How to inspect a used vehicle

What to look at on the floor, under the bonnet, and on a test drive before you commit.

Inspect the car in daylight, on a dry surface. A wet car hides dull paint and panel gaps.

Walk around it slowly. Doors, the bonnet, and the boot should shut with the same effort. Different shades of paint, overspray on rubbers, or a panel that sits proud of the next one are reasons to ask what happened. A repaired panel is not an automatic no, but you should know about it.

Open the bonnet. Oil should sit between the marks on the dipstick and should not smell of fuel. Milky oil or mayonnaise under the oil cap can mean coolant in the oil. Look for fresh sealant, missing clips, and a battery that looks swollen.

Inside, every window, mirror, and light should work. Turn the air conditioner on and wait. It should blow cold, not just air. Check the spare wheel well and under the carpets for damp.

On the test drive, listen on a quiet road. A pull to one side, a vibration in the steering at highway speed, or a clunk over bumps is worth a second look. Try the brakes from a modest speed. The pedal should feel firm, and the car should stop straight.

Ask for the service history, both keys, and whether there is still finance on the car. A settlement figure matters if you are trading in or buying privately. If anything on the list does not match the advert, say so before you sign.