BangerWiseThe trader in your pocket
UK 2027 Edition

The trader in your pocket

Know what to check, what to ask, and when to walk away.

Buy It Right is the plain-English used car checklist for UK buyers. Written by the trade, for the customer.

  • 24-page printable PDF
  • Petrol, diesel, hybrid and EV
  • Buy with confidence from private sellers and dealers

Buy now – print your own copy

Buy now – £3.49Printed versions coming soon

Instant PDF download. Print it at home and take it to the viewing.

BANGERWISE · UK 2027 EDITION

Buy It Right

The UK Used Car Buyer's Checklist

Written by the trade, for the customer.

£3.49

What's inside

From the first phone call to driving it home. Page by page, in the order you'll need it.

Red flags & scam warningsThe signs that mean stop, before you've even left the house.
Before you goCheck the history, arrange the viewing, pack the right bits.
Phone questionsWhat to ask the seller first, so you don't waste a Saturday.
PaperworkV5C, MOT, service history: what should match, and what shouldn't.
Under the bonnetSimple checks anyone can do. No spanners needed.
Inside the carWarning lights, damp, smells and the bits sellers hope you skip.
Bodywork, tyres & brakesRust, panel gaps, tread and other tell-tales.
Damage mapMark every scuff and ding, then use it when you talk price.
Test driveWhat to listen, feel and look for, and how to stay insured.
Negotiating & payingHaggle without the awkwardness and pay safely.
Getting helpWhere to go if it goes wrong, plus your first week of ownership.
Car notes & compare carsSide-by-side pages for up to three cars.
Sale receiptA ready-to-fill receipt for private sales.
Useful linksThe official sources, in one place.
Models guideTiming belts and servicing on popular models, plus EV notes.
Notes & disclaimerRoom to scribble, and the small print.

Who it's for

Anyone buying a used car who'd rather not learn the hard way.

First car?
You'll know what you're looking at, even if you've never opened a bonnet.
Students
Small budget, no room for a money pit. Check it properly.
Single parents
Going on your own? Take the trade with you.
Taxi & private hire drivers
Your car is your income. Don't buy someone else's problem.
Buying privately
No dealer, no comeback. The checklist does the remembering.
Buying from a dealer
Ask about fees, warranty and add-ons like you've done it before.

From the trade

Dotted through the checklist are tips from the other side of the counter. A taste:

From the tradeAsk for the service history before you look at the paint. A shiny car with no paperwork is just a shiny question mark.
From the tradeIf the seller wants to meet in a car park instead of at home, that's your cue to ask why.
From the tradeWalking away isn't failing. Walking away is the checklist working.
From the tradeExtras and add-ons at the dealer are optional. If it was promised, get it in writing.

Questions

What do I actually get?

A 24-page PDF you can print or use on your phone. Download it straight after you pay.

Does it work for electric and hybrid cars?

Yes. It covers petrol, diesel, hybrid and EV, with extra notes where they're different.

Private seller or dealer?

Both. Where the questions are different, it says so.

I know nothing about cars. Is it too technical?

No. It's written in plain English for normal people. If you can tick a box, you can use it.

Is this a history check?

No, it's a checklist. It tells you which official checks to run (many are free) and what to do with the results.

Can I get a refund?

It's a digital download, so please read the terms before buying. If something's wrong with your file, get in touch and we'll sort it.

Buy It Right

The UK Used Car Buyer's Checklist · UK 2027 Edition

Buy now – print your own copy

£3.49
  • 24-page PDF, instant download
  • Petrol, diesel, hybrid and EV
  • Buy with confidence from private sellers and dealers
Buy now – £3.49Printed versions coming soon

Instant PDF download. Print it at home and take it to the viewing.
Secure checkout. Questions first? Get in touch.