Used Car Check
A used car check is your insurance against the most common — and most expensive — used-car scams. RegRadar combines the free DVLA and MOT lookup with a £9.99 premium report covering finance, stolen markers, insurance write-offs and mileage anomalies, so you can buy with confidence.
Why used cars need a history check
Used cars change hands far more often than new ones, and every change of keeper is an opportunity for things to go undeclared — a write-off in a previous owner's name, a finance agreement carried over, a mileage that doesn't quite match. The seller standing in front of you may not even know about issues that the official registers do.
What to check before viewing
Run the free DVLA and MOT check the moment you see the listing. If the basics don't add up — the seller's listing says 'one previous owner' but the V5C shows four, or the advertised year doesn't match the registration date — you've saved yourself a trip.
What to check before paying
Run the premium report on the day of the viewing. Confirm there's no outstanding finance, no stolen marker, no write-off category. Check the mileage anomaly section against the dashboard reading. The £9.99 report gives you written, dated evidence of due diligence.
What to verify in person
V5C matches seller's name and address. VIN under the bonnet matches the V5C. Service history is consistent with the MOT mileage timeline. Bodywork shows no signs of poor-quality respray (mismatched paint, overspray on rubber seals). Engine starts cleanly from cold.
Negotiating with the report in hand
If the report shows a small Cat N or a single mileage anomaly with a plausible explanation, you have leverage to negotiate the price down — without needing to walk away. Knowledge is the difference between a good deal and a bad one.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I pay for a used car check?
The free RegRadar check is £0 and covers DVLA and MOT data. The premium report is £9.99 and adds the commercial datasets. Anything more than that is overpriced; anything 'free' that claims to include finance and write-off data is misleading.
Should I check the car before or after viewing?
Both. The free check before viewing rules out obvious issues. The premium check before paying gives you written evidence on the day of purchase.
Does a used-car check protect me legally?
It is evidence of due diligence, which strengthens your position in any subsequent dispute (e.g. an 'innocent purchaser' defence on a financed car). It is not a guarantee against fraud.