What Are Common Issues Found in Vehicle History Checks?

When buying a used car, it’s crucial to check its history for potential issues. A vehicle history check can reveal serious problems that may affect safety, reliability, and resale value. Below are the most common issues that appear in history reports and why they matter.

Common Issues in Vehicle History Checks

Here are some of the most frequent red flags that may show up in a vehicle history check:

1. Outstanding Finance

If a car has outstanding finance, it legally belongs to the finance company until the debt is cleared. If you unknowingly purchase such a vehicle, it can be repossessed.

2. Insurance Write-Offs

A vehicle may have been declared a total loss by an insurance company due to severe damage. Even if repaired, it could have safety concerns. Conduct a write-off check before buying.

3. Stolen Vehicles

Buying a stolen car can result in it being confiscated by the police, leaving you with no car and no refund. Run a stolen vehicle check to ensure it hasn’t been reported stolen.

4. Scrapped Vehicles

Scrapped vehicles have been declared unfit for the road. If a scrapped car is put back on sale illegally, you could face serious legal and financial issues. Use a scrapped vehicle check to verify.

5. Mileage Anomalies

Odometer tampering is common in the used car market. A mileage discrepancy could indicate fraud, which affects resale value and future maintenance costs.

6. High-Risk Records

Some vehicles have been involved in major accidents, floods, or structural damage. Such issues can lead to hidden mechanical failures.

7. Plate Changes

Frequent plate changes can be a tactic to hide a vehicle’s history. A full history check will reveal any past plate changes.

8. Colour Changes

Changes in the vehicle’s colour may indicate past repairs due to an accident. Knowing this helps in assessing the true condition of the car.

9. Imported or Exported Vehicles

Imported cars may have different specifications, which can affect insurance and resale value. Ensure you check if a car was previously exported or imported before buying.

10. Keeper History

Frequent changes in ownership could mean unresolved issues with the car. Checking how many previous owners a vehicle has had helps you understand its reliability.

Why These Issues Matter

Understanding these problems is essential for making a safe purchase. Here’s why:

🚨 Safety Risks

Insurance write-offs, scrapped cars, and high-risk records can affect the vehicle’s roadworthiness and safety.

💰 Financial Loss

Issues like outstanding finance or stolen records could result in legal disputes and financial losses.

🛠️ Expensive Repairs

Vehicles with undisclosed damage or altered mileage may require costly maintenance in the future.

📉 Resale Value

A car with past accidents, plate changes, or high keeper turnover may have a lower resale value.

How to Check for Common Issues

Follow these steps to ensure a vehicle’s history is clear:

1. Get the Vehicle Registration Number (VRN) or VIN: You’ll need this to check the vehicle’s history.
2. Use a Reliable Service: Visit the Car Owl vehicle history check page.
3. Enter the Registration Number: Input the VRN to generate a full report.
4. Review the Report: Check for any red flags before proceeding with the purchase.

What to Do If a Car Has Common Issues

If a history check reveals any of the above problems, consider your options:

🔍 Discuss with the Seller

Ask the seller for more details. A trustworthy seller should provide service records or explain any past incidents.

🛠️ Get a Professional Inspection

Hire a mechanic to assess the car’s condition. This is especially important for cars with past damage.

🚪 Walk Away if Necessary

If the seller is not transparent or the vehicle’s history is too risky, look for another car.

Why Use Car Owl for a History Check?

Car Owl provides instant access to a vehicle’s history, helping buyers avoid common pitfalls. Here’s why Car Owl is trusted:

• Real-Time Data: Information sourced from the DVLA, police, and finance companies.
• Comprehensive Reports: Covers outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, stolen records, and more.
• Instant Results: Get your vehicle’s history in seconds.

Final Thoughts

Before purchasing a used car, always run a full vehicle history check to uncover any hidden problems. Whether it's outstanding finance, past accidents, or stolen records, being informed can save you from costly mistakes.

For more guidance, check out The Importance of Vehicle History Checks and How to Conduct a Vehicle History Check.