The 8 Best Tools for Checking a Car’s History Before You Buy
When buying a used car, the history of the car is very important. Without the correct information about a vehicle’s history, you can end up inheriting problems like outstanding finance, mileage discrepancies or even purchasing a stolen car. Fortunately, there are a number of tools that can help you find these details. The eight best tools for checking a car’s history before you buy it, beginning with the industry leader: Motorscan.
1. Motorscan
Motorscan is the ultimate choice for car history checks. This platform is designed to offer a seamless experience, providing all the information you need to make a confident purchase decision. By entering a vehicle’s registration number, Motorscan delivers:
- MOT History: Access detailed MOT records, including advisories and failures.
- Tax Status: Verify the vehicle’s tax compliance and renewal dates.
- Mileage Verification: Identify any discrepancies that might indicate odometer fraud.
- Additional Insights: Discover past ownership records, accident history, and car valuations.
The user-friendly interface of motorscan makes it easy for first time buyers as well as experienced drivers. It’s very easy to use and if you know nothing about technology it’s very easy for anyone to navigate the platform. For free, Motorscan provides basic checks and lets you check MOT history, tax compliance and mileage verification without having to pay. If you want to go deeper, there are premium features that look at other things, such as outstanding finance checks, salvage history, accident records and previous ownership details.
One of the things that makes Motorscan incredibly useful is that they’re 100% accurate and constantly updating, meaning buyers get the most current data. Furthermore, Motorscan’s cutting edge reporting capabilities not only expose possible red flags, but it also explains a vehicle’s overall value and condition. Motorscan is a trusted partner to help you make informed decisions and whether you are looking to protect your investment or just verify a car’s legitimacy, you can do it with ease.
2. HPI Check
HPI Check has long been a trusted name in the car history industry. Known for its thorough reports, this platform provides:
- Outstanding finance information.
- Alerts if the car has been written off or reported stolen.
- MOT and tax status verification.
HPI’s services are not free, but the amount of information they offer to buyers is well worth the investment to provide them with an extra layer of peace of mind. They do comprehensive checks so you know exactly what you’re buying and what risks there may be with the vehicle.
3. DVLA Vehicle Enquiry Service
This official government platform offers a free and reliable way to verify a car’s essential details. With the DVLA service, you can:
- Confirm MOT status and expiry dates.
- Verify road tax compliance.
- Access limited technical details about the vehicle.
The DVLA tool doesn’t give you a full history report but it’s a good place to start with checking if a vehicle is legally compliant. It also is a government backed platform so you know it is accurate and reliable.
4. FreeCarCheck
FreeCarCheck offers basic car history checks at no cost. With this platform, you can:
- Verify MOT and tax compliance.
- Check if the vehicle has been scrapped or reported stolen.
- Access basic vehicle details such as make, model, and year.
FreeCarCheck also offers affordable paid reports, providing more detailed information, such as accident history, mileage verification and outstanding finance records. For budget conscious buyers, it’s a perfect choice.
5. Car Analytics
Car Analytics is a great tool for quick and reliable car history checks. Its free services include:
- MOT and tax status checks.
- Mileage verification.
- Basic vehicle details.
Their paid options also include accident history, outstanding finance checks and insurance write off status. Used car buyers know that Car Analytics is affordable and has all the data.
6. Vehicle Smart
Vehicle Smart offers a convenient platform for checking a car’s history. Features include:
- Free MOT and tax checks.
- A mobile app for on-the-go access.
- Reminders for MOT and tax renewals.
Tech savvy buyers who want to stay on top of things can find the mobile app really useful. Vehicle Smart also provides premium features for in depth reports.
7. Total Car Check
Total Car Check is another reliable platform for vehicle history checks. The free version includes:
- MOT status and expiry date.
- Vehicle specifications such as engine size and fuel type.
- Write-off history.
Additional details are provided by paid reports such as outstanding finance, mileage anomalies and previous ownership. If you’re looking for quick insights about the car you’re buying, Total Car Check is a dependable choice.
8. MyCarCheck
MyCarCheck rounds out our list with its straightforward and reliable services. The platform offers:
- Free MOT and tax checks.
- Basic vehicle specifications.
- Alerts for potential issues like write-offs or theft.
MyCarCheck offers more detailed reports for a fee that cover accident history, mileage verification and outstanding finance. But it’s a tool to help buyers make an informed decision.
Why a Car History Check Matters
Running a car history check is crucial for avoiding costly mistakes when purchasing a used vehicle. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Avoiding Fraud: A history check can reveal odometer tampering, outstanding finance, or if the car has been stolen.
- Legal Compliance: Ensure the car is road-legal with up-to-date MOT and tax status.
- Informed Decisions: Know the vehicle’s true value and condition to negotiate a fair price.
By using tools like Motorscan and others on this list, you can confidently assess a car’s history and avoid potential risks.
Final Thoughts
Knowledge is power when you buy a used car. A complete car history check will save you from potential hidden problems, including undisclosed accidents, outstanding finance or even stolen vehicle records. However, these problems can result in enormous financial and legal problems, and a history check is an indispensable step in the purchasing process.
The best among the available tools is Motorscan, which is available due to its complete features, user friendly interface, and unmatched reliability. You can approach any purchase with confidence because of its ability to provide in depth insights into a vehicle’s past. It isn’t just MOT and tax checks, Motorscan reveals the full picture of a car’s condition and compliance, showing things like mileage discrepancies and ownership history.
These eight tools are indispensable, whether you’re a first time buyer looking to avoid common pitfalls or an experienced car owner looking for reassurance. Get started with Motorscan to use the best free and premium features, to get the best deal on your next car and have it be safe, informed and stress free. When you have the right information at your fingertips, you can drive away knowing that you are buying what you are paying for.