Used car checklist: what to check before you sign

At a viewing it is easy to be taken by the paint and the equipment and forget the paperwork or the underbody. That is why we have the pre-purchase checklist: 47 points in nine sections that you can tick off on your phone right at the car or print out. Here is a short overview of what is in it. The full list with notes and photos is on the original page.

Basic details. Check the year of manufacture (not just the date of first registration), that the make, model and trim match the ad, and note down the price and the seller's contact. If you are trading in your own car, find out its approximate trade-in value beforehand.

Documents and history.

• The VIN, colour and engine in the registration documents match the car.
• The seller is the registered owner or has a power of attorney.
• A valid roadworthiness test and emissions check, a service book or invoices where the mileage rises steadily.
• The car is not pledged, leased or subject to an enforcement order. For an import, ask for proof of the previous registration.

History and mileage. Check the VIN in one of the paid or free history services, compare the mileage with the wear and with the records, and ask about manufacturer recalls. How to spot a clocked odometer is covered in the article about clocked odometers.

Body and paint. Scratches, dents, uneven gaps between panels, a chipped windscreen, misted headlights and rust on the sills, in the wheel arches and on the brake discs. A paint thickness gauge quickly shows which panel has been repainted.

Wheels and tyres. Tread depth and even wear, the same tyres on all four wheels and wheels without cracks.

Interior and electronics. Wear on the steering wheel, pedals and driver's seat should match the mileage. Try the air conditioning, navigation and cameras, check that no warning light is on and that there is no smell of damp in the car.

Under the car. Oil and fluid leaks, rust on the exhaust and floor, play in the steering and axles, signs of repairs to load-bearing parts.

Mechanics and test drive.

1. Start a cold engine and watch for smoke and noises.
2. On the test drive try the brakes, steering, gear changes and suspension.
3. On a diesel ask about the particulate filter and injection, on an electric car or hybrid about the battery health (SOH).
4. If you are not sure, have an independent technician look at the car.

Price and transfer. Compare the price with similar cars on other marketplaces, write a proper purchase contract, pay safely and agree on the re-registration with the authorities within the legal deadline.

The checklist is a general basis, and for a specific model it pays to know its typical weak points too. We cover those in the category Car experiences.

If you are unsure about a point, for example how to measure paint or what to look for in a service book, ask here in the thread.