Know what you’re buying
What could a used car cost in its first year?
The asking price is only the start. Thinking about servicing, repairs and everyday running costs can help you choose a car that feels affordable after you’ve brought it home.
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Keep three kinds of cost separate
- Costs you already know
- These include the agreed purchase price, an insurance quote and the tax for that car. Check that each figure applies to you and is still current when you buy.
- Work the car needs
- This could be a service recommended by the manufacturer or a repair identified during an inspection. Ask a garage for a quote. An old record of a fault does not tell you whether it still needs fixing.
- Planning estimates
- A forecast gives you an estimated servicing and repair budget for a stated number of miles and months. It helps you prepare, although you may spend more or less.
A missing invoice belongs on your questions list before it becomes a definite repair bill. If the seller can supply evidence that the work was completed, your plan may change.
An example budget for 12 months
Our sample report includes an illustrative budget for driving 8,000 miles over 12 months. These are demonstration figures, not a cost forecast verified for the BMW shown:
| Category | Estimated amount |
|---|---|
| Servicing | £420 |
| Repairs | £780 |
| Tyres | £360 |
| MOT | £55 |
| Total | £1,615 |
These figures show how to read a forecast. They are not UK averages, a garage quote or proof that this car needs a particular repair. The mileage and period used are shown in the report. The estimate does not change the report’s recommendation about buying the car.
What still needs adding to your own budget?
The servicing and repair forecast is only part of your budget. You’ll also need to allow for fuel, insurance, vehicle tax and any fall in the car’s value over time, known as depreciation. If you have finance payments, inspection fees or delivery costs, include those too.
- Vehicle tax: check the rate for the car when you buy. This is separate from the maintenance forecast. GOV.UK publishes the rate tables.
- Insurance: get a quote for the car and everyone who will drive it before you commit.
- Fuel or charging: think about how far you’ll drive, how you’ll use the car and current fuel or electricity prices.
- Loss in value: keep this separate from bills you’ll pay during the year. Our maintenance forecast does not predict what you could sell the car for.
Use service evidence to improve the plan
Compare the car’s service records with the manufacturer’s recommendations. A recent oil service may not include all the other work needed. Ask for a dated invoice listing the jobs before relying on what the advert says. The service-history guide explains how to build that timeline.
An independent inspection can help you understand the car’s condition and get quotes for any work it needs. Before adding those quotes to a forecast, check whether they cover the same jobs. Otherwise, you could count the same cost twice.
A practical worksheet before you make an offer
- Record the asking price and compare similar cars. Note differences in the seller, condition and equipment.
- List the maintenance proof you still need. Keep missing paperwork separate from work you know is due.
- Write down quotes for any work identified by a professional inspection.
- Note how many miles and months the forecast covers, and mark the figures as estimates.
- Add your own tax, insurance, energy and purchase costs, making sure you haven’t counted a cost twice.
- Decide which questions you need answered before paying and whether you’re comfortable with the possible costs.
A lower asking price does not automatically mean better value. A larger estimated budget does not prove that the car will break down. The figures help you plan and discuss the price, but they cannot guarantee a discount.
What your report adds
CarDiligence brings together service information, price comparisons and maintenance cost planning. Your report separates checked facts from questions to resolve before buying. Start with the advert-check explanation , or use the buying checklist for the steps that still need documents and a physical inspection.