What should you check before buying it?

A buyer checklist weighted by how old the car actually is - not a generic list.

The carStep 1 of 3

Search a registration and we pull this car's real MOT history and tax status straight from the DVLA - then AI reads through it, alongside what's known about this exact model, to write you a plain-English pre-purchase briefing: what's failed before, what's worth checking in person, what this model's known for going wrong. Want the full picture before you commit? A one-off Independent Vehicle Check - stolen marker, write-offs, outstanding finance, keeper history, cross-checked against DVLA, police and finance-house records - is available too. Sign in to search by registration - sign in here.

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Make

Car size

How oldStep 2 of 3

Roughly how old

Get the checklistStep 3 of 3

General inspection guidance, not a substitute for a professional pre-purchase check - especially on anything safety-critical like brakes or structural condition.

Want the full checklist, not just this tool? Read What to Check Before Buying a Used Car.

Questions about the Buying Guide

What does the Buying Guide check?

Enter a car's registration to get a free buyer checklist, its full official MOT test history, an estimated valuation, and an AI-written briefing - weighted by how old the car actually is, not a generic list.

Do I need an account?

No. The checklist, MOT history, valuation, and briefing are all free with no account required.

Can I check the car's history in more depth?

Yes. An optional paid Independent Vehicle Check (stolen marker, write-off history, and outstanding finance) can be added on top of the free checklist.