How to Check the Interior of the Car

When you open the door, check for any theft damage around the lock or handle. Once inside, keep an eye out for the following things:

• Check that the chassis number or VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) matches the one shown on the registration document. This can normally be found on a plate under the bonnet, at the base of the windscreen on the passenger side, under the carpet by the driver's seat and/or etched on to the windows.
• Look carefully for any signs of theft damage, such as glass fragments under the seat, ill-fitting door trim or a damaged steering column.
• Does the wear on the interior of the car match the mileage and age of the car? A shiny gear knob, steering wheel or pedal rubbers suggests a high mileage.
• Seatbelts should be free from damage; make sure that they return properly and that they are not worn or broken.
• Do all the numbers on the odometer line up correctly? If they look uneven, they may have been tampered with. Ask to see the old MoT certificates to see if the recorded mileage tie in with what's displayed.
• Check the condition of the carpets; worn carpets suggest a high mileage, whilst damp carpets suggest leaky seals, an ill-fitting cabriolet hood or a careless owner.
• Look under the carpet in the boot to check for welding marks, rippling or other signs of crash damage.
• Look at the seats - are they saggy or well worn? Make sure that they have the type of wear that you'd expect for the driver and mileage.
• Check that everything works correctly, including electric components. This should include windows, stereo, heaters, sunroof, seats and so on. Likewise with the instrumentation - does it all read as it should?

It is Suitable for Your Needs?

Once you have checked that the car's interior is in good condition, you'll also need to make sure that it suits your needs. Think about the following:

• Make sure that the boot is big enough for your needs. It's a good idea to take any equipment that you regularly carry with you and see if it fits, for example a pushchair or golf clubs.
• How easy is it to move the seats - either to adjust their position or to fold them down to increase the boot size?
• Can you get in and out of the car easily? How easy is it for passengers to climb into the back seat? Do the front seats fold forward easily?
• Is there enough head room?
• Is there enough legroom?
• Is the seating position comfortable? Can you adjust it easily?
• Can you adjust the steering wheel?
• Are the seat belts comfortable? Can you reach them easily?
• What is the visibility like? Check the A-pillar and mirrors.
• Is the entertainment system suitable for your needs - does it have a CD player or MP3 player?
• What storage options are there? Is there enough room to store things like maps and CDs?

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