Buying a used car can be exciting — but it’s also a big decision. When you search for cars with MOT for sale in London, you’re already being smart. An MOT certificate means the vehicle has passed basic safety and environmental checks, giving you some peace of mind.

Still, having an MOT doesn’t automatically make a car trouble-free. Some sellers might use it as a selling point while ignoring other issues. So before you shake hands or send that bank transfer, here are a few practical tips that can help you buy with confidence.

Don’t Just Trust the MOT — Check the History

A valid MOT certificate is good, but it’s only part of the story. It shows that the car was safe on the day of the test — not necessarily that it’s in perfect condition now.

Always check the car’s MOT history online using the government’s official site. It takes just a minute. You’ll see previous test results, advisories, and even failures. Look for repeated issues like “corrosion,” “brake imbalance,” or “tyre wear.” These are signs that the car might have ongoing problems the seller hasn’t fixed properly.

Choose a Seller You Can Trust

London has a mix of car dealerships, independent traders, and private sellers — and the experience varies a lot.

If you’re buying from a dealer, research them first. Read Google reviews and see how they respond to customers. The best ones are upfront about their cars’ condition, offer test drives, and give you time to think before committing.

For private sellers, always ask to see the V5C logbook and make sure the name and address match their ID. Never meet in a random car park; a safe, public location is best.

Ask for the Service History

An MOT only tells you that the car met legal standards. A service history tells you how well it’s been looked after.

Ideally, you want a fully stamped service book or digital record showing regular oil changes, filter replacements, and brake checks. If the seller can’t provide this, ask questions. Sometimes it’s fine — for example, if the car’s been maintained by a small local garage — but missing records can also mean skipped maintenance.

View and Inspect in Good Daylight

Never buy a car in the dark or when it’s raining — both can hide imperfections. Go during the day and take your time.

Check the bodywork for mismatched paint, rust, or uneven gaps around panels. Look under the bonnet for oil leaks and inspect the tyres for even wear. Inside, test all the switches, lights, and air conditioning.

If you’re not confident spotting issues, take a friend who knows about cars or hire a mobile mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection. The small cost is worth avoiding a big mistake.

Double-Check MOT and Tax Online

Don’t rely on what the seller tells you. Go to gov.uk/check-mot-history and check-vehicle-tax. Make sure the MOT is valid and the vehicle isn’t declared SORN (off-road).

If the MOT expires soon, factor that into your negotiation — you’ll need to pay for a new test soon after buying.

Always Take a Proper Test Drive

Never skip the test drive, no matter how good the car looks. Start the engine cold and listen carefully. Any rattles, knocking sounds, or smoke from the exhaust could point to issues.

Drive on different roads if possible — smooth streets, bumpy roads, and a bit of traffic. Test the brakes, gears, steering, and clutch. Trust your instincts: if something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it.

Be Confident When Negotiating

Most sellers expect some negotiation, so don’t be shy. Point out anything that might need attention — worn tyres, a short MOT, or missing service history — and use that to bring the price down fairly.

If the seller refuses to negotiate or pressures you to pay quickly, walk away. There are plenty of cars with MOT for sale across London — never feel stuck with one option.

Final Thoughts

Finding good cars with MOT for sale in London is about patience, research, and paying attention to detail. An MOT certificate is a helpful start, but the real value comes from a car’s overall condition and how it’s been looked after.

Take your time, check the paperwork carefully, and always test drive before deciding. A few extra hours of caution can save you months of frustration — and a lot of money.

When you do find that right car, you’ll know. It’ll feel solid, drive smoothly, and come with the confidence that you made an informed choice.