Red flags you should look out for when buying used vehicles

The used car market has seen significant fluctuations in the past year.

Demand has risen and stock levels have fallen, leading to an increase in purchase prices.

With 7.5million used car sales in 2021, the UK market is showing signs of returning to pre-pandemic levels.

However, the way we buy used cars has shifted enormously in that time. The rise of online platforms now sees many people purchase vehicles without first viewing them, leading to opportunities for scammers to take advantage of those looking to secure a reliable set of wheels fast.

Here are four things to bear in mind if you’re scouring the used car listings and want to avoid a scam.

Prices below market value

Fraudsters will often try to lure people in by offering luxury cars at knock-down prices. If you see a deal that’s too good to be true, the chances are it will be.

Before enquiring, check for similar models on the sites of authorised used car dealers. By checking a couple of dealerships, you’ll soon have an idea of the going rate that your chosen model ought to be priced at.

Of course, if your negotiating skills are up to scratch, you might be able to get this moved! But starting from a lower base should serve as a warning sign.

Unwilling to meet and demanding payment

Whether used or brand new, you should always test drive a car at least once before committing to buy it.

This is especially vital for used cars, where a test drive may uncover defects or issues that the lister was hoping would go unnoticed. But more importantly, it’s important that you know you are comfortable driving the model in question before purchasing.

If a seller is unwilling to arrange a test drive and pushes for payment before you have had a chance to even see the car, this should immediately turn you off.

In cases like this, there’s a chance that there may not even be a car at all on the other end.

If excuses are made about distance or schedules being too busy to arrange a viewing or test drive, stop talks in their tracks.

Improper search results

Any listing should include details such as the make, model and registration number which you can use on online checkers to verify the vehicle’s status and history.

You can check a vehicle’s tax and MOT history using the government’s website. If anything doesn’t match up with what you’ve been sold in a listing, turn them away.