Can.i Test Drive A Car That Isn't Registered

Examination driving a used machine is quite different to testing a new auto. You lot still need to check the car meets your needs, but you lot also need to cheque it's in decent condition.

Used auto test bulldoze checks

Test-driving a used car frequently involves more checks than a make-new auto. Y'all still need to brand sure the auto meets your needs in terms of size, space, practicality and how it drives, simply you also need to check the car is in decent condition.
Before you test drive a used auto, you lot should requite information technology a thorough going over inside and out, looking for whatsoever potential signs of trouble. That means looking over the body, as well as in the motel, under the bonnet, and in the boot.

Body and paintwork

Get-go, have a expert look for whatsoever impairment to the body: scratches, dents and so on. Look for uneven gaps between the panels, too, equally they could indicate problems underneath similar poor repairs or damage from an accident.
If you're looking at a convertible, make sure the roof is in skilful condition. Keep an eye out for any tears in a soft top and cheque it all operates smoothly. The paint should exist an even colour all over the car. If it's not, that could exist the sign of a shoddy repair. If any of the paintwork is bubbles up, be very wary, as this could well exist a sign of rust.

Tyres and pause

Cheque the tyres have enough tread on them. You tin exercise this with the border of a coin: insert a 20p coin into the grooves of the tyre – if the outer band is covered, the tyre is legal. Brand certain any wear is even right beyond the tread. If it's not, this could exist a sign of something wrong with the break.
To cheque break, push down each corner of the car. If the car doesn't smoothly bounce support again, there could be bug.

Cabin checks

Don't forget to check lights and indicators work, and that there's no damage to the lenses.
Brand sure the mileage is consequent with the paperwork, then check the clothing in the motorcar matches the miles on the clock. If the odometer says low miles, only the steering wheel or gear lever is smooth, pedal rubbers are worn and textile on the seats is frayed – the mileage may exist much higher. Take a moment to see if the cabin is comfortable, tin you see and reach everything easily enough? The central to a successful test drive is to take your fourth dimension and check everything works: • Do the seat belts pull out and retract smoothly? • Do the adjustments on the seat and steering wheel piece of work ok? • Do the electric windows or mirrors work properly? • If the car has sat-nav fitted, check information technology knows where yous are • Check the ventilation blows hot and common cold and doesn't brand whatsoever strange noises • Check all the equipment, including central locking, the stereo, interior lights and any trip computer that's fitted. • If in that location are whatsoever controls on the steering wheel, make certain they work equally well.

Car seats and boot

If possible, take your children to the test bulldoze to see if they have enough room in the back. If y'all use kid seats, accept them with y'all and cheque they fit – just check this is ok with the owner before you exercise and then.
Movie your boilerplate calendar week – is there enough room for shopping bags, prams and kids? Can y'all fold the rear seats easily? When looking at the boot, check if there'south a spare bike and that it's in good condition. As well assess if the kicking is easy enough to get stuff in and out of.

Hyundai i10

Examination driving a used car

Get-go upward, experience the bonnet to make sure yous're starting the engine is starting from cold. This can assist you spot any starting problems.
When driving, the engine should exist serenity and smooth. Listen for unusual noises or rattles, and cheque for excessive smoke when starting the car and when driving. • The steering should feel even and responsive, it shouldn't vibrate or experience lax. • Gears changes shouldn't crunch, and the clutch should bite at a reasonable indicate – if the pedal is as well high when it bites, the clutch might be worn. • Brakes should be responsive, and the car should stop in a straight line. If possible, match your test drive to your usual journeys – whether that's on motorways or B-roads. And while you're out and about, practise manoeuvres and parking. If you accept fourth dimension, driving on different types of route could requite you a more rounded idea of what it'll be similar to drive. As much equally yous're checking to run into if the car has any faults, you should also make sure you're comfortable getting in and out and driving effectually. The car could be in great status, but non right for you.

Does my car insurance cover a test drive?

If you lot're test-driving as part of a private auction, yous'll need to check you're insured to examination drive the car.
Your car insurance should specify that y'all can "drive some other car with the possessor'due south permission". This is normally 3rd-political party only. If it doesn't, the seller might be able to extend their own insurance to cover any test drive. Ask to check the seller's insurance if you lot're unsure. Alternatively, you can inquire your insurer for a temporary comprehensive encompass – which could exist helpful if you plan on test-driving several cars. Dealerships normally have a special comprehend merely check to brand sure this is the case.

Used automobile paperwork checks

The motorcar should come with documents detailing its maintenance history and previous owners. Ever make sure this paperwork is in social club before y'all buy a used car.
Paperwork to ask for includes:

V5C registration certificate (logbook)

This tells y'all the basics about the car's history, including previous owners and its current registered owner. Check the seller's address is the aforementioned equally the i on the V5C registration document.
Also bank check who the car's registered owner is. If information technology'due south not the seller, they may not exist entitled to sell the vehicle. This doesn't always mean the motorcar was stolen – they may be trying to sell the car with outstanding finance (and may non even know it'south illegal to do so). If y'all buy a car with outstanding finance, even in good organized religion, you'll inherit any debt and it'll be your responsibility to settle the debt. Larn more about ownership a car with outstanding finance.

MOT certificate

If a car is more than three years old, information technology must pass an annual MOT and get an MOT certificate that shows the vehicle meets road safety and ecology standards. Without an MOT certificate, cars cannot be insured so cannot legally be driven on the route.
Always bank check the MOT certificate has the same vehicle registration and chassis number every bit the car you're viewing. Too bank check the mileage on the MOT document matches the mileage on the odometer. If possible, ask for erstwhile MOT certificates too – this will evidence you previous annual mileage figures and give you an idea of how much use the car is getting (and much longer it'll last).

Get a free MOT check

You lot can get a free MOT check on the Gov.uk website. Simply enter the vehicle's registration number and either the MOT test number or, if this isn't available, the document reference number from the V5C logbook.

Receipt

If yous buy the car, get a receipt that specifies the make, model, engine size, registration and chassis number. It should also include your accost, the seller's address and the amount paid. Both buyer and seller should sign and date the receipt.
Learn more than almost the paperwork needed to purchase a used car.

MOT certificate

Should I get a vehicle check?

Every car listed on Auto Trader undergoes a free five-betoken background bank check to help ensure it has not been stolen, scrapped, written off, imported or exported and then you lot can shop with a certain peace of listen.
But you can also become a full vehicle cheque to be certain nearly a car's history and its value. Auto Trader's vehicle bank check service covers all fundamental points – including the car'southward history, legal condition, mileage, specifications, pollution and emissions ratings. Information technology also gives you lot a money-dorsum guarantee of up to £xxx,000 or purchase price for two years. Learn more about vehicle history checks.

Negotiating toll

Remember, fifty-fifty if a car does take some damage, you don't take to walk away. If the damage is but minor, you tin enquire the seller to get it fixed before you buy the car or to knock a few quid off the price.
Browse used cars on Automobile Trader.