Is the Autotrader Write-Off Check Reliable?

Terry Twoo
Published in English •
Hoo-hoo! Terry Twoo here, making sure you don’t end up buying a car with a hidden past. If you’re browsing used cars on Autotrader, you might have seen their write-off check feature. But is it reliable? And more importantly, is it enough? Let’s take a closer look and see why a write-off check gives you the full picture before you buy.
What is the Autotrader Write-Off Check?
Autotrader provides a write-off check on some vehicle listings, showing whether a car has been declared a total loss by an insurer. While this sounds useful, it has its limitations.
Limitations of the Autotrader Write-Off Check
Hoo wouldn’t want all the details before buying a car? Here’s what Autotrader’s check is missing:
- Limited Data: It may not show full repair records, ownership history, or mileage verification.
- Seller-Dependent: Some details rely on seller-provided information, which might not always be accurate.
- Not Always Available: Some listings don’t include a write-off check at all, leaving you in the dark.
Why Car Owl is the Better Choice
If you want a detailed, verified history, a write-off check is the way to go. Here’s why:
- Full Write-Off Classification: See if a car is Category A, B, S, or N and what that means for safety and resale value.
- Verified Data: All records come from trusted sources like the DVLA and insurance companies.
- Mileage & Ownership Checks: Spot odometer fraud and see how many previous owners the car has had.
- Available for Any Car: Unlike Autotrader, Car Owl lets you check any car, no matter where it’s listed.
How to Use Car Owl for a Write-Off Check
Hoo wants an easy way to check a car’s history? You do! Here’s how:
1. Find the Registration Number (VRN)
You’ll need this from the number plate, logbook (V5C), or sales documents.
2. Go to Car Owl
Head over to the write-off check page and enter the VRN or VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
3. Review the Report
You’ll get a detailed breakdown, including:
- Write-Off Category: Find out if it’s been written off and under what classification.
- Repair History: See if repairs were recorded and done to a safe standard.
- Mileage Verification: Check for inconsistencies that could signal odometer fraud.
- Ownership Changes: Know how many times the car has changed hands.
FAQs About Write-Off Checks
Is the Autotrader write-off check enough?
It’s a good starting point, but for full confidence, a Car Owl full history check provides everything you need.
How much does a Car Owl write-off check cost?
It’s a small price for complete peace of mind, and the report includes far more details than free checks.
Why is a write-off check important?
It ensures you don’t buy an unsafe car and helps you verify the seller’s claims before committing to a purchase.
Final Thoughts
Hoo wants to make a risky car purchase? Not you! While the Autotrader write-off check is a handy tool, it doesn’t provide the full story. A write-off check gives you verified, comprehensive details so you can buy with confidence.
Stay wise, check before you buy, and drive away knowing you’ve made the right choice!
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