Paper work checks - VIN Number V5/MOT/Service Book
Compare VIN (chassis) number to that on the vehicle registration document (V5)
Evidence of welding/re-spray/tar around VIN number
Check for disturbed bolts or scratches/tampering on VIN plate
Compare Vin No, engine no and colour from V5 to vehicle
Check etches on windows, lamps, sunroof for matching VIN VRM (ensure no stickers cover etches)
Ensure all numbers and letters are aligned.
Check V5 for watermark and check for spelling errors.
Check V5 for corresponding date of the 1st registration with prefix letter.
Compare the viewing address to the registered keeper address.
Check M.O.T watermark/expiry date.
Check first page of service book stating the VRM and VIN No's and date of 1st registration.
Telephone the garage stamped on the service book to verify validity of garage and service and mileage reading. Dates and pen colour shade on the service book should be different on each service period. Stamp angles on service book should differ each time. Check for any missing pages in the service book or gap between services.
Compare mileage reading dates to previous M.O.T's mileage reading.
Telephone previous keeper to verify mileage and cambelt change.

Signs of Clocking
Excessive wear on drive's seat, door seals,carpet, pedals rubber, gear knob, worn steering wheel indicate high mileage.
Check for digit alignment/fingermarks on the speedometer,shiny scews on instrument panel, scraches or pin marks on speedometer digits.
Check bonnet, front panels, front wings and bumper for excessive stone chipping or respray work.
Telephone previous keeper on V5 to verify mileage when sold.

Sign of Accidents
Body panel gaps not aligned throughout.
Welding/damage to front and rear panels.
Welding/damage under rear seats or boot.
Respray on plastic trim window seals, and under door handles.
Poor paintwork quality mismatch/patchy/bubbles under paint.
Panel damage/body filters.
Damaged/compressed chassis.
Rusty sills/wheel arches.
Bent steering wheel.
Water leak in boot, sun roof leak, lock changes, or locks that have been tampered with.
Excessive tyre wear.
Car pulls to side.
Discoloured hood.
Check for matching upholstery and under new seat covers.

Tyres/Wheels
Check for:
Depth of tread.
Same tyre makes/sizes.
Damage to sidewall/tread.
Damage rims/alloys.
Wheel trims.

Under Bonnet
Ensure the engine is cold before you start placing your hand on it.
Abnormal noise:
Cold start engine.
Stater motor.
Camshaft/crankshaft/tappets.
Exhaust.
Idling cold/hot.
Blue smoke.
Check all fluids/excessive fumes.

Test Drive
Insure yourself for test drive.
Check abnormal noise from:
camshaft - crankshaft tappets, engine misfire, gears/clutch bearings, exhaust, wheel bearing, Shockers, CV joints ( apply steering on full lock ).
On acceleration/brake - blown turbo, head gasket, blue smoke, sticking gears, kick down - auto,slippping automatic box, gear skips/jump out, all gears/4W engagement, slipping high clutch, wheel alignment, juddering or pulling brakes, apply emergency brake and handbrake, A.B, overheating.

After Test Drive
Check for:
Fresh leaks, excessive smoke/fumes.