×

Win your car finance with CarFinance 247


If you win, we'll pay off the finance on your car. It's that simple! Your car becomes completely yours, free and clear.

This amazing offer is open to anyone who has secured car finance with us throughout 2023, including Decemeber 2023!

This means that there's still time to enter, get your finance in December, and you're automatically in!

The lucky winner will be announced the week beginning 5th February 2024 on our instagram page.

Terms and Conditions apply.

How to check a used car’s history before you buy it

Found your dream used car but not sure whether to take the plunge and buy it? Here’s how to check a used car’s history before you buy it

Written by James Foxall
Written by James Foxall
Main image

So, you’ve found the used car of your dreams, you’ve had a test drive and you’re officially in love. But what do you really know about it? Before you take the plunge and buy the car, there are a few simple checks that you can do to find out whether everything is as good as it seems. And all you’ll need to get started is the car’s registration number!

 

Use the DVLA checker

Firstly, you’ll need to make sure that the car is what the seller says it is. Head over to the DVLA’s vehicle checker and enter the registration. The checker will then tell you the car’s colour and engine size and let you know when it was made, first registered, and last passed its MOT.

 

Investigate the MOT

You might not know that you can find out about a used car’s MOT history online. The government’s MOT checker doesn’t just reveal whether the car has a valid MOT certificate or not, it also provides information on its yearly mileage.

Every time a car goes in for its MOT, the mileage is recorded. This means you can instantly see if the number of miles has dropped dramatically, which might indicate that the mileage clock has been tampered with. In the unlikely event that a car’s overall mileage has started to decrease, it may be safer to walk away from the purchase.

Get your finance quote first

Find out how well it’s been maintained

The MOT can also provide an indication of the car’s overall condition. You can find out whether the car has passed or failed its MOT and why it might have failed, as well as see any impending problems that have been identified. These could be issues that aren’t yet serious enough to cause a failed MOT but should still be on your radar.

 

Check the service record

Looking at a car’s service history is a tried and tested way of checking how it’s been maintained. This could be found in a book that’s stamped when your service is completed or updated digitally. If the car you’re interested in has a digital service record, you can find out the details from the manufacturer.

 

Get a vehicle history check

Another check that you could make before purchasing a used car is to look at the vehicle’s V5C registration document. This will tell you who the car is registered to but not who owns it exactly. You could also choose to employ a company to complete a vehicle history check to find out whether there is outstanding finance on the car and that it’s never been stolen or declared an insurance write-off.

Looking for used car finance? Get a no-obligation quote today. Rates from 6.9%. Representative APR 27.4%. 

Ready for the car you really want?



Written by James Foxall
James Foxall

* The UK's largest online car finance broker by unique users to the website. Based on Similar Web data – 1,137,647 to CarFinance 247 vs. 753,819 for nearest competitor. January to June 2023.

CarFinance 247 is a trading name of CarFinance 247 Limited. Registered office: Universal Square, Devonshire Street North, Manchester, M12 6JH. Registered in England. (Registration Number 06035525).

CarFinance 247 is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for insurance distribution and credit broking (Firm Reference Number: 653019). CarFinance 247 is registered with the ICO (Registration Number Z1897658).

Finance is subject to status and is only available to UK residents aged 18 and over. Written quotations are available on request.

This site uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience. By continuing to use the site you are consenting for cookies to be used. Further information on cookies and how you can disable them is available on our cookie policy.