Passing your driving test is a great achievement—but purchasing your first car? That’s where the adventure really starts.
For most new UK drivers, a second-hand vehicle is the ideal way to start. It’s more affordable, cheaper to insure, and perfect for gaining confidence on the road. But come on—buying your first second-hand vehicle can be like walking through a minefield. How do you know you’re not inheriting someone else’s problem? What do you have to check over before you pay out?
Don’t worry—we’ve got you.
Before you go and get too hot under the collar about that flashy deal, make sure you take a swift vehicle history check. It’s cheap, fast, and tells you if the vehicle’s ever been stolen, written off, or has finance outstanding. For new buyers, it’s the number one way to avoid a dodgy purchase before you make it.
Here’s everything else you need to know before you buy your first used car.
1. Create a Budget That Covers More Than the Car
It’s easy to worry only about the price of the car—but that’s only half the story. Make sure you factor in:
- Insurance – As a new driver, this could be one of your biggest costs. Compare prices using comparison websites before you commit.
- Road tax – Based on emissions and fuel type.
- Servicing and maintenance – Even a cheap car needs servicing.
- MOT prices – If it’s due shortly, allow for that yourself.
- Efficiency at the pump – MPG (miles per gallon) will affect your weekly running costs.
Being sensible upfront will leave you not shortchanged later.
2. Think About What You Actually Need
Sporty hatchbacks and turbo diesels may be nice, but your first car needs to be practical and simple to drive.
Ask yourself:
- Will I be driving it short distances or long daily trips?
- Do I need five doors, or will three do?
- Is a big boot or parking sensors essential?
- Petrol, diesel, electric, or hybrid—what is my lifestyle like?
- Manual or automatic—what am I most comfortable driving?
Writing down your needs in advance will keep you focused and avoid impulse buying.
3. Use Genuine Websites for Searching
Stick to trusted platforms when browsing: Auto Trader, Cazoo, Arnold Clark, and Motors.co.uk are good options. They offer filters, verified sellers, and sometimes warranties for peace of mind.
Private sales on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree can be cheaper—but be extra cautious. You’ll need to be confident doing all the checks yourself.
4. Read Every Listing Like a Detective
When you spot a car that catches your eye, relax and examine the advert carefully.
Check for these:
- Clear mileage and condition stated
- Mentions of service history (full or part)
- Ensure the V5C logbook is included
- Details of recent MOT, repairs, or ownership history
Photos should include:
- Full external from all angles
- Interior including seats, dashboard, and boot
- The engine bay
- The number plate (you’ll need this to perform checks)
Fuzzy descriptions or photo-shopped pictures? That’s a red flag.
5. Conduct a Vehicle History Check Before You Call
Before you even text the seller, conduct a vehicle history check with Car Owl. It only takes seconds and could save you from buying a car that:
- Has been written off by an insurer
- Still has finance remaining
- Was previously stolen
- Has had a plate change (which can hide issues)
- Shows unusual or clocked mileage
Think of it as an MOT test on your next car. For a small payment made, the confidence is entirely warranted—particularly for new drivers.
6. No Reg Plate? Utilise the VIN Check
It is possible to hide the reg plate in listings, or you might be searching for cars that are yet to be registered (e.g., imports or auction listings). That’s where the VIN check comes in handy.
All cars possess a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)—a 17-digit number usually found at:
- The base of the windscreen
- Under the bonnet
- In the driver’s door frame
- In the V5C or service book
With a VIN check, you can still view the complete vehicle history without the reg number—ideal if you’re dealing with a nervous seller or unusual advert.
You’ll learn about:
- Mileage history
- Accident/write-off history
- Vehicle stolen status
- Finance owing
- Import/export status
It’s an excellent utility for checking the ID of any vehicle before meeting the trader.
7. MOT History Check
The car might say it’s “MOT’d till next year,” but this is only half the story.
Perform an MOT check at no charge to view the vehicle’s MOT history and be wary of:
- Patterns of failure or advisory notices
- Big mileage jumps or discrepancies
- Repeated mentions of worn tyres, brakes, suspension, etc.
- Whether the MOT it’s currently on was a first-time pass or retest
This will give you a sense of how well-maintained the car is—and what might be on the horizon for repairs.
8. Ask the Seller Smart Questions
When the online investigation looks good, it’s time to message the seller. Don’t ask whether it’s “still available.” Instead, ask the smart questions:
- Has the car ever been in an accident?
- Any known issues not covered in the advert?
- When was it last serviced?
- Are all documents present (V5C, service book, MOTs)?
- Is it taxed and insured now?
A good seller will reply confidently and clearly. Hesitation or evasive answers? Treat it as a warning sign.
9. See the Car in Daylight—and Take Someone With You
Always try to see the car in daylight and don’t see it when it’s raining (water can conceal scratches, dents, and rust). If possible, take along:
- A family member
- A car-savvy friend
- A mobile mechanic (especially for more expensive cars)
Look for:
- Even panel gaps and paintwork
- Clean interior with no strange smells
- Warning lights on the dash
- No strange noises on start-up or during the test drive
10. Test Drive It—Correctly
Request to drive the vehicle on a mix of roads. On your test drive:
- Check brakes (should stop smoothly and quietly)
- Gear changes (should be smooth, no crunching)
- Clutch bite point (not too high, not too low)
- Steering (no wobble or pull)
- Suspension (no clunks over speed bumps)
Take your time. Don’t be rushed.
11. Trust Your Gut—and Walk Away If It Feels Wrong
If it doesn’t feel right—walk away. There’s always another car. Don’t let FOMO get the best of you and cause you to make a rash decision.
Remember: buying a car is a big deal, and especially since it’s your first car, this warrants some extra care.
Final Checklist Before You Buy
Before you sign and lose any money, make sure that:
✅ You’ve performed a full car history check
✅ You’ve done a VIN check where the number plate can’t be read
✅ You’ve inspected the full MOT history
✅ You’ve taken it out for a drive on different roads
✅ The owner has transferred over all paperwork
✅ You’ve asked all your questions
Buying your first car can be enjoyable—not infuriating and thanks to these online tools you don’t need to be an auto aficionado to make a sound, safe choice.
