How do I get a second-hand car inspected before I buy it?

Q. I’m thinking of buying a second-hand VW T-Roc. How do I get the car checked before I buy it? How do I know a dealer’s warranty will protect me against the sort of problems that may arise?AG, Swindon
A. You can use a service such as HPI Car Check to view any insurance claims made involving the car. This will also highlight any outstanding finance or recorded theft. However, it will not show any damage that hasn’t been the subject of an insurance claim, such as uninsured damage where only third-party cover was in force.
A full history check and a thorough inspection by a good mechanic is the best option and should reveal any repairs. With some used car suppliers you get a free history check. I’ll mention AA Cars here, but of course there are plenty of options.
Some dealers will offer a warranty with the vehicle. It’s worth haggling to include this in the price or to extend it. If you’re paying for one, check the small print for exclusions, as often things such as “wear and tear” or “known issues” will be listed. Ambiguous language can mean the supplier has almost no responsibility for the things most likely to go wrong.Greg Carter, AA technical specialist
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