How to Buy a Used Car
Buying a used car doesn’t have to be stressful. With Cazoo’s expert guide, learn how to choose the perfect car, perform essential checks, and make the right purchase.
The Cazoo editorial team
Published on 21 August 2025 | 2 mins read
Looking to buy a used car but not sure where to start? Whether it’s your first car or an upgrade, buying pre-loved wheels can save you money while helping you find a car that fits like a glove. But it’s not without its challenges, hidden histories, confusing paperwork, and the odd scratch or dent can feel overwhelming.
This guide simplifies the process, helping you buy a used car confidently, safely, and within your budget. Let's break it down step by step.
Why Buy a Used Car?
Used cars often get a bit of a reputation, but they come with loads of perks. For starters, they’re cheaper! Cars lose about 20-30% of their value in the first year—by buying used, you dodge the biggest chunk of depreciation.
Plus, there's more choice on the market. Whether you’ve got your eye on a family-friendly SUV or a compact city car, you’ll find a wider selection of makes, models, and specifications to suit your needs.
Quick tip: Do your research upfront to make sure you're getting a great deal.
Where to Buy a Used Car
There are several places you can buy a used car, each with its own pros and cons. Here’s a quick rundown to help you decide which fits your needs best.
Dealerships
Dealerships are a popular choice, especially if it’s your first time buying a car. They’ll often inspect and maintain their cars, offering reassurance about quality. Additional bonuses like warranties, financing options, or part-exchange deals make them a top choice for hassle-free buying.
Advantages:
- Vehicles are usually in good condition.
- Better consumer protections under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
- Access to financing and after-sales services.
Things to note: Dealers often work with set prices, so there’s less room to negotiate than with private sellers.
Private Sellers
Buying from a private seller can be cheaper as you avoid dealership fees, and there’s often room to haggle. However, you’ll need a good eye for detail—there’s more risk of hidden issues, and consumer protections are limited.
Pro tip: Always meet the seller at their registered address to confirm ownership of the car (the address should match the V5C logbook).
Online Platforms
With online car marketplaces and services letting you shop from your sofa, buying a used car has never been easier. Cazoo provides comprehensive filters to search for cars by make, model, budget, and mileage.
Downside: You might not get face-to-face interaction or hands-on inspection time with the car.
Key Steps to Buying Your Dream Used Car
1. Know Your Budget
Before you even start browsing, figure out how much you can realistically spend—not just on the car, but also factoring in insurance, tax, MOT, and maintenance.
If you're arranging finance, focus on affordable monthly payments that fit comfortably within your budget.
Budgeting tip: Don’t forget fuel costs—opt for a car that's economical to run.
2. Do Your Research
Once you’ve nailed your budget, it’s time to research potential vehicles. Compare cars by features, running costs, and reliability ratings. Knowing the average price for similar models means you'll be ready to spot a good deal.
Tip for success: Search for online reviews of specific makes and models to avoid common problems.
3. Check the Car’s History
You found the perfect car—great! But hold on. A car’s history can be the difference between a gem and a nightmare.
Run a vehicle history check to find out if the car has been reported stolen, written off, or has outstanding finance. Don’t skip this step—it’s a small cost for big peace of mind.
4. Inspect and Test Drive
If possible, view the car in person during daylight. Look for any signs of damage, rust, or wear and tear and ensure the mileage matches the car’s age and advertised condition.
Finally, test drive the car. Pay attention to the feel of the steering, brakes, and clutch. Listen for any unusual noises and test the ride on a variety of roads. Bring someone with mechanical knowledge if you're unsure.
What Documents Should You Check?
Paperwork can be daunting, but it’s crucial you know what to look for when buying a used car. Here's a quick checklist of essential documents to verify before you commit.
- V5C Logbook: This confirms the seller's ownership and provides vehicle details. Check that the registration number, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and address match.
- MOT History: For cars over three years old, view the car’s MOT history online for advisories and failures.
- Service Records: These show how the car has been maintained and can boost confidence in its reliability.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Clocking: This is when a car's mileage is fraudulently turned back to increase resale value. Compare the mileage with service records or MOT history.
- Cloning: Ensure the registration plates match official records to avoid buying a stolen car disguised as another.
- Cut-and-Shuts: Cars welded together from multiple wrecks can look fine but are unsafe. A professional inspection or history check can help flag these.
FAQs About Buying a Used Car
Q. Can I return a used car if I’m not happy with it?
Yes! If you buy from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 gives you the right to return it within 30 days if it’s faulty. This doesn’t apply to private sales.
Q. Are warranties worth it?
Absolutely. Warranties can be a lifesaver, helping to cover costs if anything goes wrong after you’ve bought the car—especially for older cars.
Q. Can I buy a car online and still test drive it?
Most reputable online platforms offer options to test drive before purchase, either at a collection point or through home delivery services.
Q. What’s the safest way to pay for a used car?
Credit cards offer extra protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. Alternatively, electronic payments provide a secure and trackable method.