Vehicle Check

Before you buy a used car, check that its registration, documents and history tell the same story. A vehicle check can help you spot questions to ask the seller before you commit.

Car Check

GB

What to check before buying

  • Vehicle details: compare the registration, make, model, colour and fuel type with the advert and the vehicle itself.
  • MOT history: review test dates, results, recorded mileage and recurring advisories.
  • Tax and SORN status: check the current record, but remember that vehicle tax does not transfer to a new keeper.
  • Identity and paperwork: match the VIN on the vehicle to the V5C log book and look for signs of tampering.
  • Finance, theft and write-off history: consider a separate provenance check before paying for a car. An MOT check alone does not answer these questions.

Start with the official records

You can check a vehicle’s details through the DVLA vehicle enquiry service, its MOT history on GOV.UK, and its tax status on GOV.UK. These services require the registration number. Read the results alongside the vehicle, the seller’s paperwork and a physical inspection.

Look beyond a clean result

A record can be incomplete or out of date, and a clear database result does not guarantee a car is mechanically sound. Ask about gaps in servicing, mileage changes, previous repairs and any MOT advisories. If something does not match, pause the purchase and ask for evidence. A professional inspection can reveal problems that an online history check cannot.

Questions to ask the seller

  • Is the seller the registered keeper, or authorised to sell the vehicle?
  • Can you see the V5C and service records before paying?
  • Has the vehicle been involved in an accident or declared an insurance total loss?
  • Is there any outstanding finance?
  • Can you inspect and test drive it safely before making a decision?

Use the official used vehicle checklist as a final cross-check. Check My Vehicle is being prepared as a clearer place to explore vehicle information; availability of specific report features will be confirmed when the live service is enabled.

Explore specific vehicle checks

Read about a car history check, an HPI check, finance, write-offs, mileage and our used car buying checklist.