Check a Car

MyPlateCheck

Check the car before you buy it.

Start with a free vehicle check, then go deeper only when you need to.

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Mileage history check

Check whether a car's mileage history makes sense.

Mileage is one of the biggest factors affecting a used car's value. Comparing recorded mileage over time can highlight unusual drops, gaps or patterns worth questioning before you buy.

UK registration lookupMOT & tax contextBuyer-focused reports

Look for a steady progression

In normal use, recorded mileage should generally rise over time. A lower later reading, an unexplained jump or a long gap is not automatic proof of a problem, but it deserves investigation.

Mileage should match the car

Compare the recorded mileage with service records, invoices, wear on the steering wheel and pedals, seat condition and the seller's explanation of how the vehicle has been used.

Do not rely on a single source

MOT mileage provides valuable reference points, but a stronger assessment combines MOT data with service history and any additional mileage records available in a paid history report.

How to use this information

MyPlateCheck combines available vehicle data into buyer-focused checks. Data can contain omissions or recording errors, so use it alongside the V5C, VIN, service history, seller evidence and a physical inspection. Resolve material inconsistencies before paying for a vehicle.

Questions buyers ask

Useful answers before you check.

What is vehicle clocking?+

Clocking is the practice of reducing or misrepresenting a vehicle's displayed mileage. Historical mileage records can help identify readings that do not follow a credible progression.

Does a mileage discrepancy always mean fraud?+

No. Data-entry errors, unit differences or instrument replacement can also cause anomalies, so any discrepancy should be investigated rather than treated as proof by itself.

Where does MOT mileage come from?+

Mileage is recorded during MOT testing and becomes a useful historical reference point for many UK vehicles.

Start with the registration

Check the vehicle before you commit.

Run the free vehicle lookup first, then choose deeper history checks if the purchase needs them.