Checking the Interior

When you open the door, check for any theft damage around the lock or handle. Once inside, keep an eye out for the following things:

• Does the wear on the interior of the car match the mileage and age of the car? A shiny gear knob, steering wheel or pedal rubbers suggests a high mileage.
• Do all the numbers on the odometer line up correctly? If they look uneven, they may have been tampered with. Ask to see the old MoT certificates to see if the recorded mileage tie in with what's displayed.
• Seatbelts should be free from damage; make sure that they return properly and that they are not worn or broken.
• Look under the carpet in the boot to check for welding marks, rippling or other signs of crash damage.
• Check the condition of the carpets; worn carpets suggest a high mileage, whilst damp carpets suggest leaky seals, an ill-fitting cabriolet hood or a careless owner.
• Look at the seats - are they saggy or well worn? Make sure that they have the type of wear that you'd expect for the driver and mileage.
• Check that the chassis number or VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) matches the one shown on the registration document. This can normally be found on a plate under the bonnet, at the base of the windscreen on the passenger side, under the carpet by the driver's seat and/or etched on to the windows.
• Look carefully for any signs of theft damage, such as glass fragments under the seat, ill-fitting door trim or a damaged steering column.
• Check that everything works correctly, including electric components. This should include windows, stereo, heaters, sunroof, seats and so on. Likewise with the instrumentation - does it all read as it should?

It is Suitable for Your Needs?

Once you have checked that the car's interior is in good condition, you'll also need to make sure that it suits your needs. Think about the following: