Tips on buying a used car – your questions answered

All you need to know about buying a second-hand car from dealers and private sellers, what to look for on a test drive, and doing the deal

• 

  Best car gadgets; now and in the future

  Everyone loves a gadget, and car manufacturers are constantly falling over themselves to satisfy buyers demands. We take a look at the cleverest -...

  Best of7 years ago

• 

  How to buy a car at an Independent Dealer

  We know that some potential buyers are put off by the image of independents, but that’s not fair, as Vicki Butler-Henderson found when she visited...

  Advice8 years ago

• 

  How to use Autotrader’s Owner Reviews

  Looked at alongside Autotrader’s Expert Reviews, our collection of thousands of Owner Reviews will give you the complete picture of what any car you...

  Advice8 years ago

• 

  How to choose a good car retailer

  When you’re researching your next car, don’t just think about what to buy, think about where to buy it as well.

  Advice9 years ago

• 

  Content standards for Dealer Reviews on Autotrader

  Find out what a dealer review should and shouldn't contain.

  Advice9 years ago

• 

  Should I negotiate when buying a used car?

  Dealers want more transparency and trust in the market, so an increasing number of cars are being priced at market value from the outset. However,...

  Advice10 years ago

• 

  How do you complain if there's a problem when buying a car?

  If you want to make a complaint, the most important things to note are that you have to be reasonable and there must be a fault – you can’t just...

  Advice10 years ago

• 

  Tips on buying a used car safely

  Watch our short film featuring top tips that will help ensure you stay safe when you're buying a used car.

  Advice10 years ago

• 

  How to spot and avoid clocked, cloned or stolen cars

  Buying a used car should be worry-free. Follow our tips to learn how to spot the dupes and make sure your pre-loved car doesn’t have a dark past.

  Advice10 years ago

• 

  How can I transfer a personal car registration?

  If you want to move a personal plate from your current car to a new car you’re buying, it’s relatively simple.

  Advice10 years ago

• 

  How do I time the purchase of a car with the sale of my old one?

  Get things wrong, and you could end up with two cars at once or, worse still, none at all.

  Advice10 years ago

• 

  How to get the best price on a car?

  As a used car buyer, knowing that you’re paying the right price is crucial. The good news is that it's easy to check if the price is right using...

  Advice10 years ago

• 

  Vehicle history checks and why you need one

  Before buying a used car, it’s important to make sure the car’s history is clean so you have no nasty surprises down the line. Find out how a...

  Advice10 years ago

• 

  Used car inspections: Should you get one?

  Getting a professional to check over your car if you’re not confident checking it yourself could provide you with peace of mind.

  Advice10 years ago

• 

  Check a used car for damage or signs of accident

  Buying a used car requires thorough checks and inspection so that you know exactly what you’re paying for. Here are our tips and advice on what to...

  Advice10 years ago

• 

  What paperwork do I need to buy a car in the UK? (2025 update)

  There's very little paperwork needed to buy a used car. Everything you do need is included in our checklist of all the documents you need to buy a...

  Advice10 years ago

• 

  How important is a used car’s service history?

  A full service history is one of the most sought-after qualifications on a used car, but is it vital?

  Advice10 years ago

• 

  Moderation rules for Owner Reviews on Autotrader

  We check all reviews before publishing them. Knowing what's allowed will give you the best chance of ensuring your review is passed first time.

  Advice15 years ago