Here are the main points to watch out for when looking over a car:

• Check the papers for a car that you like. If it has a “T” in the advert it means that it's a trader who is selling.
• When you call, you need to find out as much info as you can. Basic checks such as MOT & Tax expiry dates, mileage and colour are good starting points.
• If a viewing is required, arrive at the home address a little earlier, allowing you to look at the car without the seller being there. If you don’t like what you see, walk away.
• A warm bonnet could indicate the car has problems starting cold.
• When checking out a car it's a good idea to take along a qualified mechanic, or someone who has a good knowledge about cars.

The outside

• Tyres: Are they legal? Is the tyre wear even? Remember to look at the inside of the tyre as well as this could indicate steering alignment problems.

Bodywork

• Are all the panels the same shade / colour of paint?
• Respray? Is there paint on the windscreen rubbers or door handles.
• Crouch down beside the car and look along the panels. Are there any ripples? It could indicate that filler has been used to do a repair.
• The gaps between the doors, bonnet and boot should be the same. If there are larger than normal gaps this indicates a poor repair.
• Look out for rust that is excessive.
• Check that the door mirrors are present and that they match.

The inside

• As you open the door, look out for any theft damage around the locks and handles.
• Shiny plastics, such as the steering wheel, gear knob and the pedal rubbers, indicate a high mileage. A worn saggy seat, is also a giveaway.
• Seat belts should run free and easy; any damage or fraying will mean replacing the seat belt.
• The odometer number should be straight (analogue will look uneven if it has been tampered with). Digital can be realigned easily with a laptop and are harder to spot.
• Lift the carpets in the boot to look for accident repairs and any dampness. The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is sometimes underneath the carpet. If it is, check it tallies with the logbook (V5).

Under the bonnet

• Look for any obvious leaks of water and oil hydraulic fluid. Check under the oil filler cap; if it's white and frothy the cylinder head gasket may have gone (expensive repair).
• Check the oil level. Is it high enough and not sludgy? If it is white and very watery this indicates a serious engine problem.

Documents

• The more documentation the better. Any old MOTs and service invoices show the car has been looked after. The most important document is the V5 (logbook). Check the person selling the car is the registered keeper on the V5 – they may not be legally allowed to sell it. If no V5 is available, think twice about buying.
• Check the reg. number, colour, VIN and engine number are all correct. If there are any discrepancies you need to find out why.
• Check it's not a copy, and if it has a ‘CT’ printed at the bottom it may have been re-registered at some point (personal plate).

Test drive

• If you're driving, make sure you're insured and the Tax & MOT are valid.
• Any cold start problems should show up if the car is cold. A pre-warmed car may have something to hide. Start up the car and look at the smoke coming from the exhaust; lots of white / blue smoke should be a cause for concern. Smoke can also appear under acceleration so check mirrors at this time. The oil pressure gauge or light should go out immediately.
• Moving off: If the clutch is heavy or judders or slips when changing gears and there's a lot of movement on the gear lever, this can be a sign of hard use.
• Driving it: The car should not wander, the brakes should be firm, quiet and not judder under heavy braking. Check the handbrake holds on the hills. The suspension should be quiet; any severe rattles or clunks need more investigation. The engine should run smoothly; any unusual noises or lack of power suggest major engine wear. On the return trip, the temperature gauge should read in the normal zone. Check underneath for any more fluid leaks when hot.
• Money talks: If you want to buy the car, offer a price lower than the asking. Carry out the HPI check if you have a mobile and your credit card with you. Don’t be afraid to haggle, especially if you have found some problems with the car. Don’t go over your budget or opinion of the car's value. If you cannot make a deal walk away, as there are always plenty more cars.