First car viewing checklist

📋Before you go

What to bring:

• This checklist
• Driving license
• Phone with torch
• Another sensible adult (if possible)
• Pen for notes
• Debit or Credit Card for deposit (if buying)

Research done:

• Checked insurance group and got quote
• Researched typical problems for this model
• Confirmed market value on AutoTrader/Parkers
• Checked the location of the dealership

✅Paperwork check

Essential documents (don't buy without these!):

• V5C (log book) check when the car was last bought or sold
• MOT certificate and check the MOT history online
• Service history stamped book and/or receipts

🔍Exterior inspection

Body & paint:

• Rust spots check wheel arches, door frames, bumpers
• Dents & scratches  note location and severity
• Paint match  mismatched colors or overspary suggests accident damage
• Panel alignment gaps should be even
• Stone chips  normal on front bumper/bonnet

Tyres:

• Tread depth check wear indicators have some depth
• Even wear  uneven wear suggests alignment issues
• Correct pressure  should feel firm when pressed
• Same brand  mixed and/or unknown brand tyres suggest poor maintenance
• Spare tyre  check condition and pressure

Lights & glass:

• All lights work  headlights, brake lights, indicators, hazards
• Windscreen chips  small ones OK, cracks fail MOT
• Mirror condition  cracked mirrors are dangerous
• Number plates  should be secure and normal looking font

🎲Interior check

Seats & comfort:

• Driver's seat not too worn, adjusts properly
• All seatbelts  clip in securely, no fraying
• Steering wheel  not excessively worn
• Pedals  not worn through to metal

Electronics:

• Radio/infotainment  works and stays on
• Air conditioning  blows cold air
• All switches  lights, wipers, windows, etc.
• Warning lights  none illuminated when running
• USB/charging ports  work properly

Practicality:

• Boot space  adequate for your needs
• Rear seats  fold down if needed
• Storage compartments  glove box, door pockets work

🔧Engine & mechanical

Under the bonnet:

• Oil level  should be between min/max on dipstick
• Oil color  should be amber/black, not milky
• Coolant level  visible in expansion tank
• Belts  no fraying or cracks
• Unusual noises  engine should run smoothly

Fluids & leaks:

• Check ground  no oil/coolant puddles where parked
• Exhaust smoke  should be nearly invisible when warm
• Brake fluid  visible in reservoir, not black/thick
• Power steering  easy to turn when stationary

🛣️Test Drive

Pre-drive checks:

• Fuel range  enough for test drive
• Handbrake  holds car on slight slope
• Mirrors  adjusted properly

During the drive:

• Clutch  engages smoothly, not slipping
• Gears  select cleanly, no grinding
• Brakes  car stops straight, no grinding noise
• Steering  car drives straight, doesn't pull to one side
• Engine  accelerates smoothly, no hesitation
• Temperature  doesn't overheat during drive

Different driving conditions:

• Cold start  engine starts easily from cold
• City driving  smooth at low speeds
• Motorway speed  stable at 60-70mph
• Hill starts  clutch doesn't slip
• Parking  easy to maneuver

💰Negotiation & buying

Price research:

• Market value  checked AutoTrader/Parkers guide price
• Similar cars  compared with others for sale locally
• Condition adjustment  factor in any issues found
• Negotiation room  some sellers expect haggling (check comparable cars first)

Final checks:

• Outstanding finance  use HPI check or ask directly
• Write everything down  faults, agreements, contact details
• Get receipt  with seller details and what's included
• Arrange insurance  before you drive it home

Payment:

• Card or bank transfer  avoid unusual payment methods
• Receipt given  with full seller details
• Keys & documents  get all keys, manuals, documents

✅ All done?