What to Ask When Buying a Used Car

Thinking about whether to buy a new or used car? Opting for a used car is increasingly popular and often more budget-friendly for many drivers. While a used car can be a more cost-effective choice, there are several important factors to consider.

At Kia, we aim to assist you in selecting the safest and most reliable used car for you and your family. To help you make the best decision, we’ve created a detailed checklist covering everything you need to ask and inspect when purchasing a used car.

In this article, we guide you on how to make a well-informed choice and explain why buying from a reputable and approved dealer, like Kia, is a smarter and safer option.

What to look out for when buying a used car

Buying a used car is less risky today thanks to access to detailed MOT history, service records, and information on insurance write-offs. Improved record-keeping provides a clearer picture of a car’s history and usage before you make a purchase.

Nevertheless, there are still risks associated with buying a used car. Worn or faulty components can compromise your safety and lead to repair and replacement costs that could offset any savings you initially gained.

The following list outlines key factors to consider and questions to ask before purchasing a used car:

1. Is the engine in good repair?

The engine is the core of any vehicle and can be complex, with repairs often being costly.

Inspecting the engine before purchasing a used car can help you avoid substantial expenses for fixing current or future problems. Always look for signs of potential leaks, check the engine oil level, observe any exhaust smoke, and examine the head gasket. Additionally, reviewing the car’s emissions test history can provide further insights into the condition of the exhaust system.

2. Will the tyres need replacing soon?

Tyres wear out over time and have a limited lifespan. It’s common to see signs of wear on the tyres of a used car, but it’s crucial to ensure they are safe and meet legal requirements before buying.

Check the tyre tread depth to assess their condition. In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm. However, if the tread depth is below 3mm, the tyres will likely need to be replaced soon, so be sure to account for this in your purchase costs.

3. Does the bodywork show signs of previous damage?

Assess the bodywork for any dings, scratches or dents. Examining the bodywork is also usually the best way to find evidence of any major accident repair work. Keep an eye out for some tell-tale signs of poor repairs or maintenance after an accident, such as panel gaps or inconsistent paint colouring.

4. Can I take it on a test drive?

Be sure to take the car for a test drive before finalizing your purchase. Many issues may not become apparent until you’re actually driving the vehicle. A test drive also lets you assess essential components like indicators, lights, windscreen wipers, seat adjustments, and windows.

While driving, pay attention to any unusual noises. If you hear anything abnormal, make sure to investigate further or discuss it with the seller.

What’s good mileage for a used car?

Typically, a car should average about 10,000 miles per year. To gauge if a used car has reasonable mileage, you can multiply its age by 10,000. If the car's mileage is significantly higher than this figure, it may indicate more wear and tear than expected for its age.

How can these checks help you make an educated decision?

If you’re looking to buy a used car, you should complete all these checks before you commit. They can help you identify problems and ensure you make a well-informed decision. Of course, the security of your purchase also depends on the reliability of the seller. Retailers and manufacturers tend to be more secure and reliable than independent sellers. At Kia, for instance, we have warranty or insurance packages in place to protect buyers.