Take the stress out of buying a second hand motor with these pointers.
Research- the internet is great for checking for common faults with the car you’re interested in. Some simple checks on the car can point to well known issues so arm yourself with the facts.
Mileage- Check the log book and service history for any discrepancies in mileage. The condition of the vehicle should be in line with it’s mileage.
Damage- look out for evidence of re-spraying, mismatched parts, overly large panel gaps and odd welding.
Tyres- Don’t bother kicking them but do check the tread depth and look for uneven wear that could indicate suspension problems. Avoid mismatched tyres. Check a spare and jack etc. is present.
Interior- Check all interior lights and adjustable seats etc. Check all warning lights show briefly on starting and non of them remain lit in general running. Look out for frayed seat belts as this could fail at MOT
Exterior- Along with scratches and chips in the windscreen look out for rust, particularly underneath the car.

Engine- Look out for oil or other fluid leaks around the engine. Check fluid levels and look out for sludge in the oil and water tanks.
Finally, always get a HPI check, they’re cheap and could save you from a lot of trouble. A full service history is desirable, you’ll have the peace of mind that any major things like cam belts have been done and it suggests the car has been looked after.