AutoVet | Independent Used-Car Buying Support UK

Used-car buying guide

Check first. Travel second.

Steps, checks, viewing and handover on one page.

01

Buying steps

From brief to handover.

1

Set the real budget

Include insurance, tax, servicing and early repairs.

2

Build a shortlist

Match fuel, body style and gearbox to real journeys.

3

Screen the advert

Look for ownership, mileage and service evidence.

4

Check the history

Review DVLA details, MOT patterns and provenance.

5

View and drive

Start cold, inspect carefully and use varied roads.

6

Document the deal

Record the car, price, included work and payment.

02

Checking

Before you travel.

DVLA details matchMOT mileage reviewedAdvisories understood Service evidence checkedModel and engine researchedInsurance quote obtained

Remember: a clean MOT is not a warranty or a replacement for an inspection.

03

Viewing

Slow the viewing down.

A

Identity

Match the VIN, registration, V5C and seller.

B

Cold start

Watch warning lights and listen for unusual noise.

C

Condition

Check tyres, brakes, fluids, leaks and body repairs.

D

Test drive

Check steering, braking, gearbox and temperature.

04

Handover

Tax, V5C and evidence.

Insure

Cover must be active before driving.

Change keeper

Keep the green new-keeper slip.

Tax it

Vehicle tax does not transfer.

Direct Debit

Choose yearly, six-monthly or monthly.

Check V5C

Verify your details when it arrives.

Save evidence

Keep the advert, receipt and messages.

No green slip? Apply for a V5C with form V62. Use the official vehicle-tax and V5C services.

One-off prices

Choose your support.

Complete one short brief, then pay securely.

1Choose a plan

2Complete your brief

3Pay with Stripe

Basic

£0

A quick starting point.

Up to three general matches
Main trade-offs
No call or listing review

Start free

Tell us what the car needs to do.

Share the budget, priorities and any listings already on your mind.

Prefer email?info@autovet.co.uk

Do not fill this out if you are human:

NameEmail

BudgetMain use

ULEZ / Clean Air ZoneAnnual mileage

Cars or listings you are considering Must-haves or deal-breakers

Choose the right car. Skip the costly mistake.

Go straight to the answer.