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Buying Guide

Welcome to the Used Car Buying Guide, which aims to provide you with all the advice and information to make the right choices when buying a second-hand car. In this guide we'll explain how to buy a used car that is as safe and reliable as a new car - at a fraction of the price.

Browse the areas below to arm yourself with all the information you need to make the successful purchase of your dream car

How to decide what to buy

Lots of people leave their house having decided to buy a three-door hatchback, only to drive out of the showroom a few hours later in a stretch limousine

When and where to buy

From car supermarkets to auctions, we look at the relative merits of the different ways in which you can source a second-hand car

How to negotiate

If you enter a buying situation not expecting to receive a discount, you won't get one. Be positive and you’ll be amazed at how easy it can be

Paperwork

It's a good idea to read the Vehicle Registration Certificate in detail to avoid any last-minute stings. Here's what to look out for

Buyers' checklist

Here are the top three standard checks to make for each area of a used car. They will help you to identify any misuse or signs of neglect or accident damage

Recalls

It is a point often overlooked, but lots of cars are subject to recalls. Of the 300 most common models on Britain’s roads, almost 250 have had a recall

Finance

You've chosen a car, negotiated a deal, now you need to decide the best method of payment. We help you to decide the best option

If things do go wrong

What to do if you have a small niggle on a car and no garage seems to be able to fix it, plus our advice should things become a more serious

How to sell your car in three easy steps

Selling your old car doesn't need to be a hassle. Make life easier by following our top three tips

Driving   

Jeremy Clarkson

open quote mark Every single atom of the Rolls-Royce Phantom is designed only to make your life as quiet and as comfortable as possible close quote mark

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Jeremy Clarkson

Features 

Nick Rufford and Jason Dawe head to head in the Ariel Atom 3 and the Caterham R500

Thunderbolt v Lightfoot

We put the explosive Ariel Atom 3 head to head with the Caterham R500

Car History Check

Autocheck

Before you buy...

Know what you’re buying – check a car’s finance, insurance, and write off history

Jason Dawe

Ford S MAX

Deal Exchange

Save more than £4,100 on this Ford S-MAX 1.8 TDCi Zetec, plus great savings on other marques

Advice

Car Clinic

Find the right car at the right price with ease - send your questions to Tim Shallcross

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