Before buying something secondhand look in magazines or newspapers which advertise secondhand goods to see how much similar objects are worth.
Test out any electrical goods before buying them to check that they work.
Even if you've made sure that the goods you are buying do work, have a dealer in those goods, or someone who specialises in repairing them, check that you haven't missed anything which might be potentially dangerous.
Search any wooden objects or furniture carefully for signs of woodworm.
Check upholstered furniture for fabric moth larvae and carpets and rugs for carpet beetle. It's best not to buy affected goods, however tempting the bargain, unless you know you can treat them quickly without introducing an infestation into your home.
Test-drive a secondhand car and check carefully for rust, balanced suspension, worn tyres, up-to-date documents and obvious crash damage.
Think hard about the honesty of the deal. If the goods are stolen and are traced back to you they may be seized from you without any compensation.
Goods must be fit to sell and suitable for the purpose for which they are sold. If you inadvertently buy faulty secondhand goods, you have the right to a refund or compensation
