How To Check A Used Car’s History: The Complete UK Buyer’s Guide

Quick Summary: How To Check A Car’s History

To check a used car’s history in the UK, start with the registration number on GOV.UK to view free MOT and tax details. For full protection, run a paid history check (often called an HPI check) to uncover outstanding finance, insurance write-offs (Cat S or Cat N), stolen status, or mileage discrepancies. Always confirm the vehicle’s VIN matches the V5C logbook to avoid identity fraud.

Free Used Car History Checks (Essential First Steps)

Before spending money on a full report, you can access reliable information directly from official UK sources. These checks won’t tell you everything, but they are a vital first filter.

Check MOT History

Using the vehicle’s registration number on GOV.UK, you can view:

• MOT pass and fail results
• Recorded mileage at each test
• Advisories that flag future repair costs

This helps you spot patterns like repeated tyre wear, brake issues, or sudden mileage drops.

Verify Tax Status

You can also confirm whether a car is:

• Currently taxed
• Declared SORN (off the road)

A car advertised as “ready to drive” but showing no tax is an immediate red flag.

Basic Vehicle Details

Free checks also confirm:

• First registration date
• Engine size
• Fuel type and CO₂ emissions

Why this matters: These details should always match the seller’s description.

Free Vs Paid Car History Checks: What’s The Difference?

Free checks are useful, but they only tell part of the story.

If you’re buying privately or using car finance, a paid check is essential.

Why You Need A Paid Comprehensive History Check

A professional history check protects you from the four biggest financial risks when buying used.

Outstanding Finance

If a car still has an active HP or PCP agreement, the finance company legally owns it. If you buy the car without the finance being settled, it can be repossessed… even if you paid in good faith.

If you’re planning to finance your next car, this step is non-negotiable. Lenders will not approve vehicles with unresolved finance.

Insurance Write-Offs

Paid reports reveal whether a car has been written off by an insurer and later repaired.

Stolen Status

Checks cross-reference police databases to ensure the vehicle hasn’t been reported stolen.

Mileage Clocking

By comparing records from multiple databases, history checks can highlight mileage inconsistencies that suggest odometer tampering.

Understanding Write-Off Categories: Cat S And Cat N

If a car has been involved in a serious incident, insurers categorise the damage.

Tip: If a seller hasn’t disclosed a write-off, walk away or renegotiate. Transparency matters.

The Essential VIN And V5C Identity Check

Never rely solely on the number plate. Vehicle cloning is a growing issue in the UK.

Check The V5C Logbook

• Ensure it’s the original document
• Check the watermark and issue date
• Confirm the registered keeper details

Locate The VIN

You’ll usually find the VIN:

• At the base of the windscreen
• Under the bonnet
• On the driver’s door pillar

Cross-Reference Everything

The VIN on the car must match:

• The V5C logbook
• The paid history report

If the numbers don’t match, the car may be cloned.

Extra Checks For Imported Cars

Imported vehicles require additional care.

If the car has come from Ireland, Japan, or mainland Europe:

• Confirm mileage conversion accuracy
• Check for gaps in MOT history
• Ensure the VIN is consistent across all records

Imported cars are not a problem, but only if the paperwork stacks up.

How Much Does A Car History Check Cost?

Most paid checks cost between £10 and £30.

Compared to the risk of buying:

• A car with outstanding finance
• A stolen vehicle
• A structurally damaged write-off

This is one of the cheapest protections you can buy.

Step-By-Step Checklist For Buying A Used Car

Follow this order to protect yourself:

1. Get the registration number and VIN
2. Run free checks on GOV.UK
3. Purchase a full history check
4. Inspect the V5C logbook and service records
5. Test drive the car and check electrics
6. Pay by bank transfer for a clear paper trail

For a broader buyer checklist, see our guide:

👉 Buying A Used Car: What To Check Before You Commit

Who Should Always Run A Full History Check?

You should never skip a paid history check if you are:

• Buying privately
• Buying your first car
• Using car finance
• Purchasing a high-value or imported vehicle

It’s about protecting your money, not just the car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Check If A Car Has Finance On It For Free?

No. Finance data is only available through paid checks. Free tools do not access lender databases.

What Happens If I Buy A Car With Outstanding Finance?

The finance company remains the legal owner and can repossess the vehicle. You may lose both the car and your money.

Is A Cat N Car Safe To Buy?

It can be, if repairs were carried out correctly. Always inspect it professionally and expect a lower resale value.

How Long Does A Car History Check Take?

Most reports are generated instantly once you enter the registration or VIN.

Should I Trust The Seller’s Word Alone?

No. Even honest sellers may not know the full history. Always verify independently.

Ready To Upgrade Your Car With Confidence?

Once you’ve checked a car’s history, you’re in a strong position to buy safely.

If you’re looking for a finance partner who understands real-world buyers, not just credit scores, Marsh Finance is here to help.

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