What Are the Top Questions to Ask When Checking a Car’s MOT History?
Reviewing a car’s MOT history is an important step in understanding its condition and identifying potential problems. CarOwl’s free tool allows you to access detailed MOT records, helping you make informed decisions. In this guide, we’ll share the top questions to ask when checking a vehicle’s MOT history.
Question 1: Has the Car Passed All Previous MOT Tests?
Start by checking whether the car passed or failed its previous MOT tests. Frequent failures may indicate recurring problems or poor maintenance. Use CarOwl’s tool to see the complete pass/fail history:
- Look for Patterns: If the vehicle has failed multiple tests, this could be a red flag for ongoing issues.
- Check the Latest Result: Ensure the most recent test was a pass, as a recent failure may require expensive repairs.
Question 2: What Are the Common Advisory Notes?
Advisory notes highlight minor issues identified during the MOT test. While they don’t cause a failure, they may require attention soon. Ask yourself:
- Are There Recurring Advisories? Look for advisories that appear repeatedly, as they may indicate problems that haven’t been addressed.
- Are Any Advisories Safety-Related? Pay close attention to advisories related to brakes, tyres, or lights, as these could affect the car’s safety.
Question 3: Is the Mileage Consistent?
Review the recorded mileage at each MOT test to ensure it increases consistently. Inconsistent mileage readings may indicate potential odometer tampering:
- Look for Sudden Drops or Jumps: Unexplained changes in mileage could be a sign of tampering or errors in recording.
- Verify with Service Records: Cross-check the MOT mileage with the vehicle’s service history for consistency.
Question 4: Were There Any Major Failures?
Identify any major defects that caused the vehicle to fail its MOT. Understanding these issues can help you assess the car’s reliability:
- Check the Reasons for Failure: Look at the detailed failure reasons provided in the MOT history to determine the severity of the issues.
- Ask About Repairs: If the car had major failures, ensure the seller has documentation to show that repairs were completed.
Question 5: When Is the Next MOT Due?
It’s important to know the expiry date of the current MOT certificate. If the MOT is due soon, you may need to budget for a test shortly after purchase:
- Check the Expiry Date: Use CarOwl’s tool to find the MOT expiry date and plan accordingly.
- Consider the Cost of an Upcoming MOT: If the MOT is due within a few months, factor in the potential cost of a new test and any necessary repairs.
Why Use CarOwl for Checking MOT History?
CarOwl’s free tool offers detailed insights that help you ask the right questions and make informed decisions. Here’s why you should use CarOwl for checking MOT history:
- Comprehensive Data: Access full MOT history, including pass/fail results, advisory notes, and mileage records.
- Accurate Information: CarOwl sources data directly from the DVLA, ensuring up-to-date and reliable results.
- Free to Use: Review a vehicle’s MOT history without any cost using the VRN.
Visit CarOwl’s MOT Check today to access a complete MOT history and ask the right questions before making a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions About Checking MOT History
Here are some common questions about using CarOwl’s tool for reviewing a car’s MOT history:
- Is it free to check MOT history with CarOwl? Yes, CarOwl offers a free MOT history check using your VRN.
- How accurate is the data provided by CarOwl? CarOwl sources information directly from the DVLA, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records.
- Can I check the MOT history for any UK-registered vehicle? Yes, CarOwl’s tool covers all vehicles registered in the UK.
Conclusion
Asking the right questions when reviewing a car’s MOT history can help you identify potential issues and make an informed decision. Use CarOwl’s free tool to access comprehensive MOT records and ensure you’re getting a reliable vehicle. Visit CarOwl’s MOT Check today to start your review.