A used car can be an excellent buy, as long as you know how to look beyond the shiny bodywork. Inspecting the vehicle properly before you sign is the best way to avoid surprises and to negotiate with confidence. Here is a full, point-by-point checklist so you can inspect any second-hand car like a professional.
The quick checklist at a glance
Before we go into detail, this is the list you should have in mind (or on your phone) when you go to see a car:
| Area | What to check |
|---|---|
| Mileage | That it is consistent with the age, condition and history |
| ITV | Valid and with no serious defects outstanding |
| History | Service book and invoices for the work carried out |
| Bodywork | Dents, rust, uneven paint, panel gaps |
| Engine | Noises, smoke, leaks, oil level and colour |
| Tyres | Even wear and tread depth |
| Interior | Dashboard warning lights, electronics, real wear |
| Test drive | Brakes, steering, gearbox, noises at different speeds |
| DGT report | Owners, finance, seizures and the recorded mileage |
Real mileage and overall consistency
Mileage is one of the most tampered-with figures on the used market. A car with very few miles but with a heavily worn steering wheel, pedals or seat should make you suspicious. Compare the odometer reading with the figure shown in the DGT report and in the service book. As a rough guide, a typical average is around 15,000 kilometres a year, so do the maths based on the age of the car.
ITV and service history
Check that the ITV (Spain's periodic roadworthiness test) is valid and ask to see the report from the last inspection, so you know whether it had any defects. A complete service history, with invoices for the servicing and for the timing-belt, oil and filter changes, is an excellent sign. A well-cared-for car shows in the paperwork just as much as in the metal.
Bodywork and structure
Inspect the bodywork carefully in daylight. Look for:
- Differences in paint shade, which can give away repairs or knocks.
- Uneven gaps between doors, bonnet and wings, a sign of a possible accident.
- Rust on the underside, wheel arches and door edges.
- Glass and headlights: the date of manufacture should be consistent across them.
If you spot signs of a major knock, ask openly. A serious seller will give you clear explanations.
Engine and mechanics
With the engine cold, open the bonnet and check the level and colour of the oil (it should not be milky or burnt), any leaks and the condition of the hoses and belts. When you start it up, watch the colour of the exhaust smoke: bluish smoke indicates oil consumption, and persistent white smoke can point to a gasket problem. Listen for metallic noises or rattles that should not be there.
The test drive
Never buy a car without trying it on the road. During the drive, pay attention to:
- Braking: it should brake in a straight line, with no vibration or noise.
- Steering: it should not pull to one side, and you should not feel any play in the wheel.
- Gearbox: the gears should engage smoothly and the clutch should not slip.
- Noises: drive at different speeds and over bumps to detect suspension noises.
- Warning lights: no fault light should stay lit on the dashboard.
The DGT report: essential
Before you pay, get the vehicle's DGT report (from Spain's official traffic authority). This document tells you the number of owners, whether the car has any outstanding finance, seizures or immobilisation orders, and whether it has ever been written off. Buying a car with outstanding charges can turn the purchase into a legal problem. At a serious dealership this report is provided without any fuss.
If you are looking at a car from our catalogue and want us to clarify its history, mileage or condition, you can ask Carmen, our virtual assistant, at any time: she knows every vehicle in stock and answers you on the spot.
After the checks: warranty and financing
Once the car passes your inspection, the next step is to close the deal properly. Make sure you buy it with the legal warranty you are entitled to and, if you are paying in instalments, read our guide to used-car financing to choose your instalments wisely.
Inspect, test drive and decide with General Car's
At General Car's every one of our used cars goes through a prior inspection and is sold with a warranty and its paperwork in order. You can browse our catalogue, ask Carmen about any detail around the clock, or come to our showroom at Calle Italia 198, Castelló de la Plana to inspect the car and take a test drive. Book your visit on WhatsApp from the contact page and buy with complete peace of mind.