Buying a used car can be exciting—but it also comes with risks. Whether you’re browsing listings online or checking out a car in person, it’s not always easy to tell if it’s a reliable motor or a money pit waiting to happen.
That’s why taking your time, doing your homework, and protecting yourself before you buy is such a biggie. The silver lining? By doing things the right way—and using a few clever online tools—you can avoid most of the common buyer mistakes.
Start with this: A quick vehicle history check can reveal if the car has ever been stolen, written off, or is still on finance. It’s a simple step that can save you from getting a nasty headache in the future.
Here are five important checks every UK driver should do before handing over their hard-earned cash for a used car.
1. Check the MOT History (Not Just the Expiry Date)
A pass for an MOT is okay, but it’s not the whole story. Looking at the full MOT history provides you with a better idea of how well the car’s been maintained.
Look out for:
- Repeated advisories that still haven’t been fixed
- Repeated fails for the same fault
- Massive mileage jumps (or drops) between tests
These red flags may mean that the car hasn’t been serviced properly—or even that the mileage’s been tampered with.
Use a free MOT check tool to see past results, mileage records, and advisory comments. A positive MOT history will usually show that the car is well maintained.
2. Utilise a VIN Check (Ideal If You Do Not Have the Reg)
Most buyers conduct checks with the car’s number plate—but what if you don’t have it?
Maybe the plates have been removed for security purposes, or you’re buying from abroad or through an auction. In those cases, your best friend is the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
The VIN is a 17-digit number stamped in strategic places on the vehicle, such as:
- Under the bonnet
- At the bottom of the windscreen
- On the driver’s side door pillar
- In the V5C logbook
With a VIN check, you are able to see the full history of the car even without a reg number. That includes:
- Write-off history
- Finance details
- Stolen car checks
- Mileage record
- Ownership details
It’s a valuable step for any buyer in the case of imported cars, off-market adverts, or when you are just taking an extra precaution.
3. Check the Bodywork in Good Light
A car can appear fantastic at first glance—but slow down and take a closer look at the finer details. Bodywork can tell you a great deal about the history of a car.
What to check:
- Mismatched paint on panels (a typical sign of crash repairs)
- Uneven panel gaps, especially around doors or the bonnet
- Rust spots around arches, under doors, or under the boot mat
- Cloudy or cracked headlights, which can let water in
Run your hand along the panels. If the car has rough, wavy, or bumpy panels, then the vehicle might have been filler-worked.
Tip: Don’t view the car under moonlight or rainy conditions. A majority of the flaws hide behind poor lighting or rain.
4. Drive it Properly and Test it
This is where you feel the real nature of the car. Don’t drive it round the block—ask to take it on a range of roads if possible.
Notice:
- How it starts up – Should start first time, with no smoke or hesitation
- The clutch and gearbox – Smooth changes, no crunching or resistance
- Steering feel – Should be direct and stable, not pulling to one side
- Brakes – Sensitive, no squeal, vibration, or fade
- Suspension – No rattle or knock over bumps
Listen intently and use your instincts. If it doesn’t sound right, don’t dismiss it.
5. Work Through the Paperwork Slowly
Don’t sign anything until you’ve read the documents like a detective.
Request:
- The V5C logbook – Ensure the VIN, number plate, and registered keeper are correct for the car
- The service history – Check for frequent services, particularly timing belt replacements
- Any receipts or invoices – These indicate what’s actually been done and what components were utilised
If the seller gets nervous or something is lacking, that is your sign to slow down—or walk away altogether.
Bonus: Use Car Owl for Peace of Mind (With or Without the Reg)
When purchasing a second-hand car, knowledge is power—and with Car Owl, you have everything at your fingertips:
- ✅ Car history check: The go-to place for detecting stolen cars, write-offs, and finance issues
- ✅ VIN check: Perfect if you don’t know the reg number but want the full story anyway
- ✅ MOT check: Look up the full MOT record and mileage documentation to see what the car’s been used for
Whether you’re buying from a dealer, an individual, or even abroad, these tests are quick, easy, and can save you thousands in unnecessary costs or legal trouble.
Final Thoughts
There’s no shame in being cautious—used car purchasing is serious business. And as much as you can’t possibly guarantee a car is flawless every time, performing these five checks (with the right tools) puts the odds squarely in your favour.
Don’t get caught up in the glossy new paint and cheap price just yet. Wait. Check. Drive. Trust your instincts. And if you’re still unsure? Walk away—there will always be another deal around the corner.
Thanks to these simple online tools you don’t have to be a mechanic to make a safe, informed choice.
