknowingly buying a previously written-off or stolen vehicle.

Check that the VIN matches in all the following places:

• The dashboard plate
• Inside the driver’s door frame
• Under the bonnet
• The V5C logbook

If any numbers look tampered with or don’t match exactly, that’s a red flag.

Once you’re confident the VIN is genuine, you can safely run a vehicle history check linked to that number.

This is one of those boring checks that can save you serious stress later.

3. The overall condition of the car

A shiny exterior doesn’t mean a mechanically sound vehicle.

Some cars are polished up to look fantastic for sale, while underlying issues are ignored.

Walk around the car slowly. Don’t rush. Look for:

• Rust around wheel arches and door sills
• Uneven paint colour, which can suggest accident repairs
• Gaps between panels that don’t line up properly
• Dents, scratches and signs of poor repair work

Check underneath if possible. Look at the exhaust, suspension components and undercarriage. If something looks recently replaced in one area but old elsewhere, ask why.

People do sell damaged cars online. Some repairs are fine. Others are quick cosmetic fixes.

If the price seems too good to be true for the model and age, it usually is.

This is also where it makes sense to arrange a pre-purchase car inspection. An independent inspection can uncover hidden mechanical faults, accident damage or structural issues you might miss. It costs money up front, but compared to an engine rebuild, it’s a small charge.

4. Tyre condition

Tyres are expensive. Replacing a full set can cost hundreds of pounds.

Check the tread depth across all four tyres. In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but anything close to that means you’ll be replacing them soon.

More importantly, check for even wear.

If one tyre is significantly more worn than the others, it could suggest alignment or suspension issues. Uneven tyre wear is often a sign that the car hasn’t been properly maintained.

Look for cracks in the rubber and check the age of the tyres too. Even if the tread looks fine, older tyres can harden and become unsafe.

This is also bargaining power. Worn tyres are a valid reason to negotiate a lower price.

Check the maintenance of the tyres before parting with your cash.

5. Frame and structural issues

Structural damage can be costly and sometimes unsafe.

When viewing the car, make sure it’s parked on level ground. Stand back and look at how it sits. Does one corner look lower? Does it lean?

Open the bonnet and boot. Look for signs of recent welding, fresh sealant, or uneven metalwork.

Check under the car for anything hanging loose. Look for corrosion on the chassis. If the car has been in a serious accident, you may spot signs of repaired structural damage.

If you’re unsure, this is where taking a knowledgeable friend or trusted mechanic really helps. Or again, consider arranging that independent inspection before committing.

It’s much cheaper to pay for expert advice than to deal with hidden structural faults later.

6. Upholstery and interior condition

The interior tells you a lot about how the previous owner treated the car.

Heavy wear on the driver’s seat, sagging fabric, ripped seat belts, stains or strong odours can all indicate neglect.

Of course, a used car won’t look brand new. That’s fine. But excessive damage can be expensive to fix.

Replacing upholstery is not cheap. Even professional deep cleaning adds to your costs.

Look at the condition of the steering wheel, gear stick and pedals. If they look extremely worn, but the mileage is low, that’s something to question.

A well-cared-for interior often suggests the mechanical side has been maintained properly too.

7. Mileage and test drive performance

Mileage matters, but context matters more.

In the UK, average annual mileage is often around 7,000 to 10,000 miles per year. So a five-year-old car might reasonably have 35,000 to 50,000 miles.

Very high mileage isn’t automatically bad if the car has been regularly serviced. But it does mean more wear on major components.

Check whether:

• The cambelt has been replaced if required
• There’s evidence of regular servicing
• Major work has already been done

Then drive it.

A proper test drive is essential when buying a used car.

Pay attention to:

• Acceleration, does it feel smooth?
• Braking, does it pull to one side?
• Steering, is it straight and responsive?
• Suspension, are there knocking sounds over bumps?

Turn off the radio. Listen properly. Notice vibrations or warning lights.

If something feels off, don’t ignore your instinct.

Buying a used car in the UK is about balancing price with long-term running costs. A slightly more expensive car in better condition often works out cheaper over time.

Final thoughts

A used car can absolutely save you money. Lower purchase price, lower insurance in many cases, and less depreciation.

But only if you buy wisely.

Checking the vehicle history, confirming the VIN, inspecting the condition carefully, and considering a pre purchase car inspection with qualified examiners can protect you from unexpected repair bills and financial stress.

Slow down. Ask questions. Don’t be pressured into a quick decision.

Because the real bargain isn’t the cheapest car on the forecourt. It’s the one that doesn’t drain your bank account six months later.

Buying a used car in the UK is about protecting your budget as much as finding the right vehicle. Check the history, inspect it properly, test drive it carefully, and consider an independent inspection before committing. A little caution upfront can save you thousands in future repairs and stress.