The used car buying checklist

Before you view: do the homework

The best buying decisions are made before you ever sit in the driver’s seat. Start by setting a realistic total budget that includes insurance, taxes, and an emergency repair buffer — not just the sticker price.

• Research typical prices for the make, model and year you want.
• Read up on known issues for that model and generation.
• Decide your must-haves versus nice-to-haves before you fall for a specific car.
• Prefer listings with a documented service history.

Check the documentation

Paperwork protects you. Confirm the seller has the right to sell the vehicle and that the documents match the car in front of you.

• Registration and title match the seller and the vehicle identification number (VIN).
• Service and maintenance records are complete and consistent.
• There is no outstanding finance owed on the vehicle.
• The VIN on the documents matches the VIN on the car.

Inspect the car in daylight

Always view a car in good light and never in the rain, which hides paint defects and panel gaps. Walk around slowly and trust your eyes.

• Uneven panel gaps or mismatched paint can indicate past accident repairs.
• Check tyres for even wear — uneven wear hints at alignment or suspension issues.
• Look under the car and on the engine for leaks.
• Test every electrical feature: lights, windows, infotainment, climate control.

The test drive

Drive for at least 15–20 minutes across different speeds and road types. You are listening and feeling for anything that does not seem right.

• Start the engine cold if possible and listen for rough idling or smoke.
• Brake firmly to check for pulling, vibration or noise.
• Accelerate through the gears and feel for smooth, predictable shifts.
• Find a quiet road and listen for knocks, whines or rattles.

Negotiate from evidence, then close confidently

Use what you have learned — comparable prices, any needed repairs, and the completeness of the history — to negotiate fairly. A documented, well-maintained car is worth paying a little more for, because it is far cheaper to own.

When you are ready, browse verified listings on the MyGarage marketplace, where each car arrives with its maintenance history, ownership timeline and provenance score already attached.