Used car buying guides
Plain-English help for anyone buying a used car, van or motorbike in the UK: what the checks mean, and what to do about what they find.
Write-off categories explained: Cat A, B, S and N
What each category means, which cars can go back on the road, and what to check before buying one.
How to check if a car has outstanding finance
Why it matters, which finance stays with the car, and what to do if a check finds some.
How to spot a clocked car
How mileage gets wound back, and five ways to check a car's real mileage before you buy.
How to spot a cloned car (and use the VIN to check)
How criminals disguise stolen cars, and how to check the VIN before you hand over any money.
Used car buying checklist: what to check before you buy
Step by step: before the viewing, on the viewing, before you pay, and after you buy.
MOT advisories explained: what they mean when buying a car
Dangerous, major, minor and advisory: what each means, and which ones matter when you're buying.
Check a vehicle now
Free MOT, mileage and tax check for any UK car, van or motorbike. The full history check (stolen, write-off, outstanding finance and more) is £5.99.
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