Inspections

Essential checks before purchase: MOT history (free at gov.uk) to verify mileage and spot recurring issues, HPI check (£20-40) for outstanding finance, stolen status, and write-off history, service history verification (physical book or digital check for 2012+ cars), test drive covering at least 15-20 minutes in varied conditions, and pre-purchase mechanical inspection (£100-200) by independent mechanic. These checks cost £150-300 total but can save £2,000-£10,000 by avoiding problem cars.

Yes, absolutely. While reputable dealers run their own checks, mistakes happen and some dealers knowingly sell cars with hidden histories. An HPI check (£20-40) protects you by revealing: outstanding finance (7% of used cars have this), stolen vehicle records, insurance write-offs (Category S/N often not disclosed), and mileage discrepancies. Even if dealer claims they've checked, run your own - it's your money at risk. If dealer refuses to provide VIN for independent check, walk away immediately.

Check free MOT history at gov.uk showing annual mileage readings - mileage should increase steadily each year. Red flags: mileage decreases between tests, unusually low annual mileage increases (2,000 miles/year is suspiciously low), or large jumps followed by small increases. Also check: service book stamps match MOT mileage, wear on pedals/seats/steering wheel matches claimed mileage, and HPI check may show mileage discrepancies. If MOT shows 82,000 miles but seller claims 52,000, it's clocked - walk away.

A pre-purchase inspection (£100-200) is when an independent mechanic examines the car before you buy. They check: engine and transmission condition, suspension and steering, brakes and tyres, fluid leaks, rust and structural damage, and diagnostic computer for fault codes. Absolutely worth it for cars over £5,000 or over 5 years old. Typical findings identify £500-2,000 in immediate repairs, giving you negotiation leverage or walk-away protection. Book with AA, RAC, or local independent mechanics. Seller refusal is a massive red flag.

For 2012+ cars: Run digital service history check (£20) through manufacturer databases or Car Sorted (launching January 2026) to see all dealer services. For older cars: Request receipts from seller, call garages listed to verify work was performed, cross-check receipt mileages with MOT history, and check if specialist workshops maintain records. If no verification possible: Treat as "no service history" and deduct 15-30% from market value. Premium brands (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) lose 20-30% value without verified history.

Free MOT history at gov.uk shows: annual mileage readings (to spot clocking), test pass/fail status, failure reasons (identify recurring problems), advisory notices (upcoming issues), and test dates (verify MOT isn't about to expire). Red flags: multiple failures for same issue (ongoing problem), structural rust advisories (expensive to fix), emissions failures (catalytic converter issues £500-1,500), or upcoming MOT expiry (budget £55 test + potential £200-800 repairs). Always check MOT history before viewing any car.

Category A (scrap only): Total loss, must be crushed, should never see these for sale. Category B (break for parts): Severe damage, body must be crushed, parts can be sold - should never be on road. Category S (structural damage): Repairable structural damage, needs professional repair, insurable but worth 20-40% less. Category N (non-structural): Repairable cosmetic damage, insurable, worth 10-25% less. Cat S/N cars are legal to buy but ensure: professional repair proof, engineer's report, and reflect lower value in price (typically 25-40% below clean equivalent).

Not necessarily avoid, but expect significant price reduction (15-30% below market value for same car with history). For premium brands (BMW, Mercedes, Audi): missing history reduces value by 20-30% (£3,000-£6,000 on typical cars). For volume brands (Ford, VW): 15-20% reduction. Budget for immediate full service (£300-800) and assume timing belt not done if due. High-mileage cars (80,000+ miles) without history are too risky - walk away. Under 50,000 miles with independent receipts may be acceptable with proper price adjustment.