A used car is a vehicle that has had one or more previous owners and has been driven over time. It is reasonable to expect that it has experienced normal wear and tear from regular use.
Mileage should always be considered alongside a car’s age. For example, a vehicle with 50,000 miles has effectively travelled the equivalent of going around the world almost twice. This gives useful perspective on how much use the car has had.
The average life expectancy of a car in the UK is around 15 years. If a car is 7 years old, it may have approximately 7–8 years of life remaining. However, it’s important to understand that its best years are likely behind it, and maintenance costs will typically increase as the vehicle ages.
Yes. All used cars require ongoing maintenance and repairs.
Under UK law, “fit for purpose” means that the car must be able to perform its basic function—such as driving in a straight line for a reasonable distance. It does not mean the car will be free from wear or future faults.
A car is legally roadworthy if it has a valid MOT certificate. This can still apply even if there are mechanical faults or underlying issues, provided they do not make the vehicle unsafe at the time of testing.
MOT advisories are warnings or recommendations, not failures. They are not legally required to be fixed immediately, and the car is still considered roadworthy for the next 12 months.
No. A used car will generally have used components that reflect its age and mileage, unless parts have been replaced previously as part of routine maintenance.
You should have realistic expectations. Manufacturers typically offer 3-year or 60,000-mile warranties for a reason—and even during that period, vehicles can still experience breakdowns. A used car is beyond that stage.
Yes. All used cars will have existing or future issues at some point.
Ultimately, the manufacturer designed and built the car. Used car dealers did not manufacture the vehicle; they simply resell it.
No. Under British law, this is known as betterment, which means improving something beyond its original condition and expecting someone else to pay for the upgrade.
You should contact the warranty company that has been set up for you.
If your V5 is delayed, you should contact the DVLA directly.
Yes—if everything above aligns with your expectations. If not, you may be better suited to purchasing a brand-new car.
If you have any other questions about buying a used 4x4 or SUV, contact us today, we will be happy to help