Where did you see the advertisement. Look for dealer hiding as private seller

Was the same telephone number in other car ads

When you called did the answerer ask which car you meant

Only see a private sale car at the sellers home. Suspect mobile phone numbers

Take a torch/magnet/overalls and a friend who knows about cars

Go in daylight

Take a pad to make notes

Avoid idle chatter, be business-like, avoid argument/don’t offer opinions

Inspect vehicle registration document V5 and crosscheck all details on car.

Look at V5 for alterations/watermark/sellers name and address correct?

Be very suspicious if seller says documents are at DVLA/lost

Check V5 for 'new by Independent Importer’. May be a personal import car.

Are etched numbers on windows/lights/ covered by stickers or scratched out

Inspect MOT crosscheck mileage/serial numbers. Ask for previous MOTs.

Look for VIN plate in engine bay/etched on windows?/inside footwells

Inspect the VIN plate/s for alteration/replacement. Crosscheck with V5/MOT

Examine the model badges/EFI/DL etc & crosscheck against V5

Examine ownership history for lease company/hire firm/company car

Inspect car service history in the users manual. Crosscheck services/annual mileages

Ensure the seller IS the owner, and crosscheck he lives at this address

Note previous owner details for later telephone contact to confirm history

Consider HPI vehicle check for write off/stolen/crash history/unpaid finance. TWOC.co.uk

Ask directly if the car has been in a crash or there are major faults or imported

Ask to see bills for repair work/guarantees, and ensure they apply to this car

Inside the car:

Inspect pedal rubbers and crosscheck against mileage. Average is 10,000 per year

Inspect drivers seat/gear shift/steering wheel for wear consistent with mileage

Inspect all seats/upholstery for condition consistent with claimed mileage

Check drivers seat belt   not over worn/retracts properly

Inspect carpet in driver’s foot well for high wear signs. Are mats new?

Inspect under carpet in driver’s foot well for damp—leaking heater/windscreen/panels

Check milometer appear normal.   (Digital ones can be clocked)

Inspect under boot carpet for signs of painting/welding/buckled panels/abnormal wear/damp

Push down on front wings and observe dampers prevent excessive bounce (1 ½)

Outside the car:

Does the car sit straight and level where it is parked

Examine paintwork for bad colour match that could conceal repairs

Look along panels/at panel edges/doors to see distortions/rippling

Look under bonnet/wheel arches/inside boot for paint ‘overspray’ or bubbles

Check   doors open/close easily

Use magnet to check for filler used in body repairs

Check for new body parts fitted/wheel arch covers/trims that reveal repairs

Check for new lamp units/new number plates/bumpers/trims that reveal repairs

Is there an anti-rust warranty. Have the inspections been done to keep it valid

Check for rust that may reveal accident damage rather than stone chips

Examine tyres for uneven wear revealing steering/suspension problems

Examine tyres for wear for condition and use consistent with mileage 20’000 per set

Tow bar? Ask what has been towed, something heavy?

Check for strong smell of diesel/oil or petrol

Check under bonnet not too clean engine bay disguising leaks/repairs

Check under bonnet for oil leaks, new gasket edges, correct fluid levels/worn drive belts

Check under bonnet for spray paint/welding/buckled panels

Check under car for oil/water drips on floor

Examine oil dipstick for clean light brown clear oil. Is battery new/corrosion free?

Check for correct fluid levels/brake/coolant/power steering/. Are they clear?

Ask if when the cam belt was last changed

If possible look at brake discs for shiny even surface

If you are satisfied at this stage go to Test Drive Checklist