How to Buy a Car in the UK

Typically 5-15% on dealer used cars and 10-20% on private sales. Factors affecting discount potential include: how long the car has been listed (45+ days = more flexible), faults found during inspection, missing service history (deduct 15-30%), and timing (end of month/quarter offers best leverage). Car history checks can reveal issues worth £2,000-£5,000 in negotiation power - outstanding finance, write-offs, or false service history claims justify significant price reductions.

Start with evidence-based offers, not open questions. Say: "I've found three similar cars for £[X] less, and my inspection found [list faults]. Based on this, I can offer £[15-20% below asking] cash." Never ask "what's your best price?" as this gives control to the seller. Use specific market research, inspection findings, and car check results to justify your offer. Be prepared to walk away politely - 40-50% of sellers call back with better offers.

Absolutely. HPI checks revealing outstanding finance, write-off history, or mileage discrepancies create massive negotiation leverage or clear walk-away signals. Service history checks for 2012+ cars (available January 2026 via Car Sorted) can expose false "full dealer history" claims, justifying £2,000-£5,000 price reductions. MOT history showing recurring failures or clocked mileage provides evidence for discounts. The £20-40 investment in checks typically creates £1,000-£5,000 negotiation power.

End of month (28th-31st) when dealers need to hit sales targets, or end of quarter (March, June, September, December) for maximum pressure and 10-20% discounts. March and September are particularly strong due to registration plate changes. December and January offer good deals during slow periods. For any car, negotiate after completing thorough inspection and verification checks - this gives you specific issues to negotiate with. Never negotiate before having concrete evidence.

Your car budget should include the purchase price, insurance, road tax, MOT, servicing, and fuel costs. As a general rule, your total monthly car expenses should not exceed 15-20% of your monthly income. Consider both upfront costs and ongoing running costs when setting your budget.

Yes, an HPI check is essential when buying a used car in the UK. It reveals if the vehicle has outstanding finance, has been stolen, written off, or has any hidden history. This £20-30 investment can save you thousands by preventing you from buying a problematic vehicle.

You need the V5C registration certificate (logbook), proof of MOT (for cars over 3 years old), service history, and a valid insurance certificate. The seller should also provide a receipt with both parties details and the sale price.

Both have advantages. Dealers offer consumer rights protection, warranties, and often handle paperwork, but cost more. Private sellers are typically cheaper but offer less protection. Consider your budget, mechanical knowledge, and risk tolerance when deciding.

Check MOT history free online using the UK government MOT history checker at gov.uk. Enter the vehicle registration number to see MOT status, expiry date, mileage history, and reasons for previous failures. This helps identify potential issues.

The best times are typically March and September when new registration plates are released, causing dealers to discount older stock. December and January can also offer good deals as dealers try to meet year-end targets and clear inventory.