A car buying checklist that covers the search, the test drive and the deal
Buying a car means comparing models, reading listings, checking history and not getting rushed at the dealer. This prompt has your todo.is agent shortlist models that fit your budget and use, find real listings with links, compare running costs and give you a printable checklist for the viewing, test drive and paperwork.
The prompt
- Help me buy a car with a full checklist. Budget: [BUDGET]. New or used: [NEW OR USED]. I need it for [HOW I'LL USE IT]. Must-haves: [MUST-HAVES]. I live near [CITY]. Shortlist 5 models with reliability notes, fuel or charging costs and insurance group, and find 10 current listings near me with links, price, mileage and year. Give me a printable checklist for checking the history, the viewing, the test drive and the paperwork, plus questions to ask the seller and a fair-price range for each listing. Send it as a PDF and an Excel comparison, and check for new listings every Monday at 9:00. Don't contact sellers or pay anything.
What to change
- [BUDGET]: Total with currency, and say if you'll finance, e.g. "12,000 GBP cash".
- [NEW OR USED]: "Used, under 5 years old", "new or nearly new", or "either".
- [HOW I'LL USE IT]: E.g. "school runs and a 40-mile daily commute, 2 kids, a dog".
- [MUST-HAVES]: E.g. "automatic, hybrid, Apple CarPlay, big boot, under 60,000 miles".
- [CITY]: Your area, plus how far you'd travel, e.g. "Manchester, up to 50 miles".
Example result
- Car buying checklist: used family hybrid
- Budget 12,000 GBP cash · school runs and a 40-mile commute · automatic, big boot, under 60,000 miles · Manchester, up to 50 miles
- Shortlist (illustrative, check current reviews)
- • Toyota Corolla Touring Sports hybrid: strong reliability record, good economy, large estate boot
- • Toyota C-HR hybrid: comfortable, smaller boot
- • Kia Niro hybrid: practical, long manufacturer warranty that may transfer
- • Honda Jazz hybrid: small outside, clever seats, very easy to drive
- • Hyundai Ioniq hybrid: low running costs, lower roof line
- Listings with price, mileage, year and a link are in the Excel file.
- Before you go
- • Check the MOT history online with the registration: look for repeat advisories and mileage jumps
- • Run a history check for outstanding finance, write-offs and theft
- • Compare the price with 3 similar cars (same year, mileage, trim)
- • Ask the seller for the service book, number of owners and the V5C logbook
- • Get an insurance quote with the exact registration
- At the viewing
- • See the car in daylight and cold, with the engine not warmed up
- • Panel gaps, paint mismatch or overspray (signs of repair)
- • Tyres: same brand on each axle, at least 3 mm tread, no uneven wear
- • Under the bonnet: oil level and colour, no leaks, coolant clean
- • Inside: all warning lights go on, then off; air con blows cold; every window, lock and screen works
- • Hybrid: ask about battery health and any hybrid system checks
- Test drive (at least 20 minutes)
- • Mix of town, a fast road and parking
- • Smooth gear changes and pull away, straight steering, no pulling under braking
- • Listen for knocks over bumps and whines at speed
- • Check visibility, seat comfort and car seat fit
- The deal
- • Name on the V5C matches the seller and address
- • VIN on the car matches the documents
- • Agree what's included: second key, service, new tyres
- • Pay by a traceable method; never cash in full before you see documents
- • Get a dated receipt with the price, registration and both names
- Questions to ask
- • Why are you selling?
- • Has it had any accidents or paint work?
- • When was the last service and what was done?
How to do it with todo.is
- Copy the prompt and fill in your budget, new or used, how you'll use the car, must-haves and area.
- Paste it on the Today screen in todo.is or send it to your agent on WhatsApp.
- You get a PDF checklist and an Excel comparison of models and real listings with links.
- Every Monday your agent sends new listings. Reply "only estates" or "raise budget to 14,000" to change the search.
Tips for a better result
- Always check the history report and the MOT or inspection history before you travel to a viewing.
- Total cost matters more than price: compare insurance, fuel or charging, tax and likely servicing.
- For a used car with no warranty, a paid independent inspection is worth it on anything above a few thousand.
- Send your agent photos of the listing or the car and it will point out things to ask about.
car buying checklist: FAQ
- What should I check before buying a used car? The history report, the service record, the MOT or inspection history, tyres, fluids, warning lights and a proper test drive. Check that the documents match the car and the seller.
- Is it better to buy a car from a dealer or a private seller? Dealers usually cost more but give you more consumer protection and sometimes a warranty. Private sales can be cheaper but you have fewer rights, so checks matter more.
- How many miles is too many for a used car? There's no single number. A well-serviced car with higher motorway miles can be better than a low-mileage one with no history.
- Can my agent negotiate or buy the car for me? No. It finds listings, compares prices and prepares your questions. You contact the seller and pay yourself.
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