Data-Driven Used Car Intelligence
Everything you need to know about checking a used car before you buy it. If your question is not answered here, email us at hello@getcarwise.co.uk.
A used car check is a report that reveals the hidden history of a vehicle using its registration number. It typically includes checks for stolen status, outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, MOT history and mileage verification. Carwise goes further by also including known model-specific faults, running cost estimates, safety recall checks and a personalised buyer inspection checklist.
Every report includes vehicle identity and specs from DVLA, full MOT history with trend analysis from DVSA, known faults for that specific make, model and engine type, a Carwise Score (0 to 100), a personalised buyer checklist, and safety recall checks. The premium report adds stolen/finance/write-off checks, mileage verification, owner history, market valuation and running cost estimates.
The free car check includes vehicle details, MOT summary, known model faults, Carwise Score and a buyer checklist. The full premium report costs just £9.99 and adds comprehensive vehicle history checks (stolen, finance, write-off), mileage verification, owner history, market valuation, detailed MOT analysis, running costs and full technical specifications.
Yes. Carwise includes the same core checks as an HPI check (stolen, finance, write-off) plus additional features that HPI does not offer, such as known model-specific faults, MOT trend analysis, a personalised buyer checklist, running cost estimates and a Carwise Score. Read more about how Carwise compares to an HPI check.
Carwise uses official UK government data from the DVLA and DVSA, plus vehicle history data from the Police National Computer and major UK finance and insurance databases. Our known faults database covers over 1,700 model-specific issues compiled from manufacturer bulletins, owner reports, specialist forums and workshop data. All data is pulled live at the time of your request.
Reports are generated in under 60 seconds. Enter a UK registration number and your report is delivered instantly in your browser. A PDF copy is also emailed to you. Learn more about how it works.
The Carwise Score is a rating from 0 to 100 that combines multiple risk factors into a single number. It considers vehicle status (stolen, written off, finance), MOT history and pass rate, mileage patterns, ownership turnover, known model issues and vehicle age. A higher score means fewer concerns. It gives you a quick snapshot of the overall risk profile before diving into the detail.
An MOT history check shows every MOT test a vehicle has had, including the result (pass or fail), all advisory items, failure reasons, dangerous items and the recorded mileage at each test. Carwise analyses this data to detect recurring issues, show whether problems are getting worse over time, and flag any gaps in the testing timeline that might indicate the car was off the road.
The free report gives you vehicle details, an MOT summary, known faults, tax and MOT status, a Carwise Score, a buyer checklist and safety recall checks. The premium report (£9.99) adds stolen vehicle checks, outstanding finance checks, insurance write-off checks, full mileage verification, detailed owner history, market valuation estimates, comprehensive MOT analysis with trend detection, annual running cost breakdown and full vehicle specifications.
Category S means the vehicle suffered structural damage (chassis, frame, crumple zones) but has been repaired and is back on the road. Category N means non-structural damage only (cosmetic, electrical, mechanical). Both categories mean the car was declared a total loss by an insurer. Category S cars carry more risk as structural repairs must be done correctly. Carwise flags both categories and recommends what to inspect.
Mileage clocking is when a vehicle's odometer is wound back to show fewer miles than the car has actually covered. It is illegal in the UK but still common. Carwise analyses every odometer reading recorded during MOT tests over the vehicle's lifetime and flags any suspicious drops, inconsistencies or patterns that suggest the mileage may have been tampered with.
If the previous owner took out finance (HP, PCP, lease) on the car and has not fully repaid it, the finance company may still legally own the vehicle. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it and you lose both the car and your money. An outstanding finance check protects you from inheriting someone else's debt.
Yes. Carwise checks for outstanding DVSA manufacturer safety recalls. These are serious issues identified by the manufacturer that may affect your safety. If there is an open recall, contact the manufacturer's dealer network to have the recall work carried out, which is usually done free of charge.
Yes. Carwise works with any UK-registered vehicle that has a valid registration number, including cars, vans, motorcycles and other vehicles registered with the DVLA. Our known faults database covers hundreds of makes and models with fuel-type-specific issues.
Carwise takes data privacy seriously. We only collect the minimum data needed to generate your report (registration number and email address). Email addresses are encrypted at rest using AES-256-GCM. We do not sell or share your data with third parties. Reports are stored for 30 days so you can access them again, then automatically deleted. Full details are in our Privacy Policy.
Yes. Under GDPR you have the right to request deletion of your data at any time. Contact us at hello@getcarwise.co.uk and we will process your request promptly. See our Privacy Policy for full details on your data rights.
Our buying guides cover the top 5 problems to watch for on the UK's most popular used cars, with expert sources from What Car?, Honest John, PistonHeads and Auto Express. Guides available for BMW 3 Series, VW Golf, Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, Audi A3, Honda Civic, VW Polo, Vauxhall Astra and Mini Cooper.
Still have questions? Try a free report and see for yourself.
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