What does the used car market look like for 2025? Well, there aren't any signs of a slowdown. More than half (55%) of drivers plan to buy a car in the next 12 months, and one-in-five of these (21%) will opt for a second-hand vehicle.
With so many motorists relying on their cars for everyday needs - and for many, their livelihoods - buying the right car is a critical decision. However, research from Close Brothers Motor Finance has revealed that drivers are failing to make key checks before buying second-hand vehicles.
Below is a list of five things to consider before making a purchase.
1. Checking the number of previous owners
Knowing the number of previous owners of a car is a valuable piece of information to consider before jumping into a decision. A car with a history of multiple owners over a short span may be a sign that there are issues with the vehicle. In a recent survey by Close Brothers Motor Finance, 43% of drivers don’t consider the number of previous owners before purchasing.
2. Checking Mileage
Similarly, less than a quarter (22%) of drivers are checking the mileage of their prospective purchases. A particularly low mileage car could mean that it has been underused in its lifetime, and might be a more prudent purchase. Equally, a high mileage may be a sign that a car has been tried and tested and can be considered reliable (provided this matches up with a good MOT and service history). There is a common perception that a car that has done excessive mileage is more prone to mechanical issues.
3. Checking the car’s MOT and Service history
Given it’s required by law for a vehicle to be deemed road worthy by passing its MOT, checking a car’s MOT history is a simple way to judge whether it may present mechanical issues in the future. As many as 29% of drivers don’t check on MOT history before committing to a purchase. This can be done by putting the number plate into the Government’s website. It's also good practice to check to see when the next MOT test is due so that you’re not surprised by unexpected costs or inconveniences.
4. Whether the vehicle has ever been involved an accident
Well over a third (36%) of drivers admit to not checking a vehicle’s accident history before pulling the trigger on a purchase. Although a car can once again be made roadworthy after a serious accident, it can lead to recurring issues and have serious implications for a vehicle's lifespan. It’s always worth checking insurance records to see if a car has a history of accidents. Motor finance providers such as Close Brothers Motor Finance, ensure that history of a vehicle is checked before a finance package is provided, thus reducing the chance of any costly surprises further down the line.
5. How much the insurance would be before purchasing
Even though insuring a car is one of the major costs associated with the day-to-day running of a vehicle - along with tax and fuel costs - as many as two fifths of drivers admit to not checking the insurance cost of a second-hand vehicle before making a purchase. Insurance quotes are informed by various factors including vehicle make, mileage and engine size. Car insurance hikes are the largest concern for motorists over the next 12 months, according to the research. 37% of drivers admit to worrying about this.
