What to look for when you see a vehicle
Here is a simple check list of things to take into account when you check a used vehicle that you are considering purchasing.
Firstly, look at the engine carefully, and see if you think it has been changed in any way. If there is any doubt on this or other points listed below then you are best to walk away from the sale. Remember that if you do spot something dodgy, you don't of course need to say to the person selling the vehicle that you think there is something dodgy with it! You can simply say you will think about the purchase.
Check that all the locks on the car open with the same key, and also check that there are no dents or bumps anywhere on the car. Is the petrol cap clearly the one the car came with, and are there two keys?
Look at the registration number of the vehicle, there is more information on this in another article in this section.
Some vehicles will have a Q registration number, which indicates one of several possibilities: the car has been imported without proof of age, has been rebuilt, or has unknown age or identity: for further information on why this is look at the V5C which should explain why it has a Q reg.
There are various elements that you should also check with regard to the identity of the car, and these include that all window etchings match each other, and that the seller knows all about the vehicle and its controls, because they should be very familiar having driven it day in day out for possibly several years!
There is a full checklist made available by the DVLA that you should print and read through and bring with you when it comes to inspecting the vehicle:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/@motor/documents/digitalasset/dg_186824.pdf
If you are not confident, then take someone else along with you and potentially a independent and qualified examiner to see the vehicle with you.
Related Articles...
The automatic transmission explained
Whilst the automatic transmission system is very clever, you still need to have some control over it, and this is where the selector lever comes into play, which is in the place that you would have...
Skidding: what to do if you skid
No-one wants to skid, because skidding is a hazard that can lead to potential damage for you and other road users; in other words it is a dangerous situation to be in.
However sometimes it...
Maintaining your car
It is essential that you look after your car and keep it in good condition. Not only is this paramount for your safety and that of other road users, but also it means that the longevity of your car...
The lane discipline of a motorway
Driving on a motorway is not something you will be able to do until you pass your test, and therefore it is important to understand as much about motorway driving as you can before your first...
Motorway Driving Tips
Driving on a motorway for the first time can be both exciting and a little daunting - exciting as it is something new whilst daunting as you won't have experienced driving on a motorway before...
What's the point of the theory test?
The official theory test is a relatively recent addition to the driving test, and has evolved and become more comprehensive over time. For many of us who ask our parents about the driving test,...
When you must not stop when driving
The regulations relating to stopping article looks at when you must stop, now it is time to look at when you must not stop as a driver...
There are times when you need to stop, but also many...
What happens after the practical test
At the end of the test, you may have had your driving instructor in the back but taking no part in the test. If not, you can call them over before you receive the feedback and result to your...
Oil in your car and oil pressure
Oil is not something that you might think is essential to the operation of a car, but infact it is. Oil acts as a lubricant for the moving parts such as the moving parts of the engine, and it is...
What causes accidents: junctions
An alarmingly high proportion of accidents happen in and around junctions.
This is because of the combination of busy roads, traffic that can be nose to tail and people crossing all sorts of...
Back to home page of driving theory test questions
