Used cars offer excellent value for money. Not only can you pick up a real bargain, you’ll also avoid losing money through depreciation. In fact, it’s estimated that brand new cars lose around 20% of their original value in the first year alone. But buying a used car can be daunting, especially if you’re buying from a private seller. To help you navigate the process, here’s what to consider and how to make sure you get the best cheap car insurance quotes, brought to you by mustard.co.uk.

Check the car’s documents

Documents might be dull but it’s crucial to make sure the car you’re buying has all the proper paperwork. The car should come complete with a V5C, this is its registration document and should be watermarked. Check the details listed on the V5C are consistent with the car itself, paying particular attention to:

The colour, make and model — this should accurately describe the car being sold.
Vehicle identification number (VIN) — the number on the engine should match the one on the V5C.
Spelling — there should be no spelling mistakes.
Registered keeper — details should be correct.

If the car doesn’t have a V5C, the owner will need to apply for a new one because otherwise, you won’t be able to tax the car.

If the car is more than three years old, it must also have a valid MOT which ensures it’s roadworthy. You can quickly and easily check the MOT status of a car at GOV.UK.

Assess the car for damage

It’s best to look at cars during daylight. As basic as this sounds, poor light and bad weather can mask signs of damage. When you view a car, take your time and look out for things like:

Uneven paint finishes.
Gaps between panels.
Paint where there shouldn’t be.

All this could be an indication of a repair job so if you spot any of these signs, the car could have been in an accident.

Minor dents and scratches are common but spotting them could also help you shave a bit off the price so keep your eye out for these too.

Review mileage

Calculating mileage isn’t an exact science but there should be some consistency between the car’s age and the number of miles it’s clocked up. You can also check mileage on the car’s MOT certificate and in its service records.

If you think something’s not quite right, have a look for signs of tampering on the odometer, for example, fingerprints on the glass of the instrument panel or loose screws.

Inspect safety and go for a test drive

It’s important to do some basic safety checks so take a look at:

Tyre tread — there should be at least 3mm of tread on the tyre.
Spare wheel — make sure it’s included.
Seatbelts — look out for fraying, cuts or any other signs of damage.
Windscreen wipers — these should be functioning and streak free.

If you can, take a test drive so you get an idea of how the car handles and that you’re comfortable driving it. If you do, make sure you’re properly covered with temporary car insurance.

A test drive is also a good opportunity to gauge if there are any mechanical issues. For example, does it make strange noises, do the brakes squeal or does it take a long time to stop? Anything that doesn’t look, sound or feel right to you when you’re behind the wheel, could indicate there’s something wrong.

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to walk away. Taking a look at a car is not a commitment to buy if it doesn’t feel right.

Find great value car insurance

Car insurance is one of the biggest expenses of car ownership so if sticking to a budget is a priority, always check the car’s insurance group.

There are 50 insurance groups in total and all UK cars belong to one. Broadly speaking, the lower the group number, the cheaper your insurance is going to be. However, be aware that groups can also be affected by a car’s specification so even if you had cars of the same model, if one has higher spec features, it’s likely to be in a higher insurance group.

As well as insurance group, you can keep the cost of car cover down by:

Paying for your policy in one go.
Keeping your car as secure as possible (investing in an immobiliser can help).
Being accurate with your mileage as overestimating can mean you pay more.
Avoiding cars that have been modified as this can push up premiums.

Of course, the best way to find great value car insurance is to shop around. Comparing quotes at sites like mustard.co.uk, means you can see what’s on offer from a wide range of leading UK insurers, all in one place. So, for cheap car insurance and peace of mind, start comparing right now.