Used Car Buying Guides & Advice
Protect your wallet and avoid costly used car traps. Discover expert tips on checking finance, write-offs, MOTs, and vehicle history.
UK Used Car Risk Report
What 4,403 full vehicle history checks and the MOT histories of 492,751 vehicles checked on CarCheckUp show: outstanding finance, write-offs, MOT results and mileage anomalies, by age, make and model.
Read the report- 16.7%had outstanding finance
- 13.4%had an insurance write-off
- 34.1%had a plate change
Who Is My Car Insured With? How to Find Your Insurer
askMID confirms a car is insured but not who with. Where to find your insurer's name, your renewal date, and the other driver's insurer after an accident.
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Importing a UK Car to Malta: History Checks Before You Buy
Buying a used car in the UK to bring to Malta? Why a history check matters for registration, and what to look for in the report.
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Importing a Used Car from the UK to Cyprus: What to Check
Thinking of buying a UK car to ship to Cyprus? The history checks to do first, the paperwork to ask for and the risks to avoid.
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Buying a Used Car in Northern Ireland: The Checks to Do
How to check a used car in Northern Ireland: NI plates, DVA MOT history, cars from the Republic, finance and write-offs.
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Used Car MOT History Explained: How Our Vehicle Score Works
How to read a used car's MOT history, mileage and records, and exactly how the CarCheckUp vehicle score turns them into a rating from 0 to 100.
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Which Used Cars Pass Their MOT Most Often? UK Data, 5.7m Tests
Which used cars pass their MOT most often? UK data from 5.7m MOT tests: pass rates, advisories, mileage anomalies and write-offs by model.
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Buying a Used Motorbike: Checks to Make Before You Buy
What to check before buying a used motorbike: frame and engine numbers, stolen and write-off records, MOT history, and what to inspect in person.
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Buying a Used Van: Checks to Make Before You Buy
What to check before buying a used van: history, mileage, finance, payload and plated weight, MOT class, ULEZ and the signs of a hard-working ex-fleet van.
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How to Check a Car's Service History in the UK
How to check a car's service history: service books, digital service records, invoices, what 'full service history' means and how to cross-check it.
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When to Run a Car History Check and Why the Timing Matters
A car history check is only as good as the day it was run. Here is when to check a car, why an old check or the seller's …
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Bought a Car With Outstanding Finance? Your Rights
Discovered finance on a car you've already bought? You may be better protected than you think. Here is how the law protects private buyers and what to do …
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What Does 'Marked for Export' Mean on a Car?
A car check can show a vehicle is marked for export. Here is what the export marker means, why a car for sale in the UK might have …
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UK Number Plate Rules: What Makes a Plate Legal
Number plates in the UK have strict rules on font, spacing, colours and where they come from. Here is what makes a plate legal and what happens if …
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Buying a Used Electric Car: Battery and History Checks
A used electric car needs some different checks from a petrol or diesel one. Here is how to check the battery, charging kit and warranty, plus the history …
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Vehicle Tax Doesn't Transfer When You Buy a Car
Since 2014, vehicle tax no longer passes to a car's new owner. Here is what that means when you buy or sell, how to tax a car straight …
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Scrapped Cars and Certificates of Destruction Explained
When a car is scrapped properly it gets a certificate of destruction and should never return to the road. Here is how scrapping works and why a scrapped …
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What Is the High Risk Register on a Car Check?
A high risk marker on a car check means an organisation has an interest in the vehicle. Here is what it means, how it differs from a stolen …
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What a Colour Change on a Car's Record Means
A car's record can show that its colour has changed. Here is what that can mean, when it's innocent, when it's a warning sign and what to check …
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How Many Previous Owners Is Too Many for a Used Car?
Is a car with five previous owners a bad buy? Not always. Here is how to judge the number of previous keepers, and the patterns that really are …
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Common Used Car Scams in the UK and How to Avoid Them
From cars that don't exist to cloned identities and hidden finance, here are the most common used car scams in the UK and the simple checks that stop …
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How to Pay Safely for a Used Car in the UK
Paying for a used car is where many buyers get caught out. Here is how to pay safely, which payment methods protect you and what to get in …
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Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Car
The right questions tell you a lot about a used car and its seller. Here are the questions to ask before viewing and during the viewing, and the …
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Used Car Test Drive Checklist: What to Check and Listen For
A test drive is your best chance to find faults before you buy. Here is a simple checklist of what to check before, during and after driving a …
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Imported Cars and Q Plates: What UK Buyers Should Know
Imported cars and Q-plated vehicles need extra checks. Here is what an import marker means, why some cars get a Q plate, and what to check before buying …
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Buying From a Dealer or a Private Seller: Your Rights
Your legal rights when buying a used car depend on who sells it. Here is what the law gives you when buying from a dealer, a private seller …
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How to Spot a Clocked Car: Signs the Mileage Is Wrong
Clocking makes a car look less used than it is. Here are the physical signs and paperwork clues that the mileage has been wound back, and how to …
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MOT Advisories Explained: What They Mean for a Used Car
MOT advisories aren't failures, but they tell you a lot about a used car. Here is what advisories and the other defect types mean, and how to read …
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How to Check if a Car Has an Outstanding Safety Recall
Manufacturers recall cars to fix safety problems, and the repair is free. Here is how to find out if a car has an outstanding recall and what to …
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What Is a SORN and Can You Buy a SORN Car?
A SORN means a car has been declared off the road. Here is what that means, what you can and can't do with a SORN vehicle, and how …
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What Do Cat S, Cat N, Cat C and Cat D Mean? Write-Offs Explained
What the insurance write-off categories mean, how the current Cat A, B, S and N differ from the old Cat C and D, and what to check before …
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Cloned Cars in the UK: How a VIN Check Protects You
A cloned car wears the identity of a legitimate one, so a quick plate check can look clean. Here is how car cloning works, the warning signs, and …
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Where to Find the VIN on a Car and Check It Matches the V5C
The VIN appears in several places on a car and on its V5C log book. Here is where to look, how to check they all match, and the …
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What is a Car History Check?
When it comes to buying or selling a used car in the UK, knowledge is power. Our full car history report goes above and beyond to provide you …
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How to Tell DVLA You've Sold, Transferred or Bought a Vehicle
Have you recently sold your car and need to notify the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency)? Don't fret; the process is simpler than you might think. In …
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Key Reasons for Replacing Number Plates in the UK
In the intricate web of automotive essentials, number plates often hold a subtly powerful role. They're not just a string of characters slapped onto your vehicle; they are …
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Hydrogen Cars - A Sustainable Future
Hydrogen cars, also known as fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), represent a promising alternative to traditional gasoline and electric vehicles. Powered by hydrogen fuel cells, these cars emit only …
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Types of Cars
The United Kingdom, known for its rich automotive heritage, hosts a diverse range of cars catering to various preferences and needs. From compact city cars to luxurious sedans …
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The Impact of Global Warming on the Automotive Industry
Explore the profound influence of global warming on the automotive industry in this comprehensive article. Discover how the sector's CO2 emissions contribute to the climate crisis, the challenges …
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What to Do After Failing an MOT Test? Your Top Questions Answered
Facing an MOT test failure can be a daunting experience for any vehicle owner. Learn how to handle a failed MOT test, including understanding failure points, assessing repair …
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The ‘Minute Or Two’ MOT Check: Helping Your Car Pass its Next MOT
Performing a quick and thorough inspection on your car before its MOT test can significantly improve its chances of passing successfully. This guide presents the 'Minute Or Two' …
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How to sell your Car? You should know this
Learn the ins and outs of selling your car with our comprehensive guide on "How to Sell Your Car." Whether you're a seasoned seller or a first-timer, our …
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What is Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE)?
Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) rules in the UK are a pivotal force in shaping responsible driving behavior and road safety. This comprehensive guide explores the core principles of …
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Car CheckUp is Now a UK gov-registered Trademark - Milestone
Dive into the world of Car Checkup as we unveil our latest achievement – being officially recognized as a UK government-registered trademark. This significant milestone underscores our commitment …
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How to Drive a Vehicle Safely? Must Know Tips
Driving is a privilege that comes with immense responsibility. The safety of yourself, your passengers, and others on the road depends on your driving skills and adherence to …
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Seasonal Vehicle Maintenance: Must-Do Services to Protect Your Car
Proper vehicle maintenance is the key to ensuring your car's safety, performance, and longevity. As the seasons change, your vehicle's needs also evolve. Car CheckUp, your reliable partner …
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MOT Changes 2023: UK Gov MOT Updates
Discover the significant changes reshaping the MOT landscape in 2023. Unveil the introduction of safety recall warnings, explore the rationale behind these changes, and understand how the MOT …
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What is Consumer Duty? A Comprehensive Article
Explore the transformative UK Consumer Duty that reshapes financial services. Understand its principles, targeted outcomes, and benefits for consumers.
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Top 10 Best Car Insurances in the UK 2023
In the vast landscape of car insurance providers in the UK, finding the right one can be overwhelming. To simplify your decision-making process, we have meticulously researched and …
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Most Popular Cars in the UK 2023 - Top 10 Car Models
In the ever-changing landscape of the UK car market, staying up-to-date with the most popular car models is essential for both enthusiasts and prospective buyers. This comprehensive guide …
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ULEZ: Expanding the Horizon of Clean Air Initiatives
Delve into the intricacies of the imminent Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion and its potential impact. The ULEZ, designed to mitigate air pollution, is set to undergo …
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Understanding Clean Air Zones (CAZ): Emission Standards & Changes
Are you planning to drive through the Clean Air Zones of Bath or Birmingham? It's essential to ensure that your vehicle meets the required emission standards to avoid …
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Car Insurance in the UK: Understanding the Basics and Costs
Car Insurance in the UK: Understanding the Basics and Costs is a comprehensive blog that provides readers with valuable insights into the world of car insurance in the …
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How to Buy a New Car? A Complete Guide To Buy Your Best Car.
Buying a new car is an exciting and significant investment. However, the process can be overwhelming, especially with the abundance of options available in the market. To help …
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Used Car Checklist: What to Check When Buying a Used Car
A step-by-step used car checklist: what to check before you see the car, the paperwork, bodywork, interior, engine, test drive and payment.
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Check Vehicle Plate Change History For Free - Guide in the UK
Are you planning to buy a used car in the UK? Whether you are a seasoned car enthusiast or a first-time buyer, conducting a comprehensive check on the …
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Which Car Should I Buy? A Comprehensive Guide to Buy Best Car
Confused about which car to buy in the UK? This comprehensive guide covers it all, from the most popular car models to eco-friendly options and quintessentially British cars. …
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New Measures on Car Usage For UE
The blog explores the European Union's groundbreaking proposal on sharing product usage data, delving into its potential impact on businesses and consumers. It highlights the benefits of increased …
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Is it the right moment to buy an electric vehicle?
Are you considering buying an electric car in the UK? Read our blog to get up-to-date insights on the market trends, including the growth of used electric car …
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Why car Insurance is so high in 2023 and beyond?
Discover the reasons behind the 2023 car insurance premium rise. Learn about luxury car insurance, factors affecting rates, and cost-effective coverage options.
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Saving Money with Car Checks: Uncover & Prevent Hidden Issues
In this blog, we explore how car checks can save you money in the long run by detecting hidden issues before they become costly problems. We emphasize the …
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What to check while buying used car in uk?
In this blog, we present the ultimate car check checklist to follow when buying a used vehicle. We highlight key areas that require close inspection to uncover hidden …
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Navigating Car Finance Debt Amid Rising Interest Rates in UK
Explore the impact of rising interest rates on car finance debt and the crucial support lenders provide during financial challenges. Learn how to navigate car finance with confidence.
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Rising Car Insurance Premiums in the UK
Discover the reasons behind the 14% rise in car insurance premiums in the UK until 2025 due to inflation. Explore the factors influencing car insurance pricing and the …
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Car Buyers: Protecting Yourself from Scams During the Plate Change
Discover common car buying scams during the plate change and how to safeguard against them. Learn about conversion fraud, written-off vehicles, virtual vehicle fraud, and mileage fraud. Conduct …
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Avoiding Common Car Check Mistakes: Ensure Accurate Assessments
Ensure accurate car assessments by avoiding common check mistakes. Keep your vehicle roadworthy with our expert tips.
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Mastering Car Checks: A Guide to Ensuring Vehicle Safety
Master the art of car checks with our comprehensive guide. Ensure your vehicle's safety with expert tips and inspections.
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Complete Guide to Car Checks: Safety, Reliability & Peace of Mind
Ensure safety and peace of mind with our complete guide to car checks in the UK. Use a car tax calculator, free car check, and more for reliable …
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Road Tax in the UK: Evolving for Electric Vehicles in 2023
As we step into the year 2023, the landscape of road tax in the United Kingdom is undergoing significant changes. With the accelerated adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) …
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The Complete Guide to Car Checks for Safety and Reliability
Discover the essential steps to perform comprehensive car checks for ensuring the safety, reliability, and peace of mind for your vehicle.
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