What Tools and Resources Are Available for Vehicle History Checks?

When buying a used car, you want to know exactly what you’re getting. That’s where vehicle history checks come in. They help uncover hidden problems like past accidents, outstanding finance, or even whether the car has been stolen. But where do you start? Don’t worry—Terry Twoo has got you covered! Here’s a breakdown of the best tools and resources to help you make an informed decision.

Online Vehicle History Checks

These days, you don’t have to rely on a seller’s word alone. Online history checks give you instant access to a car’s past, so you know if it’s a trustworthy buy or a potential nightmare on wheels.

Car History Check

One of the first steps you should take is running a car history check. This reveals crucial details like previous owners, accident reports, and whether the car has been flagged for any issues.

Write-Off Check

Has the car been in a serious crash? A write-off check will tell you if insurers have previously declared it a total loss.

Outstanding Finance Check

Buying a car that still has unpaid finance can be a legal minefield. Running an outstanding finance check ensures the car isn’t still legally owned by a lender.

Stolen Vehicle Check

Imagine buying a car, only to have it seized by the police because it was stolen. That’s why a stolen vehicle check is essential—it confirms whether the car is legally registered.

MOT History Check

Want to know how well a car has been maintained? A mot history check gives you a rundown of past tests, including failures and advisories.

Government Resources

While paid services offer detailed reports, some basic information can be checked for free through government databases.

DVLA Vehicle Check

The DVLA allows you to check a car’s registration details, including its tax and MOT status.

Police Stolen Vehicle Database

While you can’t access this directly, a stolen car check pulls data from the police database to flag any suspicious vehicles.

Inspection Tools

A history check tells you about the past, but a physical inspection helps confirm a car’s condition today. Here are some handy tools:

Paint Thickness Gauge

Been in an accident? A thickness gauge helps detect repainting or hidden bodywork repairs.

OBD-II Scanner

Plugging an OBD-II scanner into a car’s system reveals hidden faults, even ones that don’t show up on the dashboard.

Professional Inspections

If you’re serious about buying a car, getting it professionally checked is a wise move.

Independent Mechanic

Hiring a mechanic to inspect the vehicle can help uncover any hidden mechanical issues.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Services

Some companies offer full inspections, providing a report on the car’s overall condition.

Final Checks Before Buying

Before shaking hands on a deal, double-check these key points:

• Run a car history check to confirm its past ownership and condition.
• Check for past accidents with a write-off check.
• Ensure there are no unpaid loans using an outstanding finance check.
• Confirm the car hasn’t been stolen with a stolen vehicle check.
• Review past MOT results through a mot history check.

By taking these steps, you’ll avoid nasty surprises and make sure your new car is exactly what it seems.

Want to Learn More?

For further advice, check out our car history check guide and learn everything you need to know before buying.