Questions to ask before buying a used car
Ebony Morgan • July 29, 2026
When you work with vehicles every day, you quickly learn what separates a great used car from a poor one.
Here’s five questions to ask before buying a used car:
- Does the vehicle have any previous damage?
You should always check a vehicle’s damage history and ensure there were no previous repairs that could hinder the vehicle’s safety or performance down the line. Our team of trained vehicle experts can identify poor previous repairs that may not be listed on an insurance or vehicle checking database. - Has the vehicle been professionally inspected?
An MOT check won’t tell the whole story. A reputable vehicle dealer should be transparent around a vehicle’s mechanical, cosmetic and structural condition. That’s why all of our vehicles are subject to an 84-point RAC-approved checking process. - Can I see the vehicle’s history?
A quality-driven used vehicle dealer should be transparent about a vehicle’s history and maintenance. There is no such thing as a silly question, and a reputable dealer will be open and honest throughout your buying journey. - Can I take the vehicle for a test drive?
A trustworthy vehicle dealer will encourage you to drive the vehicle and ensure it’s the right for you before you make a purchase. A vehicle is a large purchase and it’s vital to make sure it’s the perfect choice. - Can I trust this dealership?
Buying a vehicle goes far beyond the forecourt. When visiting a used car dealer, make sure to do your research on their customer reviews, qualifications and experience. It’s important that you choose a dealer based on reputation, not just sales. As a family-run business with years of experience caring for vehicles, we’re proud to bring the same standard into sales.
It’s vital that you can buy with confidence. Here at Select Vehicle Sales by CARS of Grimsby, we don’t just sell vehicles, we know them inside and out. Each vehicle is carefully selected, thoroughly inspected and honestly presented, so you can drive away with confidence.
Visit us today or get in touch to find your next car.
Here at Select Vehicle Sales by CARS of Grimsby, we pride ourselves on the service received by our customers. Each vehicle we sell meets our quality standards; each customer journey is seamless and stress-free.
Most people buying a used car look at the mileage, service history and overall condition. We look much deeper. Years of repairing accident damaged vehicles has trained our eyes to spot things that many people would never notice. Subtle differences in paint finish, panel gaps, replacement panels, poor welding or signs of previous structural repairs can all reveal a vehicle's past, even when that damage has never appeared on an insurance database or history check.
For many years, CARS of Grimsby has supported motorists with trusted accident repair and vehicle care services. As a family owned and run business, we have always believed that great service comes down to doing the job to the best of our ability, communicating honestly and treating every customer as an individual. Those values have helped us build strong relationships with motorists, insurers and businesses, and they remain just as important to us today. Now, we are preparing to begin an exciting new chapter. Decades of Accident Repair Experience in Grimsby CARS of Grimsby is best known as an established and multi-award-winning accident repair centre, helping customers get back on the road following everything from minor bumps to more significant damage. That work has given our team a detailed and thorough understanding of vehicles and their condition. When you spend years repairing bodywork, checking panel alignment and assessing previous damage, you learn to notice the details that may not always be obvious at first glance. You also learn how important quality, safety and honesty are to motorists. Our team has developed this knowledge through experience, ongoing training and working with a wide range of vehicles over many years. It is experience we are proud of, and it will remain at the heart of the next chapter of CARS of Grimsby.
Had an accident and not sure what happens next? You’re not alone.
At CARS of Grimsby, our friendly team are on hand to offer honest advice and guidance throughout the insurance claims process. We’ll help you understand your options, and explain what you do (and don’t) have to do after an accident.
In May, the team attended the Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards, organised by the Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce. The CARS team was awarded the Forrester Boyd Business Excellence Award.
CARS of Grimsby celebrates three Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards nominations, recognising leadership, business growth and employee success in 2025.
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