Sample full report and data sources
Explore a fictional report, understand warning markers and learn where vehicle records come from.
UKVEC USED-CAR RESOURCE CENTRE
Free used-car buyer guides for checking a vehicle before you pay
Practical UK guides covering MOT history, mileage, finance, stolen vehicles, insurance write-offs, seller checks and the questions to resolve before buying.
Free first lookNo account requiredFull buyer report £5.99
Start with a free registration check. Full UKVEC buyer report £5.99 for licensed provenance checks where supplied.
BUYER GUIDES
Everything in one place
These resources are designed for private buyers, families helping someone buy a car, driving instructors, garages and anyone who wants a clear route through the checks that matter before money changes hands.
Free car mileage check by registration
Compare recorded MOT odometer readings, understand discrepancies and check the seller’s supporting evidence before buying.
HPI check: terminology, coverage and cost
Understand HPI-style checks, how independent UKVEC differs from HPI, and which checks are free or included in the £5.99 report.
Vehicle provenance check
Understand why a valid MOT does not establish finance, stolen or insurance write-off history.
How to check a used car before buying
A complete pre-purchase workflow covering history, documents, viewing, seller checks and payment precautions.
Used-car buying checklist and paperwork guide
A practical checklist covering the V5C, MOT and mileage records, service evidence, finance settlement, seller questions, viewing and payment checks.
Free car check vs full vehicle history check
See what a free first look can tell you and when finance, stolen and write-off provenance checks become worth paying for.
MOT history check
Review passes, failures, defects, advisories and recorded mileage progression by registration.
What MOT advisories mean when buying a used car
Learn how to interpret repeated advisories, repair evidence and warning patterns before buying.
How to spot possible mileage clocking
Use MOT mileage progression, service records and seller evidence to investigate suspicious odometer patterns.
Outstanding finance check
Understand why finance matters and what a finance marker means before paying a seller.
Buying a car with outstanding finance
Practical steps to take if a vehicle appears to have finance attached to it.
Stolen car check
Check the vehicle identity and understand the importance of licensed stolen-vehicle provenance data.
How to check if a car may be stolen
A buyer guide to registration, VIN, V5C, seller identity and stolen-status checks.
Write-off check
Understand insurance write-off markers and why repair quality still needs separate assessment.
Cat S vs Cat N
Understand the difference between structural and non-structural insurance write-off categories.
Car history check
Start with free vehicle, MOT and mileage signals, then add licensed provenance where available.
A SIMPLE BUYER WORKFLOW
Check the data, inspect the car, verify the seller, then pay.
1. Check the registration
Review the vehicle identity, MOT history and recorded mileage before arranging a viewing.
2. Check the provenance
For a serious purchase candidate, review finance, stolen and insurance write-off markers where supplied by licensed providers.
3. Match the paperwork
Compare the registration, VIN, V5C and service records with the vehicle in front of you.
4. Inspect and test drive
History data does not replace a physical inspection or professional mechanical assessment.
5. Resolve discrepancies
Ask for invoices, repair evidence and a clear explanation for mileage or history inconsistencies.
6. Pay only when satisfied
Do not let time pressure or a deposit rush stop you from completing the checks that matter.
SHARE THIS RESOURCE
A useful link for buyers, garages and driving instructors
If you help customers, pupils, friends or family buy used cars, you can link to this resource centre as a neutral starting point for pre-purchase checks. The guides are free to read and the registration first look is free to run.
CHECK BEFORE YOU BUY
Before you buy the car. UKVEC it first.
Free first lookNo account requiredFull buyer report £5.99