A used car is often the first big purchase people make after moving to the UK, and it is also one of the easiest places to lose money. The good news is that the most important checks are free, take a few minutes and can be done from your phone before you even leave the house.
This guide is for anyone buying a second-hand car in the UK, from a dealer or a private seller, and especially for newcomers who have not used the UK system before. It explains what to check online, what to look at when you see the car, and what you must do on the day you buy it.
What to ask the seller for first
Before you travel to see a car, GOV.UK advises asking the seller for four things:
- the registration number (the number plate)
- the make and model
- the MOT test number
- a look at the V5C registration certificate, known as the log book, when you visit
A genuine seller will share these without fuss. If someone refuses to give you the registration number before a viewing, treat that as a warning sign and move on.
Free online checks to do before a viewing
With just the registration number you can check a lot. The quickest way is to run the number plate through our free vehicle check, then compare what you see with what the advert and the seller told you.
1. Check the vehicle details match
DVLA holds details for every registered vehicle, including the make, colour, fuel type, engine size, date of first registration, when the tax runs out, whether it is declared off the road (SORN), when the MOT expires and the date the last V5C log book was issued. If the advert says a 2019 petrol car in blue and the record says a 2017 diesel in silver, something is wrong.
2. Read the MOT history
The MOT is the yearly safety and emissions test. The official MOT history shows whether the vehicle passed or failed each test, the mileage recorded each time, which parts failed or had minor problems, and when the next MOT is due. For cars, motorcycles and vans, records go back to 2005 for tests in England, Scotland and Wales, and to 2017 for tests in Northern Ireland.
Look for three things:
- Mileage that goes up steadily. If the mileage drops between two tests, or barely moves for years, ask why. It can be a sign the mileage has been altered.
- The same problem again and again. Repeated notes about corrosion, oil leaks, brakes or suspension suggest a fault that was never properly fixed.
- Gaps. A missing year may mean the car was off the road. Ask the seller what happened.
3. Check for safety recalls
Manufacturers recall vehicles when they find a serious safety problem. You can check a car for outstanding recalls on GOV.UK using its registration number. The manufacturer must fix or replace the faulty part, and you will not usually have to pay, but it is better to know before you buy.
| Check | What you need | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle details | Registration number | Make, colour, fuel, engine size, age, tax and SORN status |
| MOT history | Registration number | Passes and failures, mileage at each test, next MOT date |
| Safety recalls | Registration number | Whether the car has an outstanding safety recall |
| V5C log book | Seeing the car in person | Whether the paperwork matches the car |
Checks when you see the car
Online checks tell you about the car’s history. The viewing tells you whether the car in front of you is really that car. GOV.UK lists these steps:
- Ask to see the V5C log book and hold it up to the light. It should have a “DVL” watermark.
- Look at the serial number on the V5C. If it is between BG8229501 and BG9999030, or between BI2305501 and BI2800000, the log book may be stolen. GOV.UK says to call the police as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Check that the details in the log book match what the seller told you and what you saw online.
- Find the vehicle identification number (VIN) and engine number on the car and check they match the log book.
It is also sensible to view the car in daylight, at the seller’s home address rather than a car park, and to take a test drive. If you are not confident judging a car’s condition, bring someone who is, or pay for an independent inspection.
On the day you buy
Three things catch new buyers out, and all three apply from the moment you drive away.
Vehicle tax does not come with the car
Vehicle tax is not transferred to the new owner. The seller’s tax is cancelled when they tell DVLA they have sold the car, and they get a refund for any full months left. You must tax the car in your own name before you drive it, or declare it off the road with a SORN. You can tax it online straight away using the reference number on the green “new keeper” slip from the log book.
You need insurance before you drive
You need insurance before using the vehicle on the road. Arrange cover to start on the day you collect the car, not the day after.
The car needs a valid MOT
A car needs its first MOT by the third anniversary of its registration, then every year. You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving without a valid MOT. The only exceptions are driving to or from a place where it is being repaired, or to a pre-arranged MOT test. If the MOT runs out next month, factor the cost of the test and any repairs into the price you offer.
The seller should tell DVLA that you are the new keeper, which they can do online, and DVLA can then send a new log book to you. If you buy a car without a log book, you will need to apply for one yourself using form V62; a replacement log book costs £25. A missing log book is a common sign of trouble, so think carefully before going ahead.
Common mistakes
- Trusting the advert instead of the record. “Full MOT” and “low mileage” are easy to type. The MOT history shows the facts.
- Assuming the tax is included. It never is. An advert saying “taxed until March” means nothing to the buyer.
- Not matching the VIN. A clean history is no use if it belongs to a different car wearing the same number plate.
- Accepting “the log book is in the post”. Without the V5C you cannot confirm who the keeper is or check the document is genuine.
- Thinking the V5C proves ownership. The log book shows the registered keeper, who is the person responsible for the car, not proof of who owns it. Ask for a written receipt as well.
- Ignoring advisories. Minor problems noted at the last MOT are often next year’s repair bill.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check a car’s MOT history for free?
You only need the number plate. Enter the registration in our free MOT history and vehicle check to see past results and recorded mileage, or use the official GOV.UK service.
Can I drive my new car home without tax?
No. Tax does not pass from the seller to you, so you must tax the car before driving it. It takes a few minutes online with the green new keeper slip.
Does a new MOT mean the car is in good condition?
Not necessarily. An MOT confirms the car met the minimum legal standard on the day of the test. It is not a check of the engine, clutch or gearbox, and it says nothing about how the car has been looked after since.
What if the car has an outstanding safety recall?
Contact a dealer for that manufacturer. The manufacturer must fix or replace the faulty part and you will not usually have to pay. Ask the seller to get it done before you buy if you can.
Next steps
Before your next viewing, check the car’s MOT and tax details with our free vehicle check and write down anything that does not match the advert. For more free checks on money, visas and housing, see our Free UK Checks, and for the official list read Checks when buying a used car on GOV.UK.
This guide is general information, not legal, immigration or financial advice. Check GOV.UK for your situation.
