If you are looking for a used car there are a few rules of thumb which you can use to make sure the car you are looking at is suitable and avoid any pitfalls.
Warranty
One of the advantages of buying a car from a used car dealer as opposed to a private sale is a warranty. The terms and duration may vary depending on the cost of the car and whether or not it is being included in the price tag. Extended warranties can offer 3 to 5 years cover as opposed to the 6 to 18 months offered by a standard dealer warranty. The terms of the warranty are just as important as the duration. Standard dealer warranties on used cars often only cover the engine and bodywork. Interior and electronics are often excluded. As long as you know the terms of the standard warranty and what aspects of the extended warranty are different you can make an informed decision as to whether the extended warranty will be worth taking.
History
This is one of the most important aspects of buying a used car. Being able to see service intervals and the garages used is a good indicator of how the car was treated in the past. In some cases you may also be able to see a certificate which verifies the mileage. This is particularly useful on older cars which have an unusually low mileage. If you are unsatisfied with the documentation provided, a HPI check can be carried out to give you a definitive answer.
Inspections
Often used car dealers will have cars inspected before purchasing them. If that is the case, check the documentation provided by the inspecting body. If this is not available you may need to arrange one yourself if you are not 100% happy with the documentation.
MOT and Tax
Used car dealers normally sell their cars with an MOT. While it does not cost a lot to send your car for an MOT, the last thing you want is to find the car fails for some reason. Tax is less of a priority but it is worth checking whether this is included.
Breakdown Cover
Some used car dealers offer breakdown cover included in the cost of the car. If you have a frame of reference for the make, model and year of car you are buying you can judge roughly how this and any other extras affect the price.