Official records first
Every free check uses the latest available DVLA and DVSA records, not what a seller wrote in the advert.
Why Car Checkout
Adverts tell a story. Records tell the truth.
A listing is written by the person selling the car. A Car Checkout report comes from official DVLA and DVSA records, so you can spot problems before you travel, haggle or pay.
The advert says
2019 Ford Focus 1.0 Titanium
- “Only 32,000 miles”
- “Full service history”
- “No issues, drives perfect”
The records say
- Mileage doesn't matchLast MOT recorded 41,870 miles
- TaxedUntil 1 March 2027
- MOT passedWith 2 advisories
The difference
Six reasons people check with us
Built around one idea: you should see what the records say, clearly, before you commit.
Free, with no account
Check tax, MOT, recorded mileages and key details for free. Sign up only if you want to save your checks.
We tell you when records disagree
We cross-check the plate and make across sources. If they don't match, we warn you and leave the doubtful data out.
Dated and sourced
Every report shows when it was generated and where each section came from, so you know exactly what you're reading.
Warnings first, in plain English
Anything that needs attention goes to the top. You'll see how many checks are clear at a glance.
Pay only when it matters
Full reports from £3.99 add finance, stolen and write-off checks when you're ready to put down a deposit.
Side by side
What each one can tell you
A check doesn't replace a viewing. It shows you what a viewing can't.
| What you want to know | The advert | A viewing | Car Checkout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who's telling you | The seller | The seller, and your own eyes | DVLA, DVSA and licensed data providers |
| Tax and MOT status | No | No | Free check |
| Recorded MOT mileages | No | Odometer only | Free check |
| Plate matches the vehicle's records | No | If you check the V5C | Free check |
| Outstanding finance, stolen or written off | No | No | Full report |
| Mechanical condition | The seller's word | Yes | No |
Always view the car and get an independent inspection before you buy. Read our buying checklist.
Our promise
Straight answers, even when they're inconvenient
A vehicle check is only useful if you can trust what it says, and what it doesn't. These are the rules every report follows.
More about how we work- 01
We show our sources
Each section of a report says where its data came from. We never present a guess as a record.
- 02
A clear result means “nothing found”
If a check is clear, no record was found in the sources at that time. We won't pretend it proves more than that.
- 03
We flag what doesn't add up
Mismatched records, mileage drops and expired tax or MOT are shown as warnings, not buried in a table.
- 04
One-off prices
Pay for the report you need, when you need it. No subscription to cancel.
When to check
Three moments a check pays off
Free check
Before a viewing
Rule cars out early
Drop cars with expired tax, a failed MOT or mileage that doesn't add up before you travel to see them.
Full report
Before you pay
Know what's hidden
Check for outstanding finance, theft and write-off records before any money changes hands.
Free check
Before you sell
Know what buyers will see
See what the records say about your car, so there are no surprises when a buyer runs their own check.
See what the records say
Enter a registration for a free check. No account needed.