Buying Guides28 Sep 2026
Buying on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree: Checks to Run
Found a car on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree? The free and paid history checks to run, in order, before you travel, view and pay a private seller.
15+ min read
The Carhealth Journal.
Buying guides, model deep-dives, and UK motoring news.
Buying Guides28 Sep 2026
What Does 'HPI Clear' Mean? A Buyer's Guide (2026)
A seller says the car is HPI clear. Here is what that actually covers, what it leaves out, and how to verify it yourself before you hand over any money.
15+ min read
Buying Guides23 Sep 2026
Best HPI Check Alternatives UK 2026: Seven Providers Compared on Price and What You Get
hpi check, the AA, Total Car Check, mycarcheck, carVertical, CarCheck.co.uk and Carhealth compared: single-report price, bundles, whether finance, write-off and stolen checks are included, guarantees and refunds. Figures read from each provider's own UK page: carVertical, hpi check and Carhealth on 4 October 2026, the others on 23 September 2026.
12 min read
Buying Guides23 Sep 2026
carVertical vs HPI Check vs Total Car Check: UK Prices and What Each Report Includes (October 2026)
A dated, side-by-side comparison of carVertical, hpi check, Total Car Check and Carhealth for UK buyers: single-report prices, bundles, what each report lists, guarantees and refunds, checked against each provider's own pages (carVertical, hpi check and Carhealth on 4 October 2026, Total Car Check on 23 September 2026).
15+ min read
Buying Guides23 Sep 2026
How Much Does a Car History Check Cost in the UK? Every Price Point Explained (2026)
A UK car history check costs between £3.99 and £39.99 in September and October 2026, and the price tells you what is left out. What you get at each price point, what hpi check, carVertical, Total Car Check, mycarcheck, the AA and Carhealth charge, and what is free.
10 min read
Buying Guides23 Sep 2026
Is There a Free HPI Check? What You Can Get Free, and What Costs Money (2026)
There is no free HPI check: hpi check is a paid, trade-marked product. But MOT history, tax status, mileage readings and vehicle details are free from GOV.UK and from Carhealth. Here is exactly what is free, what is not, and why, checked 23 September 2026 and 4 October 2026.
10 min read
The Carhealth Check
Buying a car? Run a check first.
AI-powered history report covering outstanding finance, theft, mileage, write-off category and more. Instant delivery.
Get Your Report. From £9.99 →
Buying Guides8 Sep 2026
How to Recover Missing Car Service History in the UK
Lost service book or gaps in a digital record? Follow a practical UK recovery process, verify replacement evidence and decide when to walk away.
15+ min read
Buying Guides8 Sep 2026
Used Car Test Drive Checklist: UK Insurance and Checks
Plan a useful used car test drive: confirm insurance, check legal requirements and assess comfort, controls and warning signs before deciding.
15+ min read
Car Model Guides6 Sep 2026
Peugeot 3008 Mk2 Used Buyer's Guide UK 2026
A UK guide to the Peugeot 3008 Mk2, covering PureTech wet belts, BlueHDi cambelts and the 1.5 chain recall, hybrids and inspection checks.
15+ min read
Car Model Guides6 Sep 2026
Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Used Buyer's Guide UK 2026
A practical UK guide to buying a used Golf Mk7, covering engines, DSG gearboxes, common faults, ULEZ checks, running costs and inspections.
15+ min read
Buying Guides31 Aug 2026
How to Spot Unrecorded Accident Damage on a Used Car
Why a clean vehicle history check can still hide a crashed car, and the physical checks that reveal accident damage no database ever records.
15+ min read
Buying Guides31 Aug 2026
Ex-Taxi, Ex-Rental, Ex-Fleet: Spot a Car's Hidden Past
Same mileage, very different life. Learn how to spot a used car's hidden history as a taxi, rental, fleet or driving school car before you buy in the UK.
15+ min read
The Carhealth Check
Buying a car? Run a check first.
AI-powered history report covering outstanding finance, theft, mileage, write-off category and more. Instant delivery.
Get Your Report. From £9.99 →