The checklists: what I check on a used car, and what changed

In the next update

What I am testing now, and when it lands in the checklists.

• 2 of 3 cars triedHybrid battery checkA cheap way to test an older hybrid's battery before you buy.
• WritingWinter tyresHow to tell part-worn winter tyres from summer ones on a cold day.
• Planned for springCity car checklistA fifth checklist for the smallest cars, for a first car or a town car.

1. v3.2Hatchback8 Nov 2026

   Hatchback

   • AddedRear springsLook under each rear arch for a cracked or sagging spring.Common past 150,000 km
   • AddedClutch biteNote where the clutch bites: right at the top means it is near the end.Test drive, step 3
   • AddedSeat bolstersWorn driver's seat bolsters and a shiny wheel tell you more than the mileage.Inside, step 2
   • ChangedTyresRead the date code on all four, not just the fronts.Outside, step 5
   • ChangedTest driveThe route now starts with a hill start, before the engine is warm.Test drive, step 1

   2 more

   • FixedTiming beltThe interval on page 6 was in miles. It is 120,000 km or six years.Page 6
   • RemovedCassette playerNo car on my list has one any more.Removed from Inside
2. v2.4Estate1 Nov 2026

   Estate

   • AddedTowbar wiringPlug in a trailer board and check every light, even if you never tow.Outside, step 9
   • AddedBoot floorLift the boot floor and look for water in the spare wheel well.Boot, step 2
   • ChangedBack seatsFold them flat and back up twice: a stiff catch often breaks later.Inside, step 6
3. v2.1Small SUV18 Oct 2026

   Small SUV

   • AddedCrosswindDrive a fast exposed stretch and feel how much the car moves.Test drive, step 6
   • AddedRoof barsCheck the roof rails for loose bolts and paint chips under the feet.Outside, step 3
   • AddedFour-wheel driveOn loose gravel, pull away on full lock and listen for a clunk.Test drive, step 7
   • ChangedRide heightMeasure both sides at the arch: a lean means a tired spring.Outside, step 4
   • RemovedSpare wheelMost of them now come with a repair kit, so I check the kit instead.Removed from Boot
4. v1.3Electric11 Oct 2026

   Electric

   • AddedBattery reportAsk the seller for a battery health report before you travel to see it.Before you go
   • AddedCold rangeAsk what range the car shows on a cold morning, not a warm afternoon.Before you go
   • AddedCharging portLook for bent pins and scorch marks in the charging port.Outside, step 6
   • AddedCharge cableCheck the cable is the car's own and that it charges on a slow socket.Boot, step 4
   • ChangedTyresElectric cars wear tyres faster: check the inside edge too.Outside, step 5
5. v3.1Hatchback13 Sep 2026

   Hatchback

   • AddedService stampsMatch each stamp to a receipt where you can.Papers, step 2
   • ChangedPriceThe price sheet now takes the cost of the next big service off.Page 13
   • RemovedSpare keyMerged into the papers check: no spare key is a price point now.Moved to Papers
6. v2.3Estate30 Aug 2026

   Estate

   • AddedDiesel filterAsk when the diesel particulate filter was last cleaned or replaced.Papers, step 5
   • FixedBoot sizeThe table on page 11 gave one boot with the seats up. It is now both.Page 11
7. v2.0Small SUV9 Aug 2026

   Small SUV

   • AddedParking sensorsReverse towards a wall slowly and listen for every sensor.Test drive, step 9
   • ChangedWhole checklistRewritten in the order you walk round the car, not by part.All pages
8. v1.2Electric19 Jul 2026

   Electric

   • AddedHeat pumpFind out if the car has one: it changes the winter range a lot.Before you go
   • FixedCharging speedPage 4 mixed up kilowatts and kilowatt hours. Both are now explained.Page 4