Don’t Get Burned by These 7 Common Lies in UK Car Ads

If you’re buying a used car in the UK, you need to watch out for the classic traps sellers set to get your cash quickly. Whether it’s a dodgy dealer or a private seller stretching the truth, there are lies that keep catching buyers off guard. Don’t let that be you.

Let’s break down the 7 most common lies found in UK car ads – and how you can dodge them.

1. "One Owner from New"

Sounds trustworthy, right? "One owner" gives the impression of a carefully maintained, well-loved vehicle. But here’s the catch: this claim is often misleading.

Some sellers say "one owner" even if the car passed through a dealership, auction house, or fleet. Others include business ownerships or leasing companies as a single "owner."

How to check: Run a full car history check to see the number of registered keepers. If it’s had five previous keepers, that one-owner claim is a flat-out lie.

2. "Low Mileage"

We all love the idea of a low-mileage car – it usually means less wear and tear. But sellers know this and sometimes manipulate the numbers to hike up the price.

Odometer clocking is still happening in the UK. Unscrupulous sellers reduce mileage to make cars seem newer, more reliable, and worth more than they really are.

How to check: A car history report will show you recorded mileage from MOT tests. Look for any big drops in mileage or suspicious gaps.

For more on this, read: How to Spot Odometer Clocking in the UK

3. "Full Service History (FSH)"

Some sellers throw around "FSH" like it's a magic word that instantly builds trust. But what does it actually mean?

Sometimes it really does mean the car has been serviced regularly by reputable garages. Other times, it's a few oil changes scribbled in a tatty book with no stamps or receipts.

How to check: Ask for physical service records. Real documentation includes invoices, stamps, or digital service entries. No proof? Then it’s just words.

Read more: Why a Full Service History Doesn’t Always Mean What You Think

4. "Never Been in an Accident"

This is a big one. Sellers love to claim a car is "accident-free" – especially if the damage has been repaired and isn’t obvious.

The truth? Many of these cars have been in accidents, sometimes even declared insurance write-offs.

How to check: A quick car write-off check will tell you if the car is listed as Cat S or Cat N (or worse). Even if it looks fine, that hidden history can slash resale value.

Find out more: Cat A, B, S, N? What UK Car Write-Off Categories Really Mean

5. "HPI Clear"

"HPI clear" used to be a reliable sign of a clean vehicle history. But now, some sellers use it loosely or dishonestly.

We’ve seen cases where sellers claim the car is clear, but it still has:

• Outstanding finance

• Mileage anomalies

• Previous category damage

• Scrapped status

How to check: Don’t rely on the seller’s screenshot or PDF. Run your own full vehicle history check using a trusted platform like TopCarCheck.

6. "MOT Until Next Year"

Great, it has an MOT, so it must be roadworthy, right? Not always.

Some sellers slap a new MOT on a car that’s falling apart underneath. In dodgier cases, you’ll even find fake MOT certificates still floating around.

How to check: Visit the official MOT history checker and look at the entire record – not just the latest pass. If the car failed for major issues a few weeks ago and now magically passed, be cautious.

Want to dive deeper? How Fake MOTs Are Still a Thing (And How to Spot Them)

7. "Genuine Reason for Sale"

Whether it's "new baby on the way" or "leaving the country," sellers often provide a personal story to gain your trust.

In reality, they could be selling the car because:

• It has serious mechanical faults

• It's been written off

• It’s about to cost a fortune in repairs

How to check: Ask questions. Lots of them. Then back it up with a vehicle history check and a full mechanical inspection.

Bonus Red Flags to Watch For

Besides the big lies above, keep your eyes peeled for these smaller red flags:

• No logbook (V5C)? Run away. No V5C usually means trouble.

• Unusually cheap for the spec? Could be stolen, clocked, or written off.

• "I’ll deliver it to you" or "pay via bank transfer only"? You might be dealing with a scam.

Protect Yourself Before You Buy

It’s not about being paranoid. It’s about being smart. Used car buying in the UK is full of amazing opportunities – and unfortunately, a few landmines too.

Here’s how to protect yourself:

1. Run a Car History Check

Use TopCarCheck to get:

• Mileage history

• Write-off status

• Outstanding finance

• MOT history

• Theft status

2. Ask for Proof

If the seller makes a claim, ask for documents. No receipts? No trust.

3. Trust Your Gut

If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Walk away.

4. Avoid Cash Deals

Always pay via traceable methods and get a receipt.

5. Check the Seller’s Identity

Especially for private sellers. Make sure the V5C address matches where you view the car.

Final Word

Car ads are designed to sell. That means sellers will polish, exaggerate, and sometimes lie outright to close the deal.

But now that you know the 7 most common lies in UK car listings, you’ve got the power to avoid them. Do your homework, ask the right questions, and always get a car history check before buying.

Don’t get burned. Buy smarter with TopCarCheck.