Buying a used car

Summary

It’s worth knowing that you’ll still have legal rights even if you don’t do the proper checks. If there’s something wrong with your used car (eg it’s got a false mileage reading or it keeps breaking down), you may have a legal right to a repair, the cost of a repair, or some or all of your money back. If you’re buying from a trader (a business that sells cars) you should: * look for an established firm with a good reputation * look for a trade association sign (for example, the Retail Motor Industry Federation or the Scottish Motor Trade Association) or a sign that says they follow The Motor Ombudsman's code of practice - this means you can act through a trade association if something goes wrong * look for a trader whose cars have been inspected by an independent engineer or motoring organisation Auctions are probably the riskiest way of buying a used car. You probably won’t have the legal protection that you have if you buy through a trader (for example, the right to returns and refunds). Make sure you read the auction house’s terms and conditions of business carefully before making a bid. Doing some simple checks will reduce your chances of buying a car that’s being sold.

Key information

• •look for an established firm with a good reputation
• •look for a trade association sign (for example, the Retail Motor Industry Federation or the Scottish Motor Trade Association) or a sign that says they follow The Motor Ombudsman's code of practice - this means you can act through a trade association if something goes wrong
• •look for a trader whose cars have been inspected by an independent engineer or motoring organisation
• •registration number (on the number plate)
• •the car has been reported stolen
• •the seller still owes money on the car
• •the car has previously been in a serious accident
• •the car is showing the correct mileage
• •the car has been written off, repaired and then returned to the road
• •the log book (the V5C registration certificate)
• •the valid MOT test document
• •there are no extra fees or interest

Practical guidance

• •Source: [Buying a used car](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/buying-or-repairing-a-car/buying-a-used-car/)

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