Model guides

Common problems worth checking—not assumptions about every car.

Use these guides to identify relevant versions, evidence to request and symptoms to investigate before buying.

Ford

Two buyers inspecting the engine bay of an unbranded used hatchback

Ford Fiesta

A practical UK buyer's guide to Ford Fiesta checks, including EcoBoost belt and coolant evidence, clutch behaviour, MOT patterns and seller questions.

What to check

Honda

A buyer closely checking the body panel alignment on a used hatchback

Honda Civic

Used Honda Civic buying checks covering diesel DPF use, clutch behaviour, suspension and tyre patterns, service records, recalls and seller questions.

What to check

Nissan

A used-car tyre being checked with a tread-depth gauge

Nissan Qashqai

A proportionate guide to used Nissan Qashqai checks: diesel journey history, CVT behaviour, batteries, suspension, recalls and MOT evidence.

What to check

Vauxhall

A buyer using a torch to inspect an unbranded used-car engine

Vauxhall Corsa

What to check on a used Vauxhall Corsa: cold-start noise, diesel emissions equipment, clutch and steering wear, MOT history and evidence to request.

What to check

Volkswagen

An unbranded right-hand-drive dashboard with an amber warning light

Volkswagen Golf

Used Volkswagen Golf checks covering exact engine identification, DSG behaviour and servicing, cold starts, diesel use, MOT patterns and seller evidence.

What to check