Vehicle-check guidance

Clear next steps for the findings, warnings and unknowns that can appear in a Car Assistant report.

01How do I check a vehicle’s VIN and identity?Match the registration, VIN, V5C and MOT record before relying on a vehicle’s history.Read guide →02When to arrange an independent vehicle inspectionUse an independent inspection to investigate condition, repairs and mechanical concerns before purchase.Read guide →03Vehicle self-inspection checklistA practical daylight walk-around and road-test checklist for a used car or van.Read guide →04How to check panel gaps and paintworkLook for signs of repainting or repairs without assuming that every colour or finish difference is adverse.Read guide →05How does mileage affect a vehicle valuation?Use verified mileage, the exact derivative and genuinely comparable vehicles to interpret a dated valuation range.Read guide →06What should I check before buying a used van?Confirm the van’s exact identity, weight limits, history, commercial use, condition and whole-life costs before paying.Read guide →07What should I check before paying a vehicle deposit?Confirm the vehicle, seller, history, written terms and payment route before committing money.Read guide →08What should I check when buying from a private seller?Verify the seller, vehicle, description, documents and payment route before buying privately.Read guide →09How should I test-drive a used vehicle?Confirm insurance first, then assess cold start, controls, steering, brakes, transmission and warning signs.Read guide →10How do I check a vehicle before buying it remotely?Verify the seller and vehicle independently, preserve every promise and control the inspection, payment and delivery sequence.Read guide →11What should I do after buying a used vehicle?Register the keeper change, insure and tax the vehicle, secure the evidence and plan any immediate maintenance.Read guide →

01How to review vehicle documentsCross-check the V5C, VIN, MOT history, service evidence, invoices and seller details.Read guide →02Do keeper or number-plate changes matter?Put keeper and number-plate changes in context without treating ordinary changes as adverse by default.Read guide →03Should I buy a vehicle with MOT advisories?Read the pattern across multiple tests, not only the latest pass result.Read guide →04How do I check for outstanding vehicle recalls?Confirm whether the recall affects this vehicle and whether the remedy is outstanding.Read guide →05How can I check a vehicle’s service history?Build a dated maintenance record from verifiable invoices and workshop evidence, keeping any gaps clearly marked as unknown.Read guide →06How can I find a vehicle’s original factory specification?Use VIN-linked build evidence to distinguish validated factory equipment from later additions and unverified seller claims.Read guide →07How to review previous use and advert historyUse dated adverts and recorded previous-use information as evidence about mileage, condition and seller claims—not as an automatic verdict.Read guide →08What ‘not returned’ means in a vehicle reportMissing coverage is an unknown result—not evidence that the vehicle is clear.Read guide →09How do I check a vehicle’s tax and MOT status?Check the current official status and full MOT history, then keep unavailable or unmatched results clearly marked as unknown.Read guide →10How do I recover my vehicle’s radio code?Identify the fitted unit and use the handbook, manufacturer account or authorised retailer before paying for specialist recovery.Read guide →11How do I find the correct tyre size and pressure?Use the vehicle-specific handbook or pressure label, then check cold pressures, size and condition.Read guide →12Can I find a vehicle’s previous keeper?Understand the difference between keeper-history counts and personal keeper information held by DVLA.Read guide →13Why has a vehicle had several registration numbers?Plate changes are often legitimate, but the VIN and dated records should connect every registration to one vehicle.Read guide →14Should I buy a vehicle without the V5C logbook?A replacement V5C is possible, but its absence removes an important identity and keeper check before purchase.Read guide →

01Can I buy a vehicle with outstanding finance?Confirm the lender’s current interest and settlement before handing over money.Read guide →02What should I do if a vehicle is recorded stolen?Treat a current stolen marker as high risk and avoid confronting the seller.Read guide →03Can I buy a vehicle with a scrap marker?Verify the vehicle and documents, and do not proceed while an active scrap record remains.Read guide →04Should I buy a Category S or Category N vehicle?Understand the category, repairs, inspection needs and effect on value and insurance.Read guide →05What to do when salvage-auction history is foundUse the retained listing to focus questions about damage, repairs and present condition.Read guide →06What does an active export marker mean?Distinguish a current export status from historic overseas use and confirm the vehicle’s present UK registration position before paying.Read guide →07What should I check before buying an imported vehicle?Confirm the vehicle’s identity, UK registration, overseas history, specification and running implications without treating import status as automatically adverse.Read guide →08What does a vehicle mileage discrepancy mean?Build a dated mileage timeline and distinguish an explained correction from an unresolved anomaly.Read guide →09Is a recorded vehicle colour change a problem?A properly recorded colour change is not inherently adverse; inspect the work and supporting evidence.Read guide →

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