Mike's Top Tips - Pictures

Your senses should be alerted the moment you see an advert for your dream used motor, especially if you’re buying privately. Does the ad only list a mobile number? If so, you need to ask yourself why. Ask for a landline when you speak

The first phone call isn’t only a chance for you to arrange a viewing – you should also use it to gather information. You need as many details about the car as possible, including its registration number, exact age and specification. T

Whether you’re buying or selling a car, the transaction should always be carried out at the address of the registered keeper – as listed in the V5C, or vehicle logbook. If you’re asked to meet up for a viewing in a roadside lay-by or m

Among the most simple things you can check on any second-hand car are its number plates – and they should be the same at the front and rear. I’m not on about the actual registration, but the dealership details on the bottom. This isn’t

One of the first things you’ll see on any used motor is its bodywork and engine – and if they are wet, watch out! Washing a car before the buyer turns up can hide a multitude of sins, including tired paintwork and mismatched repairs. S

In an ideal world, you’d only buy used cars on dry, sunny days, but in Britain that’s rarely the case – so you need to have your wits about you. Look at how it’s presented when you arrive. Is it parked tight against a wall, hedge or st

We all lose things from time to time, but most people would replace a missing car key – I know I would. So, if the car you’re looking at only has one, don’t just presume the owner is telling the truth when they provide you with an inno

Missing bits of essential information should set those alarm bells on overtime! If the vendor promises to have the logbook ready by the time you arrive to collect the car, you need to establish why it’s not available to see any earlier

Paying for a car in a private sale is tricky – but if you’re selling, never accept a written cheque. No matter how pleased you are to have agreed a deal, it will be worthless if the cheque bounces! Cash is still king if you want to avo