New to the UK and thinking about buying a car? Knowing the right questions to ask can save you time, money and stress. Whether you're buying a used car or a new one, you'll need to check the car's history, verify the paperwork, inspect its condition and understand the running costs. In this guide, we'll walk you through every question you should ask before handing over your money.

Key Takeaways:

• When buying a car in the UK, you need to ask about the car's accident history, service records, and ownership details.
• Check if there's outstanding finance, verify the V5C logbook is genuine, and confirm the MOT status.
• Ask about the car's condition, running costs, and test drive it in daylight.
• These questions help you avoid buying a stolen, damaged, or overpriced vehicle.

Questions to Ask About the Car's History

Before you commit to buying any car, you need to understand its past. The car's history can reveal potential problems that might cost you later.

Has the car been in any accidents? Ask the seller directly. Even minor accidents can cause long-term issues if repairs weren't done properly. Check the bodywork for signs of repainting or misaligned panels.

How many previous owners has it had? Multiple owners in a short time can be a red flag. You can check the number of previous owners on the V5C logbook.

Do you have the full service history? A complete service history shows the car has been looked after. It should include records of oil changes, brake checks and major repairs. Missing service history might hide mechanical issues.

Is there an outstanding finance agreement on the car? Outstanding finance means the previous owner still owes money on the car to a finance company. If the previous owner still owes money, you could lose the car even after you've paid. Always check for outstanding finance before buying.

Has the car ever been written off or declared a total loss? A written-off car is one that an insurance company has declared too expensive to repair or beyond economic repair. Some written-off cars can be repaired and put back on the road, but they might have hidden damage. Check the car's insurance write-off history online.

When is the next MOT due? An MOT is the annual safety test required for all UK cars over three years old. Every car over three years old needs an annual MOT test. You can check the car's full MOT history online through the government website. Look at previous results to spot recurring problems or verify the mileage. Read our guide to understanding your MOT.

Questions to Ask When Checking the Car's Condition

Once you're happy with the car's history, it's time to inspect the vehicle itself. These questions will help you spot potential issues before you buy.

Can I see the car in daylight? Always view a car in natural daylight. It's much easier to spot scratches, dents and rust in good lighting.

Can I take it for a test drive? A test drive is essential to check how the car handles and whether the engine runs smoothly. Remember, you can't test drive without insurance. Learn more about getting temporary car insurance.

During your test drive, check that:

• The car accelerates smoothly without jerking
• The brakes respond quickly and don't pull to one side
• The steering feels tight and responsive
• There are no unusual rattles or vibrations
• The gears change smoothly (if it's a manual)
• All the electronics work properly

Are there any warning lights on the dashboard? Turn on the ignition and watch the dashboard. Warning lights should appear briefly then disappear. If any stay on, there's a problem that needs fixing.

How worn are the tyres? The legal minimum tyre tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, but the recommended tread depth for safe driving is 3mm. Check all four tyres carefully. You can check tyre tread using a 20p coin. Place it in the main grooves. If you can see the outer band of the coin, the tyre tread is too low.

Also look for uneven wear patterns, cracks or bulges in the sidewalls, and different brands on different wheels.

Are there any unusual noises from the engine? If you can, ask to hear the engine when it's cold. Listen for knocking or tapping sounds, squealing, rattling or excessive vibration. Turn the car on and let it idle. The engine should run smoothly.

Does everything work? Test all lights, windscreen wipers and washers, heating and air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, central locking, radio and speakers, and seat adjustments.

What's the condition of the interior? A used car will probably have some wear and tear. Check the seats, carpets, dashboard and door panels for stains, tears or excessive wear. Heavy wear on the driver's seat and pedals might suggest the car has done more miles than shown.

Are there any modifications? Car modifications are changes made to a vehicle from its original factory specification, such as changes to the exhaust, alloy wheels, body kits or performance upgrades. Any modifications need to be declared to your insurer. Modifications can make your car insurance more expensive.

Questions to Ask About Paperwork and Legal Requirements

The paperwork side of buying a car in the UK is just as important as checking the car itself. Missing or incorrect documents can cause serious problems.

Do you have the V5C logbook? The V5C logbook is the official vehicle registration document that proves who the registered keeper is. Make sure the seller has the original V5C and check that their name and address match the document. To verify the V5C is genuine, look for the DVL watermark, check the serial number matches DVLA records, and make sure there are no signs of tampering. If the seller doesn't have the V5C or it looks suspicious, walk away.

Is the car taxed? Road tax (officially called Vehicle Excise Duty) is the annual tax that UK car owners must pay to drive legally on public roads. Road tax doesn't transfer when you buy a used car. The previous owner's tax automatically ends when ownership changes. You'll need to tax the car yourself before you can drive it legally.

Does the mileage match the logbook? Check the mileage on the dashboard matches what's recorded in the V5C and service history. Also compare it against previous MOT records. If the numbers don't add up, the odometer might have been tampered with.

Has the car been recalled for any safety issues? A vehicle recall is when a car manufacturer identifies a safety problem and calls cars back for free repairs. Car manufacturers sometimes recall vehicles to fix safety problems. Check through the manufacturer's website or the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.

Can I check the car against DVLA records? The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) is the UK government body that maintains records of all registered vehicles. Use the government's online service to verify the car's make and model, when it was first registered, the current MOT status, and if it's been scrapped or exported.

Has the car been stolen? To check if a car is stolen, verify the V5C has a genuine DVL watermark, check the serial number is correct, and compare the vehicle identification number on the V5C with the number stamped on the car itself. If you discover the car is stolen, report it to the police immediately.

Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Car vs a New Car

Some questions are specific to whether you're buying a used car from a private seller or dealer, or a brand new car from a manufacturer.

Questions for Used Cars

Why are you selling the car? Common legitimate reasons include upgrading to a bigger car, moving abroad or no longer needing a vehicle. Be wary if the seller seems evasive.

Can I have an independent inspection? For expensive used cars, consider paying for a professional inspection from organisations like the AA or RAC. If the seller refuses an inspection, that could be a red flag.

What warranty or guarantee comes with it? If you're buying from a dealer, ask about warranty coverage. Reputable dealers often provide at least three months' warranty. Private sellers don't have to offer warranties.

Are there any known faults? By law, sellers must tell you about any significant problems with the car. Ask directly if there are any issues and get any promises in writing before you buy. Check our complete used car buying guide for more tips.

Questions for New Cars

What's included in the manufacturer's warranty? New cars come with a manufacturer's warranty, typically three to seven years. Check exactly what's covered, what's excluded and whether there are mileage limits.

Are there any delivery charges or admin fees? Ask about additional costs like delivery fees, number plate fees, admin charges and first registration fees. Get a clear breakdown before you commit.

What's the expected delivery date? New cars can sometimes take months to arrive. Get a firm delivery date in writing and ask what happens if the delivery is delayed.

Can you help with finance options? Many dealerships can arrange car finance. Ask about interest rates, deposit requirements and monthly payments. Some manufacturers are more willing to offer finance to people who are new to the UK.

Questions to Ask About Running Costs

Understanding how much the car will cost to run is just as important as the purchase price. These ongoing costs can add up quickly.

What's the fuel economy? Ask what miles per gallon the car achieves. Cars with better fuel economy will save you money, especially if you drive long distances. Remember that official figures are usually higher than real-world driving.

What insurance group is it in? Every car in the UK is placed in an insurance group from 1 to 50. Lower numbers mean cheaper insurance. Cars in groups 1-10 are usually the cheapest to insure. Learn more about UK car insurance groups.

How much is road tax? Road tax varies depending on the car's CO2 emissions and when it was first registered. You can check how much road tax will cost by looking at the car's V5C or checking online with the DVLA.

What are typical servicing costs? Ask about typical service costs for the make and model you're considering. Luxury brands and high-performance cars usually cost more to service than mainstream manufacturers. Also consider how often the car needs servicing (usually annually or every 10,000-12,000 miles).

Questions to Ask When Buying on Finance

If you're planning to buy your car on finance rather than paying cash upfront, you need to understand exactly what you're agreeing to.

What's the interest rate (APR)? The Annual Percentage Rate shows you the true cost of borrowing. Compare APR rates from different lenders to get the best deal.

What's the total amount payable? Don't just focus on the monthly payment. Ask for the total amount you'll pay over the entire finance agreement, including the deposit, all monthly payments and any final payment.

Are there penalties for early repayment? Some finance agreements charge you if you want to pay off the loan early. Check if there are early repayment fees and how much they would be.

What happens if I miss a payment? Understand the consequences. You might face late payment fees, damage to your credit score, risk of the car being repossessed, and additional interest charges. Make sure the monthly payments fit comfortably within your budget.

Do I need a UK credit score? There isn't a minimum credit score to buy a car in the UK, but it can be tricky if you don't have one at all. If you're paying cash, you won't need a credit score. But if you need finance, lenders will want to see your credit history. Learn how to build your credit score as a UK newcomer.

During our chat with expat influencer Ashika D'Souza, she revealed that Skoda, Volkswagen, Seat and BMW sell cars to expats on finance. She said: "We went to BMW and they were extremely efficient. They asked for my husband's pay slips, saw the salary bracket and were able to give us a car without a credit history."

Remember, buying a car on finance often has different rules in the UK compared to other countries. Check all the paperwork properly before signing anything. Read our guide to how car finance works in the UK.

Essential Checks Before You Buy Any Car

Before you hand over any money, work through this checklist to make sure you've covered everything.

Pre-Purchase Checklist

Verification checks:

• Check the car's details against DVLA records online
• Review the full MOT history on gov.uk
• Verify there are no outstanding vehicle recalls
• Confirm the car isn't stolen (check V5C watermark and serial number)
• Check for outstanding finance using a finance check service

Physical condition checks:

• Inspect the engine (listen for unusual noises when cold)
• Check tyre tread depth (minimum 1.6mm, recommended 3mm)
• Test the brakes during a test drive
• Examine the bodywork for damage, rust or poor repairs
• Check the interior for excessive wear or damage
• Test all lights, wipers, windows and electronics

Documentation checks:

• Original V5C logbook (with correct DVL watermark)
• Full service history with stamps and receipts
• Recent MOT certificates
• Evidence of any warranty or guarantee (if buying from dealer)

Legal requirements:

• Arrange car insurance before driving the car (it's a legal requirement in the UK)
• Plan to tax the car in your name (previous owner's tax won't transfer)
• Confirm you have the correct documents to register the car

Do I Need Insurance Before Driving My New Car Home?

Yes. Car insurance is a legal requirement in the UK. You cannot drive home from the dealership or garage unless you have UK car insurance. Make sure you've arranged insurance before you collect your new car. Many insurers can provide instant cover over the phone or online.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Car

Here are the most common mistakes people make when buying a car in the UK, especially if you're new to the country:

Viewing the car only at night or in poor lighting. Always see the car in natural daylight. This makes it much easier to spot scratches, dents, rust and poor repair work that sellers might try to hide.

Skipping the test drive. Never buy a car without test driving it first. A test drive reveals problems with the engine, brakes, steering and handling that you can't spot from looking at the car.

Forgetting that road tax doesn't transfer to you In the UK, road tax is cancelled when a car changes ownership. You must tax the car yourself before driving it, even if the previous owner had valid tax.

Not checking for outstanding finance. If the previous owner still owes money on the car, the finance company legally owns it. They can repossess the car from you even after you've paid for it.

Driving without insurance. UK law requires car insurance before you drive any vehicle on public roads. Driving without insurance can result in a £300 fine, six penalty points, and your car being seized.

Trusting the seller without verifying their claims. Always verify the mileage against MOT records, check the V5C is genuine, and confirm the car's history independently. Don't just take the seller's word for it.

How Marshmallow Can Help UK Newcomers

Buying a car in the UK is different from other countries, and we understand that. At Marshmallow, we've built car insurance specifically with UK newcomers in mind.

We recognise your claim-free driving experience from other countries, so you don't have to start from scratch with UK insurers. That means we can offer you fairer prices that reflect your real driving history.

UK newcomers save on their car insurance with Marshmallow. Get your free quote today in minutes to see what you could save.

FAQs

Can I buy a car without a UK credit score? If you're paying cash you won't need one, but for finance some manufacturers like BMW, Skoda and Volkswagen are flexible with UK newcomers.

What checks should I do before buying a used car? Check MOT history, verify against DVLA records, confirm no outstanding finance, inspect the V5C, test drive, check tyres and listen to the engine.

How do I register a car in my name? The dealer or seller can register it for you online or by post. They need to give you the green "new keeper slip" and you'll receive a new V5C logbook in the post.

What is UK road tax? Road tax is a legal requirement for car owners and doesn't transfer when you buy a used car, so you'll need to tax it yourself before driving.

Will my insurance be cheaper if I buy a new or used car? There's no clear answer as age, make, model and condition all affect the price. If you want to lower your insurance cost, prioritise finding a safe, affordable car that suits your needs.