Car owning guides
Can Bailiffs Take a Car on Finance? UK Rules Explained
Usually not: cars on HP, PCP or conditional sale normally belong to the lender. What Citizens Advice and StepChange say, and what to do if a bailiff clamps your…
Read the guideUK VEHICLE CHECKS
Check a car before you buy it
Start with the registration. Compare the records, check the paperwork and inspect the car before you pay.
Enter your registration
Car Check
Compare the records with the car before you buy.
BEFORE YOU BUY
Check the history.Inspect the car.
START HERE
What to check on any used car
Practical guides covering the main areas buyers should inspect, from paperwork to the test drive.
01
Car check
The checks to make before viewing, during a test drive and before paying.
Read the guide02Car history
Compare MOT records, mileage and the paperwork in one timeline.
Read the guide03HPI check guide
Understand the branded report and what to compare between providers.
Read the guide04Registration check
Understand VRMs, VINs, plate changes and mismatched details.
Read the guide05Outstanding finance
Know which questions to ask the seller about finance.
Read the guide06Insurance write-offs
Understand write-off categories and the questions a marker raises.
Read the guideBEFORE MONEY CHANGES HANDS
How to use Check My Vehicle
Look up the vehicle record first, then follow our inspection guides before you view the car in person.
Open the buying checklist ↗- 01
Check the records
Start with the registration. Compare vehicle details, MOT results and recorded mileage.
- 02
Match the paperwork
Compare the VIN and V5C with the car. Ask for service invoices and repair receipts.
- 03
Inspect it in person
Arrange a viewing, a test drive and an independent inspection where needed.
BUYING & OWNERSHIP
Latest guides
Car buying guides
MOT Mileage Discrepancies: What to Check Before Buying
MOT mileage not matching the service records? Compare the readings, request evidence and decide whether the explanation adds up.
Read the guideCar buying guides
How to Read a Used Car’s MOT History
Learn what MOT results, recurring advisories and mileage readings tell you—and which questions to ask before buying.
Read the guideCar buying guides
Recurring MOT Advisories: What Should Used-Car Buyers Ask?
The same MOT advisory appearing year after year? Learn what to check, what to ask the seller and when to get an independent inspection.
Read the guideRESEARCH A MODEL
Know the model you’re viewing.
Used Ford FocusExplore the buying guideUsed Volkswagen PoloExplore the buying guideUsed Toyota YarisExplore the buying guideBMW 3 SeriesExplore the buying guideNissan QashqaiExplore the buying guideVauxhall CorsaExplore the buying guideVolkswagen GolfExplore the buying guideFord FiestaExplore the buying guide
GOT A REGISTRATION?
Start your vehicle check.
Enter registration ↗A history check supports your decision. It does not replace a physical inspection.