Guides, analyses and checklists for people who buy or sell used cars.
A UK buyer's guide to a used Ford Kuga and Vauxhall Mokka: 1.5 EcoBoost coolant intrusion, diesel DPF faults, MOT history, common problems, prices and a checklist.
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Petrol vs diesel vs hybrid vs electric on the UK used market: match the engine to your miles, weigh ULEZ and road tax, and know what to check on each type before you buy.
Free GOV.UK checks vs a paid HPI check compared: MOT history, DVLA enquiry and tax versus finance, write-off category and stolen markers. When it is worth paying.
A UK buyer's guide to a used BMW 1 Series and 3 Series: N47 diesel timing chain, N13 and N43 petrol faults, ZF automatic, MOT history, common problems and a checklist.
A step-by-step guide to checking a used car in the UK: MOT history, DVLA enquiry, V5C logbook, VIN, write-off categories and finance before you hand over the money.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it in the UK? A PPI costs £10 to £150, but clocking, a Cat S write-off or outstanding finance can cost you thousands. The real maths.
How many miles is too many on a used car in the UK? Why average annual mileage beats the total, why low mileage can be a red flag, and how to verify it is genuine.
A UK buyer's guide to a used Mini Hatch and Cooper: Prince N14 and N18 timing chain and carbon build-up, Cooper S turbo, MOT history, common faults, prices and a checklist.
A used car sales receipt and contract for private UK sales: what to include, a simple template, and why 'sold as seen' matters. Protect both buyer and seller.
A UK buyer's guide to a used Nissan Qashqai J10 and J11: DIG-T timing chain, 1.5 dCi DPF faults, CVT gearbox, MOT history, common problems, prices and a checklist.
A UK guide to the best first car: what makes a car cheap to insure, sensible small models to shortlist, and how to check a used one before you buy on a budget.
A UK buyer's guide to a used VW Polo: 1.2 TSI timing chain, 1.0 TSI, 1.6 TDI diesel, DSG faults, MOT history, common problems, prices and a pre-purchase checklist.
How to spot a rebuilt Cat S or Cat N written-off car in the UK: what the categories mean, physical signs of accident repair, and why disclosure and price matter.
What the V5C logbook proves, how to spot a fake or cloned car, and which paperwork to check when buying a used car in the UK, from service history to MOT and finance.
A UK buyer's guide to a used Vauxhall Astra J and K: 1.4 turbo timing chain, 1.6 and 2.0 CDTi diesels, MOT history, common faults, prices and a pre-purchase checklist.
What used car can you buy for £3,000, £8,000 or £15,000 in the UK? Realistic models at each budget, what to expect, and the checks that protect your money.
A UK buyer's guide to a used VW Golf Mk6 and Mk7: TSI timing chain wear, TDI diesels, DSG DQ200 gearbox faults, MOT history, prices and a pre-purchase checklist.
The three used-car scams that catch UK buyers: clocking, cloning and outstanding finance. How each works, the warning signs and how to protect yourself before you buy.
A UK test drive checklist for used cars: what to check cold, on the move and afterwards, from clutch and brakes to warning lights, so you spot faults before you pay.
A UK buyer's guide to a used Ford Fiesta: 1.0 EcoBoost wet belt and coolant faults, 1.25 Ti-VCT, Powershift gearbox, MOT history, prices and a pre-purchase checklist.
A UK buyer's guide to a used Vauxhall Corsa: MOT history, common faults, paperwork, VIN checks and how to spot a clocked or written-off example before you pay.
How to run a stolen car check in the UK before you buy: spot cloning, verify the VIN and V5C, watch for dodgy logbook serials and avoid losing car and cash.
Budget the true cost of a used car in the UK: road tax, the MOT test and its £54.85 cap, insurance, servicing, fuel and depreciation, not just the purchase price.
A UK guide to buying a used electric car: battery health, charging, running costs, MOT history and the same VIN, finance and write-off checks every used car needs.