The excitement of getting a new (to you) vehicle can quickly fade when you realise the potential issues lurking beneath the bonnet of a used car. Not knowing whether it has been well-maintained can lead to expensive repairs or worse, breakdowns.

Here’s how you can get started when determining whether a car has been well looked after.

1. Check the service history

Start by asking for the car’s service history. A well-maintained car will usually come with a comprehensive record of all the work carried out. Look for regular oil changes, brake inspections, and, if necessary, timing belt replacements.

Skipping scheduled maintenance could signal problems down the road, so it’s important to check that previous owners kept up with the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals. If it’s missing or incomplete, it may indicate the car hasn’t had the proper care. And, without this information, it becomes difficult to assess the long-term health of the vehicle.

2. Verify the MOT and recall status

A MOT test ensures the car meets minimum safety standards, and checking its history can help you identify potential red flags. You can find out about a car’s MOT history online, including any advisories or failures from previous tests. This will tell you whether the car has had ongoing issues that the owner has neglected to fix.

Similarly, check if any outstanding recalls haven’t been addressed. Unresolved recalls could affect the safety of the vehicle, and it’s best to avoid cars that haven’t been brought up to standard.

3. Inspect both exterior and interior

Pay attention to any visible damage or wear. For instance, uneven panel gaps or mismatched paintwork can often point to previous accidents or poor repairs. While the odd scuff here and there is normal for a used car, widespread wear on the interior – especially on the seats, steering wheel, and gear stick – might suggest the car has seen harder use than expected. A car that’s been well-maintained will generally show minimal signs of neglect on both the inside and outside.

4. Examine the engine and fluids

The engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid should be clean and at the proper levels. Dirty or low fluid levels can point to a lack of attention or deeper mechanical issues. For example, discoloured engine oil could indicate that it’s been too long since the last oil change, which might affect the car’s performance.

If you’re unsure, ask the seller if you can take the car to a mechanic for an inspection. A professional will be able to identify any potential problems in the engine or under the hood that could be costly to fix.

5. Check the tyres

Take a walk around the vehicle and check the tyre tread depth, looking for signs of uneven wear. If the tread appears worn out on one side, it could be a sign of alignment or suspension issues. Uneven tyre wear isn’t just a cosmetic issue – it can affect the handling of the car and could be dangerous, especially in wet conditions. Ideally, they should be evenly worn, and if they’re not, it might be worth investigating further.

Remember, a new car should serve you well for years to come – and when buying a used vehicle, your peace of mind comes from ensuring it has been properly looked after.