7 Best Websites for Checking Used Cars Before You Buy

Buying a used car can often feel like navigating a minefield. You have your eyes set on a model, that looks shiny, sleek and within your budget.

But is it the right car? How can you tell if you’re getting value for your money, or if it’s just a pretty shell hiding a myriad of issues? The truth is, a car that looks too good to be true might just be that.

It could be hiding problems such as missed payments, meaning it’s still owned by a finance company, not the seller.

Or worse, its mileage could have been illegally rolled back – a fraudulent practice known as ‘clocking’.

There’s even a possibility that you’re looking at a previously stolen car, one that’s been in a major accident, repaired, or even written off by an insurance company. It could also be a clone of an identical model, all of which could result in you losing both the car and the money you paid for it.

The stakes are high – not just financially, but also safety-wise, as you could be endangering yourself and your family by driving a dangerous car that shouldn’t be on the road. However, there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

By investing a little time, effort, and in some cases, a modest sum of money, you can uncover an extensive picture of the history and condition of the car that’s caught your eye. This can significantly reduce the chances of you falling into a trap.

And the best part?

Almost all of this pre-purchase checking can be done online.

So, if you’re in the UK and considering a used car purchase, continue reading to discover the best websites for checking used cars before you buy.

What to Look for When Buying a Used Car?

Before we start exploring the best websites for checking used cars in the UK, it’s crucial to know what essential aspects you should be considering before purchasing a used car.

The extent of your assessment of your intended purchase largely depends on where you are buying. If the car is a manufacturer’s Approved Used model on the forecourt of a franchised dealer, you can be fairly confident it won’t be concealing any significant issues. A manufacturer’s approved used car is a used vehicle that has undergone inspection and certification by the original manufacturer to meet their standards for quality and reliability. These cars are usually sold through franchised dealerships and come with several benefits such as extended warranties, roadside assistance, and vehicle history reports.

Reputable dealerships also provide car reports and offer warranties.

However, despite these warranties, it is still essential to ensure that you are buying a reliable car. You should check the car report thoroughly. Factors like mileage should be considered – higher mileage vehicles are likely to have more issues compared to cars with lower mileage. Beware, some sellers may misrepresent the vehicle history report.

HPI is a company that provides comprehensive reports on the history of a used car, for a fee. They will inform you whether the car has any finance outstanding, has ever been written off, or reported stolen. However, HPI has been around so long that the term ‘HPI check’ is now applied to any vehicle history record – similar to the term ‘Google’ used for internet searches.

Here are some key factors to consider when purchasing a used car:

Documents: Ensure the seller has the V5C registration document (also known as the logbook), and that it matches the car’s VIN number. You should also verify the MOT certificate and service history.

Mileage: Examine the mileage on the odometer and ensure it aligns with the car’s age and condition. Also, check the service history to see if the mileage has been recorded accurately at each service.

Appearance: Conduct a thorough visual inspection of the car, both inside and out. Look for any signs of damage, such as dents, scratches, or rust. Also, evaluate the tyres and brakes to ensure they’re in good condition.

Price: Conduct market research to ensure you’re not overpaying.

Test drive: Take the car for a test drive and be mindful of how it handles. Listen for any unusual noises and verify that all the controls work correctly.

HPI check: It’s advisable to conduct an HPI check on the car before purchasing. This will reveal if the car has been stolen, written off, or has outstanding finances.

It’s a wise decision to invest some money before buying a used car. Whether that’s £20 or £200, it’s a small price to pay when you plan to spend thousands on a used car, especially if it uncovers any dark secrets in the car’s past.

Top Websites for Checking Used Cars in the UK

Here are we are counting down the top websites to check when looking for a used car in the UK:

DVLA – Free Basic Check

The Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) offers a Basic Check service, an essential and cost-free resource for potential used car buyers. By inputting the car’s make, model, registration number, and current mileage, users can access a wealth of information about the vehicle’s history and current status. This critical validation step ensures the vehicle is as it’s being presented by the seller.

The DVLA’s Basic Check offers instant insight into the car’s MOT status, including validity and expiry dates, as well as historical test records. This invaluable data includes any advisories, providing a comparison point for any “full-service history” provided by the seller, and thus, a forecast of potential future investments.

The service thoroughly details aspects such as the current rate and expiry of vehicle tax, SORN status, registration date, last log book (V5C) issue date, year of manufacture, type approval category, weight, engine size, and fuel type.

It also provides emission details, including CO2, real driving emissions level, and European status, along with the export status of the vehicle.

Each MOT test further comes with a mileage record, enabling a comparison with the current odometer reading and yielding any discrepancies. If these details raise any questions, it is advisable to seek an explanation from the seller.

If the answers are not satisfactory or raise doubts about the car’s condition, it’s best to continue the search elsewhere.

HPI Check – Comprehensive History Check

 

As mentioned earlier, the HPI check is the most comprehensive and reliable method to attain an accurate overview of a used car’s history. With more than 80 valuable data points provided, an HPI vehicle check is more than just a background check.

The Basic HPI Check, priced at a reasonable £9.99, offers crucial information regarding the vehicle’s debt or finance status, whether it has been stolen, if it’s an insurance write-off, and if it has had any history of import or export.

For a more detailed overview, including aspects like MOT history, you can opt for HPI’s Comprehensive Check at £20. This check also uncovers if the car has been cloned from an identical model, identifies discrepancies between the recorded and apparent mileage, and reveals if the logbook has been stolen.

The Comprehensive Check provides additional information such as common MOT failure points for that particular model, an estimated worth of the car, and an ownership cost breakdown, right down to the cost of fuel.

HPI is so confident in the accuracy of its data that all full checks include a £30,000 guarantee. For those considering multiple vehicles, HPI offers a multi-service – you can check three different cars for just £30.

We highly recommend opting for at least a Standard HPI Check for peace of mind when purchasing a used vehicle.

For more information read: HPI Check – Complete Guide (2023)

Full Car Checks – Most Comprehensive Free Car History

Full Car Check presents itself as the leading provider of comprehensive free car history checks in the UK. Catering to the need for affordability and thoroughness, it offers a basic history check at no cost, while also providing the option to upgrade to a more detailed ‘premium’ report for a nominal fee.

The ‘Standard Check’, available for £4, and the ‘Full Check’, offered at £9, are two of the paid options. The additional £5 spent on the ‘Full Check’ is well-invested as it covers any outstanding finance or logbook loans, ensuring you aren’t purchasing a vehicle that legally belongs to a finance company.

As a guarantee of the data’s reliability, the ‘Full Check’ comes with a £30,000 data guarantee, which justifies the slightly higher price, especially if you have identified your car of choice. While the ‘Full Check’ is comparatively cheaper than similar services on other platforms, it lacks multi-car options, suggesting that the expense may increase if you are considering multiple vehicles.

TotalCarCheck – Best Value

TotalCarCheck claims itself as the lowest-cost car check in the UK and offers its services starting from just £1.99 each when you purchase five for £9.99. However, If you’re only in need of a single check, the cost ramps up to £3.99.

They provide two levels of service: the Silver, a basic check, and the Gold, a comprehensive check.

The Gold Check performs over 50 checks including:

• A stolen check (Police & Insurance)
• written-off vehicle check
• Outstanding finance check
• MOT history records
• All plate change

To assure users of the reliability of the data, the Silver Check comes with a £10,000 guarantee, while the Gold Check comes with a robust £30,000 data guarantee. You can trust TotalCarCheck for cost-effective and detailed background checks of vehicles, adding ease to your decision-making process when purchasing a used car.

The Best Vehicle Inspection Websites

If you want to go one step further than a simple car check, there are several websites that offer vehicle inspection services. These companies will send an expert to inspect the vehicle in person and provide you with a detailed report on its condition.

Some of the most reputable and reliable vehicle inspection websites include:

AA – Mid-Range and Thorough

The Automobile Association (AA) offers two types of inspections: Basic and Comprehensive. The Basic inspection, priced at £142, is available for cars up to ten years old. This service includes a report with photographs, focusing on up to 155 checkpoints, and a road test of up to five miles. The inspection covers various parts of the car including the body, engine compartment, electrics, suspension, steering, clutch, gear system, exhaust, fuel system, brakes, wheels, and tyres.

For those seeking a more in-depth assessment, the Comprehensive inspection starts from £191. This service extends the areas covered to 206 points, including a detailed physical inspection of all mechanical parts and bodywork checks for accident damage. The road test also extends up to 10 miles. AA’s meticulous checks ensure you’re fully informed about the car’s condition before making a buying decision.

ClickMechanic – Best Value for Money

Click Mechanic offers a range of pre-purchase inspections at an average saving of 50% compared to equivalent inspections from AA and RAC.

Their service range is divided into three tiers, each providing a meticulous and comprehensive inspection. Starting with the Basic tier, priced at £79, it includes an 86-point mechanical and structural inspection, along with a road test.

For those seeking a more detailed analysis, the Standard tier at £95 provides a 136-point inspection that includes bodywork examination and a free post-inspection phone consultation with the mechanic.

The Premium tier, costing £137, delivers an extensive 185-point assessment, including a full interior, bodywork, and paint inspection. This top-tier service also includes a plug-in diagnostic check, photos in the report, and a free consultation with the mechanic post-inspection.

One of ClickMechanic’s key benefits is the speed of their service, offering same-day or next-day service once you and the seller have agreed upon a suitable time.

ClickMechanic’s service excludes certain vehicles such as cars previously written off by an insurance company, privately imported cars, or motorhomes. Nonetheless, given its exceptional value, speed, and comprehensive coverage, ClickMechanic is an outstanding choice for any prospective car buyer.

RAC – Most Comprehensive

The Royal Automobile Club (RAC) offers a robust vehicle inspection model, delivering one of the most thorough checks in the industry.

Starting with the Basic test at £110, it includes a 218-point mechanical and structural inspection complemented by a three-mile road test.

For those requiring a more detailed inspection, the Comprehensive package at £199 provides a 307-point check, encompassing main functions and controls, a thorough interior, bodywork and paint inspection, and a ten-mile road test.

For ultimate peace of mind, the Advanced test at £254 extends the inspection to include diagnostic testing of key vehicle parts, brake fluid analysis, and an extended road test of up to 20 miles. This premier tier also supplies a comprehensive engineer’s report supplemented with photo evidence, ensuring total transparency for the buyer. The range and depth of RAC’s vehicle inspections indeed set a high benchmark in the industry.

Bottom Line

We hope that our guide has provided valuable insights to help you pinpoint the best website for vehicle history checks and inspections. It’s always advisable to allocate a portion of your budget towards a thorough pre-inspection and history check. While a car may appear shiny and in excellent condition externally, only a meticulous investigation can unearth any concealed issues. Such checks are essential to uncover risks such as stolen cars, outstanding finances, or other serious concerns.

Furthermore, understanding any potential problems that may need addressing in the future can equip you with a stronger negotiating position, potentially leading to a better deal with the seller.

Safe and sensible car buying necessitates these steps, ensuring your investment is sound and your journey, smooth.