The facts
Buying a used car
The checks that matter before you hand over money, from the paperwork to the hidden history.
- What should I check before buying a used car?
- Start with the free public record (MOT history, mileage, tax and the DVLA details), then the paperwork and a proper look over the car. Our step-by-step used-car checklist runs through it in order, and you can pull the free record on any plate with a free car check before you even call the seller.
- How do I check a car is not stolen?
- A stolen marker is held on the Police National Computer, not the free DVLA data, so it needs a full history check to surface. As a first sanity check, make sure the V5C logbook details and VIN match the car, then run a paid check that includes a stolen-vehicle lookup. See what is covered on our pricing page.
- How do I check a car for outstanding finance?
- Outstanding finance means the car may still legally belong to a lender, who could reclaim it even after you have paid the seller. It is not in the free DVLA record; a finance check queries the finance houses' own data. Our full check includes it, and the pricing page shows which tier you need.
- What documents should a used car come with?
- The V5C logbook in the seller's name and address, a service history, MOT certificates, and receipts for any major work. Check the V5C is genuine (it carries a DVL watermark) and that the VIN on the car matches it. Missing or "on its way" paperwork is a reason to walk away, not to trust a promise.
- Is a used car with no MOT worth buying?
- Sometimes, but treat it as unknown until proven. No current MOT means no recent independent check of its condition, so budget for a test and likely repairs, and read its history closely for a pattern of failures. Never drive it away untested, since you may only drive to a pre-booked MOT.
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