What to Check Before Driving Away in Your New Used Car

You've chosen your car, signed the paperwork, and the keys are in your hand — but before you drive away from Auto Choice Car Supermarket, there are a few things worth checking to make sure everything is in order. Taking five minutes at handover can save a lot of potential confusion later.

Start with the documentation. Confirm that you've received (or have been clearly informed about) the V5C logbook, MOT certificate, and any service history the vehicle comes with. If you've been told a service has been carried out recently, check the date and ensure it's been recorded. Any warranties or guarantees agreed as part of the purchase should be confirmed in writing.

Next, carry out a brief exterior inspection. Walk around the car and check that it matches what you viewed — confirming that there are no new marks, chips, or damage that weren't present during your viewing. Scratches and scuffs in unexpected places are worth noting before you take ownership.

Inside the car, check that the fuel level is as agreed, all electrics are functioning (lights, windows, air conditioning, infotainment, and dash display), and that any extras you discussed are present — spare keys, manuals, or accessories.

Start the engine and check that no warning lights remain illuminated on the dashboard. Allow the car to idle for a moment and listen for anything unusual. A well-prepared vehicle should start cleanly and sit quietly at idle.

Finally, check the tyres. Confirm that all four have sufficient tread depth and are inflated correctly, and that the spare wheel or tyre inflation kit is present if applicable.

At Auto Choice, our team prepares every vehicle carefully before handover, but we always encourage customers to be thorough. It's your car — take the time to be happy with it before driving away.