Top Tips for Buying a Used Car in 2026

It’s a good idea to check the car’s general condition. Have a good look around for any wear and tear on the inside and outside, including tyres. The best way to check out the condition of one of our used cars is by going for a test drive. Give the air con, heating, lights, windshield wipers and audio system a go while you’re on the road to make sure everything is as expected. Of course, here at Greenhous we check everything out, but it’s always best to check for peace of mind yourself.

Make yourself aware of the maintenance history of the vehicle. Knowing that a car has been kept up to date with regular MOTs and services is a great benefit to ensure the vehicle is safe and in good condition.  Check records for things like filter and oil changes, as well as any repeating problems in the service history.  

Most people look for a used car with the lowest mileage. If you’re looking for something that doesn’t have many miles on the clock, be sure to bear in mind how long the vehicle may have been off road for.  On the other hand, cars with a higher mileage are often more likely to have been subject to wear and tear so may require more maintenance. There are pros and cons to both sides of the scale, so remember to decide based on what suits your driving needs best.  

The price of a used car will be dependent on the condition, age and mileage of the vehicle. The same car from the same brand will be listed at different prices, due to these factors. Used cars do offer considerably better value for money compared to new ones, so you can often secure a higher-specification model for a lower price.

Slightly different to the maintenance history, it’s also best practice to ask for a vehicle history check. This means you can check if the car you’re interested in has ever been in an accident, received any major repairs, or got any other issues that you don’t want to take on as a new owner.