How to Buy a Used Car
Everything you need to know before buying a used car in the UK — from setting a budget to completing the sale safely.
Set your budget
Before you start searching, decide how much you can afford — including insurance, tax, fuel, and servicing costs. A good rule of thumb is to keep your total motoring costs below 15% of your take-home pay.
Choose the right vehicle
Think about how you will use the car. City driving suits smaller, economical cars. Families need space and safety ratings. Long-distance drivers benefit from diesel or hybrid engines.
Search on Drive Mart
Use Drive Mart to search by make, model, year, mileage, and location. Set up a saved search to get alerts when new matching vehicles are listed.
Check the vehicle history
Always run a vehicle history check before buying. This reveals outstanding finance, write-off history, mileage discrepancies, and stolen vehicle records.
Inspect and test drive
Never buy a car without seeing it in person. Check for rust, panel gaps, tyre wear, and warning lights. Take it for a 20-minute test drive on different road types.
Negotiate the price
Use comparable listings on Drive Mart to justify your offer. Point out any faults or upcoming costs (tyres, MOT, service) to negotiate a fair price.
Complete the sale safely
Meet in a safe public place. Pay by bank transfer — never cash for large amounts. Get a receipt with both parties' details, the vehicle registration, and the agreed price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need when buying a used car?
Should I buy from a dealer or private seller?
What is a vehicle history check?
Ready to Buy or Sell?
Browse thousands of vehicles on Drive Mart or list yours free today.