Blog
How to Check a Used Car’s History Before Buying
1. Get the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
The first step is to obtain the car's VIN. This 17-character code is unique to every vehicle and can usually be found:
- On the dashboard, near the windshield
- Inside the driver-side door frame
- On vehicle registration documents or insurance papers
Once you have the VIN, you can start digging into the car’s past.
2. Use a Reputable Vehicle History Check Service
Several online services provide detailed vehicle history reports. Popular options in the UK include:
- HPI Check
- AutoCheck
- CarVertical
- GOV.UK MOT History Check (for MOT history and status)
These reports will reveal crucial information such as:
- Previous owners
- Accident and damage history
- Outstanding finance
- Mileage discrepancies
- Stolen status
- MOT history and failures
Although some services may charge a small fee, it’s a worthwhile investment for peace of mind.
3. Check the MOT History
Visit the GOV.UK website and enter the car’s registration number. This free service will show:
- Previous MOT tests
- Reasons for failures
- Advisories for potential future issues
- Recorded mileage at each MOT
This helps you identify whether the car has been well-maintained.
4. Inspect the Service History
A complete service history is a sign that the vehicle has been properly maintained. Look for:
- Regular service intervals (every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually)
- Receipts for major repairs or replacements (like timing belts or brake pads)
- Service stamps from reputable garages
If the service book is incomplete, ask the seller for additional documents or contact the garages directly.
5. Check for Outstanding Finance
In the UK, it’s illegal to sell a car that has outstanding finance without settling the debt. Use your vehicle history report to confirm whether the car is owned outright. If there is outstanding finance, the lender could repossess the car, even after you've bought it.
6. Verify If the Car Was Stolen or Written Off
Vehicle history checks will confirm if the car has ever been reported stolen or declared a write-off by an insurance company. There are four categories for write-offs:
Category A/B: Severe damage, should not be returned to the road.
Category S/N: Structurally or non-structurally damaged but repairable.
Buying a written-off vehicle can be risky, especially if repairs were not properly conducted.
7. Look for Mileage Fraud
Check for consistency in the vehicle’s mileage through:
MOT history reports
Service records
Previous sales adverts (if available)
If the mileage seems unusually low or inconsistent, it could be a sign of tampering.
8. Inspect Physical and Cosmetic Condition
Although not part of a history check, inspecting the car physically can reveal hidden issues like:
Mismatched paint or panels (suggesting accident repairs)
Unusual engine noises
Tire wear (uneven wear can indicate alignment issues)
Dashboard warning lights
A professional mechanical inspection is always advisable for added assurance.
Final Thoughts
A thorough vehicle history check is essential to ensure you're making a safe and informed purchase. While it may cost a little upfront, it could save you thousands in the long run.
For quality, inspected used cars, visit Auto-Emporium.co.uk – where trust meets value. 🌟