MyPlateCheck guides
Useful vehicle advice before you buy.
Clear UK car-buying guides designed to help you understand MOT history, mileage, vehicle records and the checks worth making before money changes hands.
Popular vehicle checks
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Quick routes into the checks and buyer guides people use most when researching a used car.
DVLA and DVSA Vehicle Data Explained for Car Buyers
Understand the different jobs of DVLA and DVSA vehicle information and how public data fits into a wider used-car history check.
Read guide →Buying guidesUsed Car Buying Checklist: What to Check Before You Pay
A practical UK used-car checklist covering vehicle identity, history, MOT, mileage, finance, inspection, paperwork and the test drive.
Read guide →Vehicle historySalvage and Auction History: What Used-Car Buyers Should Know
Why historic salvage or auction records can add useful context when assessing previous damage, repairs and a used car's asking price.
Read guide →Vehicle historyStolen Car Checks: What to Verify Before Buying Used
Learn the identity and history checks that help reduce the risk of buying a stolen or cloned vehicle.
Read guide →Finance & ownershipWhy an Outstanding Finance Check Matters Before Buying a Car
Understand why outstanding vehicle finance is a major used-car risk and what to do if a history check identifies a finance agreement.
Read guide →Vehicle historyInsurance Write-Off Categories Explained for Used-Car Buyers
Understand Category A, B, S and N insurance write-offs and the questions to ask when considering a previously damaged vehicle.
Read guide →Tax & DVLAHow to Check a Car's Tax Status and SORN Before Buying
Understand vehicle tax and SORN status, what happens to tax when a car is sold and what a buyer should verify before driving away.
Read guide →MileageCar Mileage Checks: Warning Signs of a Clocked Car
A practical guide to checking recorded mileage and spotting inconsistencies before buying a used vehicle in the UK.
Read guide →MOT & maintenanceHow to Check MOT History Before Buying a Used Car
Learn what a UK MOT history can reveal about mileage, recurring defects, advisories and how well a used car may have been maintained.
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