10 Things You Must Check Before Buying a Used Car in the UK

10 Things You Must Check Before Buying a Used Car in the UK

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.

When it comes to buying used cars in the UK, there’s a lot more going on under the surface. And if you don’t check the full history of the car before handing over your money, you could end up with a wallet-draining nightmare. Let’s dive deeper into why that cheap car might not be such a bargain after all - and what you can do to protect yourself.

Why Sellers Drop Prices (And What They Don’t Tell You)

If something’s cheap, there’s usually a reason. Sometimes it’s innocent - maybe the owner just wants a quick sale. But other times, it’s hiding problems they really don’t want you to find out about.

Here are a few common reasons why that car might be suspiciously cheap:

• It’s been in a serious accident

• It’s been written off by an insurer and poorly repaired

• It has outstanding finance (meaning someone else technically owns it)

• It’s been stolen or has a cloned identity

• The mileage has been tampered with (aka clocked)

• It has a sketchy MOT history

• It was imported and not properly registered

• It’s had multiple owners in a short period (a red flag!)

None of these are things a seller will shout about in a Gumtree ad. But they massively impact the safety, reliability, and legal status of the car. Even if the car looks shiny in pictures, its past could come back to haunt you.

1. Check If It’s Been in an Accident

A shiny bumper doesn’t mean the car hasn’t been wrapped around a lamppost. If the car has been written off by an insurer (Cat S or Cat N), that should ring alarm bells. While some write-offs are fixable, others are unsafe or poorly repaired. Always ask to see repair paperwork, and get an independent inspection if you’re unsure.

2. Outstanding Finance

This one catches a lot of people out. If a car has outstanding finance on it, that means the finance company technically still owns it. If you buy it, you could lose it - even if you paid in full. A proper car history check will flag this instantly.

3. Is It Stolen?

You’d be shocked how many stolen cars are up for sale on classified sites. And if you unknowingly buy one, the police can seize it - no refund for you. Car history checks pull data from the Police National Computer to verify if it’s stolen.

4. Dodgy MOT or Mileage

The mileage might not be as low as it looks. Some sellers tamper with the odometer to boost the price. Cross-reference the mileage with MOT records on gov.uk. If it doesn’t add up, walk away.

Also check for consistent MOT history - a pattern of serious fails could mean the car is unsafe or has been poorly maintained.

5. Number Plate or VIN Changes

Has the number plate changed multiple times? Has the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) been tampered with or doesn’t match? This could indicate identity fraud, a cloned car, or something worse.

6. Import/Export Status

Some cars are imported from outside the UK and not properly registered. This affects taxes, insurance, and sometimes parts availability. Unless you know what you’re doing, it’s best to avoid these.

7. Previous Owners

Too many owners in a short time might mean problems. Why does no one keep this car for long? A normal family car should have a predictable ownership history. Use a check to see how many owners it's had and how recently the last change was.

8. MOT Due Date and Tax Band

Knowing when the MOT is due helps you plan expenses. If it’s due soon, factor that into the cost. Also, check the car’s tax band - some models have surprisingly high annual tax, especially older diesels.

9. Is It ULEZ Compliant?

If you live in or near London (or another city with emissions zones), make sure the car is ULEZ compliant. Non-compliant vehicles can cost you £12.50 a day just to drive.

10. Is It Fairly Priced?

A price that’s too low is a red flag. Use market valuation tools to check what similar models are selling for. If it’s way under - ask why.

What a Car History Check Actually Tells You

When you do a proper car history check (like the ones we offer), you’re getting access to a lot of hidden data. This info can help you make an informed decision - not just based on the seller’s word or the listing photos.

A full vehicle check will show:

• Outstanding finance checks (so you don’t accidentally buy debt)

• Insurance write-off status (and whether it was a Cat S or Cat N)

• Stolen vehicle reports (from the Police National Computer)

• MOT history and mileage records (to detect mileage fraud)

• Previous ownership details (how many and how recently)

• Import/export status (which affects taxes and resale value)

• VIN check and plate changes (to spot identity switches)

All of this takes just a few minutes to uncover. And it can help you avoid months or years of frustration and extra costs.

Real-Life Example: Dave’s “Bargain” BMW

Dave thought he scored a win on Facebook Marketplace. A BMW 3 Series for £2,500? Too good to be true. Turns out, it was. After buying it, he got it checked and discovered it had been written off twice and had 80,000 miles clocked back. Ouch.

To make it worse, the logbook was a fake. He tried to return it, but the seller had vanished. Dave was stuck with a car that wasn’t worth half of what he paid. No refund. No support. No options.

This isn’t just a one-off horror story. It happens more often than you’d think. And it's totally avoidable.

What If the Seller Refuses a Check?

Big red flag. If a seller won’t give you the reg number or gets weird about you doing a check, walk away. No matter how good the deal sounds. Honest sellers have nothing to hide.

They should be just as interested in a safe and fair sale as you are.

Why Do People Skip This Step?

Mostly because they don’t know how easy it is. Or they think it’s expensive (it’s not). Or they trust a smiley stranger on Facebook too much.

Some people just assume if the car drives OK and the seller seems friendly, it's all good. But unfortunately, trust doesn't protect you from scams or hidden issues.

A car history check can be cheaper than your weekly grocery shop. And it can literally save you thousands.

Bonus Tip: Bring a Mechanic

If you’re serious about a car, bring someone who knows what they’re looking at. A friend who’s a petrolhead or a paid inspection service can catch problems you’ll never notice in a 15-minute test drive.

The Bottom Line: Knowledge = Power

Used cars are a smart choice - but only if you do your homework. A history check is your best protection against dodgy deals, hidden problems, and costly surprises.

You don’t need to be a car expert. You just need to be smart.

Spending a few minutes upfront can save you months of stress, and loads of cash.

Run a car history check before you buy. It’s quick, cheap, and might be the best decision you make this year.

Ready to Get Started?

Don’t leave it to luck. Know what you’re buying. Start your vehicle check now and drive with confidence.