How to Spot a Good Used Car – Advice from the Workshop Floor

Buying a used car can feel like a gamble. With so many listings, price points, and promises, how do you know you’re getting a reliable vehicle — and not someone else’s headache?

At Foster & Heanes, we’ve inspected, repaired, and sold hundreds of vehicles over the years, and we know exactly what separates a good used car from a bad one.

Here’s our no-nonsense advice — straight from the workshop floor — to help you buy with confidence!

1. Check the Paperwork, Not Just the Paintwork

A gleaming exterior can hide a history of issues. Always ask for and check:

• Service history – Regular, recorded servicing is a great sign the car’s been cared for.
• MOT history – Look online to see past MOT records for advisory issues or failures.
• V5C logbook – Make sure the seller matches the registered keeper, and the details match the car.
• HPI check – This will tell you if the car has been written off, stolen, or has outstanding finance.

Top tip from the floor: “A full service history beats a shiny wax job every time.”

2. Listen to the Engine – and Your Gut

When the engine starts, it should do so smoothly — with no loud rattles, squeaks, or clunks. Let it run for a few minutes and take note of:

• Unusual noises
• Excessive smoke (especially on diesel cars)
• Warning lights on the dashboard
• Rough idling or stalling

Test drives are essential — not optional. Pay attention to how the car accelerates, brakes, turns, and shifts gears.

Workshop wisdom: “If it doesn’t feel right, walk away. There are always more cars.”

3. Inspect Common Problem Areas

From the workshop floor, here are some red flags we often see on problematic used cars:

• Uneven tyre wear – Could mean misalignment or suspension problems.
• Rust spots – Especially around wheel arches, under the doors, or on the chassis.
• Oil leaks – Check underneath the car and around the engine bay.
• Bouncy suspension – Press down on each corner of the car. It should rebound once and settle.
• Damaged seals or water in the footwells – These could be signs of leaks or accident damage.

4. Be Realistic About the Price

If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Used cars are priced based on age, mileage, condition, and history. Don’t be lured in by low prices without understanding why it’s so cheap.

On the flip side, a slightly more expensive car with a solid service record and fewer owners might save you hundreds — or thousands — in repairs down the line.

Garage insight: “It’s cheaper to buy a well-maintained car than fix a poorly maintained one.”

5. Buy from a Reputable Seller

Private sellers might offer lower prices, but they come with more risk. At Foster & Heanes, every used car we sell:

• Is fully inspected and road-tested
• Comes with service history and a new MOT
• Is backed by a warranty for peace of mind
• Has no hidden faults or finance issues

"We’re upfront, local, and always happy to talk through a car’s background — because we believe in trust, not tactics.”

Final Thoughts: Look Beyond the Bodywork

It’s easy to be swayed by shiny wheels and spotless interiors, but a good used car is about what’s underneath. Trust your instincts, ask the right questions, and get an expert opinion if you're unsure.
Better yet, let us help.

If you’re thinking about buying a used car, or want to browse our current stock, come and see us at our Dogmersfield location — or give us a call on 01252 615657. We’d love to help you find a car that’s not just a good deal, but a great decision.

Foster & Heanes — Trusted Car Servicing, MOTs, and Used Car Sales in Fleet, Hampshire

Visit our online car showroom at https://www.carsalesinfleet.co.uk/used-cars

Inspected Vehicles | Honest Advice | Local Support