Buying a used car is sometimes a frightful experience for people not associated with the internal mechanisms of a car, you risk potentially obtaining a poorly maintained, repair heavy vehicle or even worse, put yourself at risk in a hijacked or dangerous car. So how can you be sure that the slick salesman or overly confident seller isn't trying to flog you a dead horse?

There are a few fundamental things you can check or enquire about the car before you make any decision to discuss price. These considerations will make a list of things to check when purchasing an used car, carry this list on your person if you need to, after all, it's too much money to risk on what a stranger says.

1. The initial thing you should do is utilise the VIN number to do a history background check on the car. This can be done before even seeing the car if you contact the vendor and ask for this number. There are websites that will give you a report and it could prevent you wasting your time. This Vehicle Identification Number should be present in the car documentation and will be the same as the label at the base of the front windscreen. If these numbers are not the same or the label appears to have been tampered with then it's advisable that you don't take the sale any further.

A full historical report on the car will show if the car has been involved in any traffic accidents and if it's been stolen or salvaged. It will also show if the mileage has been altered as well as other important details. These values are significant when buying an used car as it allows you to assess potential problems with the vehicle.

2. If the vehicle has been re-sprayed it could suggest that the vehicle has been involved in an accident or is stolen. Check over all the rubber seals as these areas are where a re-spray should be most prominent. If you see something that doesn't sit right with the documentation be very careful about handing over your money.

3. Some rust might be normal on an old car but it's best to check in and outside of the car as well as underneath for areas where rust could be an issue.

4. Leaks can be difficult to spot especially if it is a sunny day but have a good feel of the upholstery for any signs of damp. Do not forget to check around the spare tyre as condensation may be more prominent in this area.

5. Leaks can also be underneath the vehicle from damaged components so it's a sensible idea to check for anything visible. Unfortunately a corrupt owner may have patched up any leakage but if you go a bit early to your viewing you may see clean-up work being done.

6. Next inspect the paintwork on the car. The colour ought to be consistent throughout; repair work should be visible as the colour will look newer. If the seller has concealed information about repair work noticing details like this should help you establish whether the seller is genuine. Lopsided panels could also trigger that something isn't quite right.

7. Some tyres can be expensive to replace so it is best to make sure that the tyres fulfil the legal regulation for wear and tread depth. A fluctuating tyre wear pattern could indicate that there is a problem with the car. The tread of a tyre must be 1.6mm consistently around the tyre.

8. Open all of the doors to make sure that they shut and lock properly. Don't forget to examine the bonnet and trunk door as well!

9. The idle rev count can indicate a possible problem if it goes higher than just below 1 when left untouched. Turn the car engine on then leave it for a minute to see what the rev counter indicates.

10. The mileage counter should match the figure stated in the log book and this should also match the condition and age of the vehicle. If you believe the odometer has been tampered with you shouldn't go through with the sale.