Buy your next car
with a plan.
A practical, step-by-step guide to choosing, checking and buying a used car. Explore the entire journey or jump straight to the decision in front of you.
THE ROUTE MAP
Five decisions. One confident purchase.
Every used-car purchase has a different starting point. Use these chapters in order, or open the one you need today.
Choose the right car
Turn your journeys, passengers and budget into a useful shortlist before you compare adverts.
8 min read↗02 / GUIDEInspect a used car
A practical inspection sequence for the advert, documents, vehicle and road test.
10 min read↗03 / GUIDEFinance & costs
Compare cash, loans, HP, PCP and leasing using the total you will pay, not the headline monthly figure.
9 min read↗04 / GUIDEElectric & hybrid
Charging, real-world range, battery health and used-EV checks explained for UK buyers.
12 min read↗05 / GUIDEBuy & take ownership
What to confirm before a deposit, what to keep in writing and what to do before driving away.
9 min read↗A BETTER WAY TO DECIDE
Compare the car you will own, not just the advert.
A strong shortlist balances your driving, the vehicle's history and its full cost. Before arranging a viewing, check the exact registration, service evidence and what is included in the price.
of ownership
ELECTRIC, WITHOUT THE GUESSWORK
Is an EV right for your journeys?
Range is only one part of the choice. Check where you can charge, what it will cost, the battery's condition and the warranty on the exact used car.
Read the electric and hybrid guidefitBatteryCost
SAVE THIS LIST
Before you commit
- Check DVLA details, MOT history and safety recalls.
- Match the VIN and V5C; review service records and any finance check.
- Inspect the car in person and take a meaningful test drive.
- Get insurance and ownership-cost estimates for the exact car.
- Put the price, promises, deposit terms and warranty in writing.
- Arrange insurance and tax before driving away.
See the inspection guide and handover guide for the details.