Used Car Advice, Vehicle Checklists & Buying Guides

Ever wondered why some used cars on UK roads seem suspiciously cheap for their age? The truth often lies in tampered mileages - a hidden scam that’s costing drivers millions every year.

Most car buyers think odometer clocking is an old-school scam that died out years ago. Spoiler alert - it’s alive and well in the UK. Every year, thousands of used cars are sold with tampered mileage, costing buyers millions in unexpected repairs and lost value.

When most people shop for a used car, they think about price, fuel economy, or maybe how cool it’ll look parked outside their house. But here’s the truth - none of that matters if the car isn’t safe. Safety isn’t just about airbags or crumple zones anymore. Modern cars are packed with tech that can prevent crashes before they happen. And when you’re buying second-hand, choosing the right model could be the difference between walking away from an accident and becoming another scary statistic.

Car theft might sound like something out of a Fast & Furious film, but in the UK it’s a very real problem. Every year, tens of thousands of cars vanish - from driveways, car parks, and even outside people’s homes while they sleep. And if you’re hunting for a used car, you need to know which models are most at risk.

When you see a car with a shiny paint job and freshly polished wheels, you’d never guess it might have once been a mangled wreck. But in the UK, thousands of written-off cars find their way back onto the roads every single year. Some are repaired to a decent standard - others, not so much.

The UK used car market is buzzing. Every year, millions of cars change hands - from cheap runarounds to flashy motors. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: not every seller plays fair. Some cars hit the market carrying fraudulent histories, with shady details conveniently hidden or tweaked to squeeze a higher price.

Buying a used car can feel like a gamble. You get the excitement of a bargain - but you also risk inheriting someone else’s problems. The truth is, some cars are more likely to come with hidden issues than others. From dodgy electrics to sneaky rust spots and undisclosed accident damage, the UK used car market has its fair share of ticking time bombs.

When you think of a car write-off, you might picture a mangled wreck that’s completely unsalvageable. But in reality, thousands of cars in the UK are written off every year for reasons that aren’t always obvious. Some are victims of major crashes, while others are written off because the repair bill outweighs the car’s value.

Most drivers know that running a car history check is a smart move before buying a used car - but few stop to think about how these reports actually work. Where does all that information come from? How does a database know if a car’s been written off, clocked, or still has finance attached?

No one wants to buy a car that spends more time in the workshop than on the road. But some models are more “crash-happy” than others — and it’s not always about popularity. Data reveals patterns that could save you money, hassle, and heartache.

If you’ve ever searched for a used car in the UK, you’ll know the drill - you find something in your budget, only to get stung by sky-high insurance quotes. Insurance can be one of the biggest costs of motoring, especially for younger drivers.

In today’s world of touchscreen dashboards and electric everything, it’s easy to forget that some of the most reliable used cars are the ones that came out years ago. They might not have Apple CarPlay or fancy parking cameras, but they were built to last - and in many cases, they’re still running strong today.

Buying a used car can feel like a bargain hunter’s dream. You find something shiny, it’s priced right, and you’re already imagining yourself cruising down the motorway. But then reality hits - what if that “deal” comes with a hidden repair bill big enough to empty your wallet?

Looking for a car that won’t lose value fast? Discover the top car brands that hold their value best in the UK market, plus tips to avoid rapid depreciation.

When you’re scrolling through Auto Trader, Facebook Marketplace, or Gumtree, one thing jumps out almost instantly: the mileage. A car could look spotless in the photos, but if the odometer says 120,000 miles, alarm bells start ringing. But here’s the real question: should you avoid high-mileage cars in the UK, or are they actually decent bargains if you know what to look for?

Electric cars are no longer futuristic - they’re everywhere. From Teslas gliding down motorways to Nissan Leafs parked on suburban driveways, EVs (electric vehicles) have gone mainstream. But for most of us in the UK, the real question is this: is it actually worth buying a used electric car right now?

BMW and Audi are dream cars for many UK drivers. They ooze style, power, and prestige - whether it’s a slick BMW 3 Series or an Audi A4 with those iconic LED headlights. But here’s the big question: what does it really cost to own one once the shiny adverts and dealership polish wear off?

Getting your first car is a rite of passage. It’s freedom, confidence, and your playlist, all on four wheels—but as a young driver, picking a car means juggling style, cost, and safety. You want something that looks cool, is fun to drive, but won’t send insurance premiums through the roof.

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a car’s number plate and wondering what all those letters and numbers actually mean, you’re not alone. British number plates might look like a random jumble at first glance, but they’re actually packed with useful information. Whether you’re buying your first car, hunting for a bargain used motor, or just curious about the quirks of UK motoring, understanding those letters is seriously handy.

When you're buying a used car in the UK, it’s easy to be lured in by sleek bodywork, sporty trims and that fancy dashboard. But here's the harsh truth: some of the best-looking cars on the market are also some of the least reliable. These cars might be stunners in your driveway, but under the bonnet, it's a different story altogether.

Looking for a dependable used car that won’t break the bank? You're not alone. With the cost of living climbing and new car prices shooting through the roof, more UK drivers are turning to used cars under £5,000. But let’s be real - not all cheap cars are good value.

Scrolling through used car listings can feel like flipping through a highlight reel – glossy photos, glowing descriptions, and deals that seem almost too good to be true. And that’s the problem. Some of them are too good to be true.

Buying a used car should feel like a smart move - and most of the time, it is. But sometimes, it turns into an absolute nightmare. Unfortunately, shady dealers still exist across the UK, and they’re slick at hiding problems until it’s too late. To save you the headache (and maybe thousands of pounds), we’ve collected some jaw-dropping real-life horror stories from UK car buyers. Consider this your ultimate warning before handing over any cash.

Thinking of buying your next car from a private seller? You’re not alone. Private car sales are everywhere in the UK - Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, even good old driveway “For Sale” signs. And sure, you can bag a bargain. But there are risks too, and one dodgy move could leave you with a nightmare instead of a motor.

Let’s face it – buying a used car in the UK can feel like navigating a minefield. You’re dodging dodgy sellers, double-checking the mileage, and hoping you don’t get stuck with a total lemon. But there’s one under-the-radar scam that too many buyers still don’t see coming: the logbook and stolen VIN scam.

Buying a used car in the UK? You’d think that with all the regulations and online tools, dodgy MOTs would be a thing of the past. Sadly, they’re not. Fake MOT certificates are still slipping through the cracks and leaving unsuspecting buyers with unsafe, illegal cars - and massive repair bills.

eBay Motors has become a go-to platform for buying and selling used cars in the UK. It’s convenient, full of variety, and often packed with what seem like absolute bargains. But before you go placing a bid or sending a deposit, there’s something you seriously need to know…

Thinking about snagging a used car deal off Gumtree? You’re not alone. Thousands of UK buyers turn to online marketplaces like Gumtree every week hoping to find a bargain. But while there are some genuine deals out there, there’s also a darker side you need to be aware of - car scams. And trust us, some of these are so slick, you won’t realise you’ve been had until it’s too late.

Buying a used car in the UK can feel exciting – until you realise that deal that seemed too good to be true really was. Even in 2025, buyers are still getting caught out by slick-looking listings, dodgy paperwork, and convincing sellers who disappear the moment the money clears.

If you’re browsing used cars online or spotting bargain listings on social media, listen up. Scammers have upgraded their game. In 2025, people are still falling victim to elaborate car scams — but many are avoidable if you know the signs.

When I bought my first used car, I thought I was nailing it. The price was low, the seller was friendly, and the car looked clean in photos. I skipped the vehicle history check, assuming I knew what I was getting... Big mistake.

When you’re in the market for a used car in the UK, one of the first things people often recommend is to run a DVLA check. Sounds smart, right? And it is — to an extent. But here’s the kicker: a DVLA check alone just isn’t enough to protect you from all the nasty surprises that can come with second-hand cars.

Floods in the UK aren’t rare anymore. Whether it's flash floods in the summer or rivers bursting in winter, water-damaged cars are becoming a growing problem on British roads. And the worst part? Some of these cars end up on the used car market - and unless you know what to look for, you could be driving off in a ticking time bomb.

When it comes to buying a used car in the UK, knowledge isn’t just power – it’s protection. You might think you've found a great deal on Auto Trader, Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace, but without digging into the car's history, you could end up with a financial headache.

You’re standing on a used car forecourt. The car you’ve been eyeing all week is right in front of you. The dealer hands you a crisp vehicle history report and assures you it’s all good. Job done, right? Not so fast.

You’ve probably heard the term "clocking" tossed around in car buying circles. It sounds old-school, almost like something out of a dodgy 90s dealer sitcom. But here's the catch: odometer clocking is still happening in 2025, and it’s one of the sneakiest car scams out there. If you’re thinking about buying a second-hand car in the UK, knowing how to spot odometer tampering is a must.

You’re scrolling through used car listings when you spot the magic words: "One Owner from New". Sounds great, right? It screams reliability, low mileage, and a careful, responsible driver. But here’s the uncomfortable truth - just because a seller says it’s a one-owner car doesn’t always make it true.

You’ve probably seen cars listed online with phrases like “Cat S” or “Cat N” in the ad title. These aren’t some secret codes - they’re official write-off categories set by insurers, and they tell you a lot about the car’s past. If you’re in the market for a used car in the UK, you need to understand what these categories really mean before you even think about buying.

So you’ve got your eye on a used car, and the seller hands you the V5C logbook. Great, right? Well, only if you know what to look for. The V5C isn’t just a piece of paperwork - it holds key details that can help you avoid scams, dodgy sellers, or even a stolen car.

Imagine, that you’ve spotted a great deal on a used car. The pictures look decent, the price is tempting, and the seller seems legit. But here’s the real question: how do you know you’re not buying a headache on wheels?

So you’ve spotted a sweet deal on a second-hand car. The price is right, it looks clean, and the seller seems legit. But there’s that nagging question: has this car been in an accident?

Thinking about buying a used car but worried about getting rinsed at the dealership? You’re not alone. In the UK, haggling isn’t just something your mate Dave does at the local market – it’s an essential part of buying a car. And when done right, it can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds.

If you’re buying a used car in the UK, you’ve probably seen those three magic words pop up over and over again: Full Service History. It sounds reassuring. Clean. Reliable. Like the car has been pampered by trained technicians and comes with a gold star.

Thinking about buying a used car? Smart move. Buying second-hand can save you a load of money upfront, but here’s the kicker – not all used cars are created equal when it comes to long-term value. Some lose thousands the moment they leave the driveway, while others barely budge in value over time. If you’re buying with one eye on the future, you want a car that holds its value.

So you’re finally ready to buy a second-hand car. Nice one. Maybe your old car's on its last legs, or maybe you just passed your test and want something that doesn’t look like it belongs in a scrapyard. Whatever your reason, buying used is smart – but it can also be risky if you don't know what you're doing.

So, you’re scrolling through listings and spot a car that looks like a total bargain. Low mileage, decent photos, and a price that seems way below market value. Tempting, right? But here’s the catch: that "cheap" car could actually end up costing you a lot more than you expect. In fact, what seems like a good deal at first might be hiding a bunch of issues that drain your wallet later.

Looking to buy a used car in the UK? Chances are, you’ve already scrolled through Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace. They’re filled with deals, tempting photos, and prices that can look too good to pass up. But here's the big question: are they actually safe places to buy a car? Or are you walking straight into a potential scam?

Buying a car is a big deal. Whether it’s your first ride or you’re swapping your trusty hatchback for something shinier, there’s always one huge question: should you go used or brand new?

Buying a used car in the UK should be exciting. A fresh set of wheels, a good deal, maybe even your dream car. But the online world of used car listings? It can be a minefield. Scammy ads, clocked mileage, stolen vehicles - and if you're not careful, you could be waving goodbye to thousands.

Buying a used car in the UK can feel like a smart, budget-friendly move. But if you make this one mistake, your "great deal" could turn into a financial nightmare. We're not being dramatic here - this mistake has cost real people thousands. And the worst part? It's totally avoidable.

Buying a used car in the UK can be a smart move - if you know what you’re doing. But one of the sneakiest tricks out there is mileage clocking. That’s when someone messes with the car's odometer to make it look like it's been driven less than it really has. Why? Because lower mileage = higher value.

So you’ve found a used car online that looks like a total steal. The photos are clean, the price is low, and it sounds like the perfect deal. But here’s the thing - just because it looks good doesn’t mean it is good.

Picture this: You meet a lovely chap in a lay-by off the A406. He’s got a firm handshake, a charming smile, and a 2012 Vauxhall Insignia that “drives sweet as a nut.” You hand over the cash, shake hands, and off you go. Ten miles later, the gearbox dies, the dashboard lights up like Blackpool at Christmas, and your dreams of a reliable runaround are smouldering in a McDonald’s car park. You call the seller. He says, “Sold as seen, mate.” You check your rights. He says, “I’m a private seller.” You scream into the void. So… can a private seller legally flog you a car full of hidden faults? Let’s take a look — legally, logically, and with a generous sprinkle of rage.

So, you've finally decided to buy a used car. Perhaps it's a tidy little Golf with “only 48,000 miles” on the clock. Or a BMW that “has never been in an accident.” Or maybe some bloke in Slough is offering a 3-year-old Audi for the price of a pushbike and a ham sandwich. Congratulations. You're about to enter the Wild West of the UK motoring scene. Welcome to the Used Car Scam Olympics, where dishonesty is a sport, MOTs are more fiction than fact, and your bank account is the main prize. Here are the three most popular events—erm, scams—every British motorist should know.