A 10-minute used car viewing checklist

Key takeaways

View in daylight, in dry weather, with the car cold and at the address on the V5C.
Run a plate check first, so you know what the records say before the seller starts talking.
Check the paperwork, the body, the interior, under the bonnet, then test drive.
Walk away if the paperwork does not match, the mileage and wear do not fit, or you feel rushed.

A good viewing takes about ten minutes of checking before the test drive. Do it in daylight, on a dry day, with the car cold and at the address on the V5C. Run a plate check beforehand so you know what the records say before the seller starts talking.

Before you go (2 minutes)

Paperwork (2 minutes)

Check	What to look for
V5C name and address	Matches the seller and where you are
VIN	Same on the V5C and on the car
MOT certificate	Matches the online history and mileage
Service invoices	Show mileage, dates and work done
Number of keys	Two is normal. One may mean a lost key

If the seller will not show you the V5C, treat that as the answer. A VIN that does not match is a sign of a cloned number plate.

Outside (2 minutes)

Walk round the car slowly and look along the body in the light.

Inside (2 minutes)

Under the bonnet (1 minute)

You do not need to be a mechanic.

The test drive (as long as you are allowed)

Start the car from cold and listen. Then check:

Check you are insured to drive it before you go. The seller's insurance may not cover you.

When to walk away

There will always be another car.

What a checklist cannot do

Ten minutes will not find everything. A hidden mechanical fault or recent repair can pass a casual look. If you are spending serious money, an independent inspection is worth having, and a history check for finance and write-off status should come first.

Common questions

Should I take someone with me?

Yes. A second person notices what you miss, and it is safer when meeting a stranger.

Is it fine to view in the rain?

Try not to. Water hides scratches, dents and paint differences, and the same goes for darkness.

How long should a test drive be?

Ask for at least 20 minutes, with a cold start, a mix of speeds and a few stops.

What if I find problems?

Use them. Ask for a lower price, or for the work to be done before you buy. If the seller will not move, you can walk away.

Check before you go

Run the plate through the free SMART check at vinfo.app for the car's details, tax and MOT status, mileage and advisories. For a specific car, an AI report gives an estimate-based maintenance outlook from its MOT history, with a PDF you can take to the viewing, for £1.99 per car.