Modern cars are durable, built to stand the test of time. That means buying a used car isn’t just an economical decision, but a smart one, too.

Yet some buyers unfortunately have a bad experience when buying a secondhand car. That’s why today we’ve put together an easy 10-point checklist to reference every time you’re buying used. With these simple measures in place, you’ll save yourself a lot of time, money and hassle!

1) Choose the right car

First things first: are you clear on what you want in terms of features, model, spec? Even though you’re buying used, it’s still generally better to go for a more recent model. Remember, the prices of new cars tend to plateau three years after purchase. And never buy a car whose production has been discontinued—it’s simply not worth the trouble you’ll experience when it comes to selling it yourself.

2) Check the body, underbody and wheel wells

Thoroughly inspect the car’s bodywork for the telltale signs of motor accidents, like rust, chips and dents. If you’re not confident in your ability to spot these, take along someone whose judgement you trust. Take a good look at the wheel wells—they might need replacement, if not now then in the near future.

3) Consider the car’s overall condition

The car should be free of major defects—there’s simply no point in buying something that isn’t roadworthy. Make sure the brake, lighting, engine cooling, steering, emission and suspension systems are in working order—or even better, get a mechanic to run a professional eye over them. This can save you an untold amount in maintenance expenses down the line. If anything is amiss, remember you can walk away—you’ll always find a better, more honest or more reputable dealer. Besides, if the seller you’re dealing with is legit, they’ll be up-front with you about any problems, and before you’ve even got to the viewing.

4) Take a test drive

Test-driving is vital before committing to purchase. Drive at a variety of speeds—only then can you really get a feel for how well the car handles. Also, you may notice problems only apparent with the car in motion.

5) Inspect the interiors

Check the upholstery for tears, stains, cigarette burns. These are all valid reasons to request a cut to the offer price. Take a closer look at the windows, aircon unit, infotainment system. Note the mileage on the odometer. You’ll be spending a good chunk of your life sitting in this space, so make sure it’s to your liking.

6) Make sure the paperwork’s been filled out…

All paperwork must be transferred to you, the new owner. Check that the insurance papers are in order. The transfer of ownership must be legally valid on paper, not least because otherwise you’ll face problems when you come to sell the car yourself.

7) …and check the paperwork is accurate, too

The documentation counts for little if it doesn’t reflect reality. Check the original invoice, as well as the mileage listed. How many times has the car been bought? How do its engine and chassis compare to those described in the paperwork? Has the seller paid all the relevant taxes according to the service book?

8) Envision any modifications you might want to make

If you think you’ll want to make significant changes to the car in the future, you need to choose it wisely. For example, some models will accommodate modifications to the engine and colour better than others. As a rule of thumb, newer models are more likely to support upgrades and conversions.

9) Buy with confidence, unafraid to speak your mind

If something feels off about the deal, you’re absolutely entitled to walk away whenever you want. Remember, you are the customer in this situation, regardless of whether you’re at a dealership or with an individual private seller. Before you set out on this venture, make sure to be clear on your budget, accounting for insurance and maintenance costs, too—it’s easy to get carried away or persuaded in the heat of the haggle. And once you’ve decided to buy used, it can be hard knowing where to start. Luckily, if you live in Watford or Hertfordshire, you need look no further than Car Planet.

Car Planet are experts in used cars. Our virtual viewings mean you can check out a car from the comfort of your own home, or you can come in and view our cars in person. Every car goes through a thorough 150-point check to ensure it’s totally roadworthy. We’re transparent, too: we always display the details of a car’s imperfections. We care about sustainability, which is why we plant a tree for every car we sell. With our competitive finance deals and part exchanges, you’re sure to find what you need, so start your search today and let’s get the ball rolling!