The used car buyer's inspection checklist

Buying a used car is one of the bigger purchases most people make, yet it is often done in a hurry on a seller's driveway.

Start with the basics. Walk around the car in good light and look along each panel for ripples, mismatched paint or uneven gaps that can point to past accident repairs. Check that every panel is the same shade and that the bonnet, boot and doors line up evenly.

Under the bonnet, look for oil leaks, corroded terminals and any sign of recent cleaning that might be hiding a problem. On the road, the car should pull up straight under brakes, change gears smoothly and stay quiet over bumps.

Finally, match the odometer against the service history and the general wear of the pedals and seats. When in doubt, get an independent inspection before you hand over any money.