Used Car Advice, Vehicle Checklists & Buying Guides

When it comes to selling a used car, few things scare off buyers faster than missing service history. A few gaps might not seem like a big deal, but to most people shopping for a used car in the UK, it’s a flashing red flag. Buyers don’t just want a clean car - they want proof that it’s been looked after. And when that proof is missing, your car’s resale value can take a serious hit. In this article, we’ll unpack why service history gaps matter so much, how they affect your car’s price, and how a car history check from TopCarCheck.co.uk can help you fill in the blanks before it’s too late.

When you buy a used car, there’s one thing you can’t afford to overlook - reliability. A shiny paint job and low price might look tempting, but if the car spends more time at the garage than on the road, you’ll regret it fast. In this guide, we reveal the most reliable used cars in the UK, ranked by real owners who live with them every day. From small city cars to family SUVs, we’ll help you find a car that won’t let you down - and show you how a car history check from TopCarCheck.co.uk can protect you from costly surprises.

The UK has officially entered a new era for electric and low emission cars. For years, EV owners enjoyed the sweet deal of zero road tax, lower running costs, and exemption from congestion zones. But from April 2025, that’s all changing. The government has confirmed a major shift in Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), and if you drive - or plan to buy - an electric or hybrid car, these updates will affect you directly. Let’s break down what’s changed, what stays the same, and how this impacts both used car buyers and electric vehicle owners across the UK.

Electric cars are no longer the future - they’re the present. You see them silently gliding through city streets, plugged into home chargers on driveways, and even zipping down motorways on long trips. Yet, for every driver who’s switched to electric, there’s someone on the fence - still unsure, still sceptical, still asking if EVs are really as good as everyone says. The truth? Most of the concerns people have about electric cars are built on myths that refuse to die. From “EVs don’t last” to “they catch fire easily,” misinformation spreads faster than a Tesla in Ludicrous Mode.

You’ve just found a used car that looks perfect - great price, clean photos, and a description that makes it sound like a total steal. But there’s one question you should always ask before hitting buy now: has this car ever been used as a taxi or fleet vehicle? Why? Because even the shiniest ex-taxi or ex-company car might hide a busy past that affects its value, reliability, and long-term costs. The good news is you don’t need to be a detective to find out. With the right checks and a bit of know-how, you can uncover whether a used car has spent its life ferrying passengers, company reps, or delivery drivers around the UK.

You’ve found the perfect used car. The price looks fair, the pictures look sharp, the seller seems trustworthy and you're ready to buy. But before you shake hands and transfer the money, there’s one thing that separates a good deal from a financial disaster - the vehicle history report.

So you’ve just found what looks like the perfect used car. It’s clean, drives well, and the price feels like a steal. You do a quick MOT check, see a pass, and feel confident enough to buy. Fast forward two months - and suddenly your “bargain” is sitting in a repair shop because of undisclosed crash damage or hidden finance debt.

One of the biggest red flags in any car’s history is a mileage anomaly. Whether it’s deliberate clocking or an innocent recording error, mileage discrepancies can tell you a lot about how honest a car’s story really is.

Buying a used car can be exciting, especially when you’ve found what looks like a great deal. But before you hand over the cash, there’s one vital step you can’t skip: a police stolen check. Every year, thousands of cars are reported stolen across the UK. Some are stripped for parts, while others are sold to unsuspecting buyers using fake number plates or forged documents. A police stolen vehicle check helps you avoid becoming the next victim. So what exactly does a police stolen check cover, and how can it protect you when buying a used car? Let’s take a closer look.

Electric cars are no longer just a premium trend. The used market now has practical EVs for sensible budgets - including plenty that fall under £15,000. If you want lower running costs, quieter drives and fewer visits to petrol stations, a second-hand electric car can be a brilliant move. But buying an EV is different from buying petrol or diesel - battery health, charging history and warranty status matter as much as mileage and service records.

Dashcams used to be a niche gadget for driving enthusiasts. Now, they’re everywhere - stuck neatly behind windscreens across the UK. You’ve probably seen friends post dashcam clips of near misses, bad parking, or that one hilarious moment when a fox stole a sandwich off someone’s bonnet.

If you’ve ever searched for a used car online, you’ve probably seen the term “outstanding finance” pop up on listings or car history check reports. It sounds serious - and it is. A car with outstanding finance isn’t legally yours to buy until that debt is cleared.

Usually when it comes to choosing a family SUV, most of us think about space, comfort, and running costs first. But if you’ve got little ones in the back, safety should be right at the top of your list. After all, no amount of horsepower or touchscreen tech matters if the car can’t protect your family in an emergency.

You’ve probably seen them before - those cars that sit for weeks, even months, on dealership forecourts or Facebook Marketplace listings. Their price tags slowly drop, the photos get updated, yet they just won’t budge. It’s easy to assume those cars are simply “bad buys,” but the truth is a bit more complex. Sometimes, a car that sits unsold for months reveals something very interesting about the used car market, buyer psychology, and even the car’s hidden history.

If you’ve ever been stuck on the hard shoulder wondering why you didn’t just take the train, you’re not alone. Breakdowns are one of the biggest headaches for drivers across the UK, and while some are just bad luck, others can be blamed on the car itself.

Car theft might sound like a problem from another era, but in the UK, it’s far from gone. In fact, data shows that vehicle theft is rising fast, with thieves using smarter methods and targeting specific models that are easy to resell, strip, or clone.

So, you’ve found a used car that seems like the perfect deal. It looks shiny, runs well, and the seller seems genuine. But before you shake hands or transfer any cash, pause for a moment and ask yourself one crucial question - do I need a car history check? If you’re buying a used car in the UK, the answer is simple: absolutely, yes. A car history check isn’t just a “nice-to-have” - it’s a must-have. Think of it as a background check for your next car. It helps you uncover hidden issues that could cost you thousands later. In this article, we’ll explain exactly why a car check before buying in the UK is essential, what it reveals, and how you can use it to make smarter, safer buying decisions.

Buying a used car in the UK can be exciting - whether it’s your first car, an upgrade, or a family runaround. But it can also be risky if you don’t know the full story behind the car you’re about to buy. That’s where a car history check comes in.