The smarter way to check a car before you buy it.

The only car check that combines a car's unique history and known model faults into a personalised buying guide. Write-off, stolen, and finance checks included.

Official DVLA & DVSA data Results in under 60 seconds UK Business

How it works

1

Enter the registration

Type in any UK vehicle registration number

2

We pull the data

Real-time checks across DVLA, DVSA and our database

3

Get your report

Full intelligence report delivered in under 30 seconds

Your personalised car buying guide

Get a checklist tailored to the exact car you're viewing, including known problems for that model and what to inspect before you buy.

Accident & Write-off Checks

Avoid cars with hidden damage or insurance write-offs.

Mileage Warnings

Spot suspicious mileage changes before you buy.

Known Model Problems

See the faults this model is known for, based on real owner reports.

Buyer Inspection Checklist

Know exactly what to check when viewing the car. No guessing.

Negotiation Tips

Use known problems and repair risks as leverage when discussing price.

Full MOT History

Every pass, fail, and advisory, plus trend analysis showing if problems are getting worse over time.

Safety Recalls

Check for outstanding DVSA safety recalls that could affect your safety on the road.

Running Cost Estimate

Fuel, tax, servicing, tyres, MOT — see what this car will really cost you per year.

Owner History

See how many previous owners and how long each one kept the car.

Simple pricing

Free
Instant report
  • Vehicle details & specs
  • MOT history summary
  • Known model problems (limited)
  • Safety recall check
  • Buyer inspection checklist (limited)
  • Mileage discrepancy identification (limited)
  • Car specification
  • ULEZ compliance
Get free report
Most popular
£9.99
One report. No guesswork.
  • Everything in Free, plus:
  • Owner history
  • Stolen, finance & write-off checks
  • Model-specific faults
  • Market valuation estimates
  • Detailed MOT trend analysis
  • Running cost breakdown
  • Digital footprint*
  • Rarity index
  • PDF emailed to you
Get full report

* Beta feature

Discover the problems a car is known for before you buy it.

Real examples from real reports

2018 BMW 320d
Common Owner Issues
EGR valve failures
Timing chain rattle
Oil leaks on higher mileage models
Things to Check When Viewing
Listen for timing chain noise
Check service history for EGR replacement
Inspect oil residue around engine cover
2017 Audi A4 2.0 TDI
Common Owner Issues
Water pump leaks
DPF clogging on low mileage cars
Suspension arm wear
Things to Check When Viewing
Coolant residue around pump
DPF warning lights
Clunking over bumps

What buyers are saying

★★★★★

"Very in depth. Covers everything you need to know before viewing a car."

Dan P. 2015 VW Caddy
★★★★★

"Saved me from buying a car with hidden damage. The MOT history analysis spotted patterns I would have completely missed."

James T. 2019 BMW 320d
★★★★★

"Used the checklist when viewing and found two issues it warned me about. Negotiated the price down. Paid for itself instantly."

David R. 2018 VW Golf GTI
★★★★★

"I check every car through Get Car Wise now before I go and view it. The running costs breakdown alone is worth it."

Mark W. 2020 Ford Focus ST
★★★★★

"No one selling a car would want a buyer to use this. That tells you everything you need to know."

Chris B. 2016 Mercedes C220d
★★★★★

"My mechanic mate said the report flagged the same things he would have looked for. Really impressed with the detail."

Laura K. 2021 Toyota Yaris

Buy your next car with confidence

Every used car has a story. Make sure you know it before you hand over your money.

Check a vehicle now