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
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Buying Guides.
Browse all buying guides articles and guides for UK car buyers.
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
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
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
Buying Guides24 Aug 2026
Buying a Classic Car in the UK (2026): The Complete Guide
How to buy a classic car in the UK: MOT and tax exemption rules, where to buy, condition grading, inspection tips, provenance checks, running costs and the best first classics.
15+ min read
Buying Guides24 Aug 2026
Cat S Structural Damage Explained: What Was Repaired, and Is It Safe?
What actually counts as structural damage on a Cat S car, how a proper repair is really done, and how to check whether yours was done properly.
15+ min read
Buying Guides24 Aug 2026
Used VW Hybrid Buying Guide: What to Check (UK 2026)
eTSI, eHybrid or GTE? A UK guide to buying a used VW plug-in hybrid: battery warranty, charging faults, the never-charged trap, and which years to trust.
15+ min read
Buying Guides24 Aug 2026
V5C Logbook Fraud: How to Spot a Fake or Stolen V5C
How to spot a fake, cloned or stolen V5C logbook before buying a used car in the UK. Genuine V5C features, DVLA checks and the key scams to avoid.
15+ min read
Buying Guides22 Aug 2026
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Car in the UK? (2026)
When to buy in the calendar, and whether to replace your car now: plate-change timing, seasonal pricing, and the real keep-vs-replace maths for 2026.
15+ min read
Buying Guides22 Aug 2026
Is There a Free Outstanding Finance Check? (2026)
There's no free outstanding finance check: DVLA doesn't hold the data. What's genuinely free, what isn't, and your rights if you've already bought.
15+ min read
Buying Guides22 Aug 2026
Which Used Car Should I Buy? Brands & Service History 2026
The UK's most reliable car brands for 2026, honest budget-by-budget picks, and why a documented service history matters more than the badge on the boot.
15+ min read
Buying Guides17 Aug 2026
Car Depreciation UK 2026: Which Cars Hold Value Best
Which cars hold their value best in the UK in 2026? Real 3-year residual data by segment, EV depreciation explained, and how to buy to minimise loss.
15+ min read
Buying Guides17 Aug 2026
VW 1.5 eTSI Engine: Problems & Reliability (UK, 2026)
What eTSI means on a VW, how the 48V mild-hybrid system works, the kangarooing issue explained, and which UK models and years are safest to buy.
15+ min read
Buying Guides15 Aug 2026
How to Buy a Used Car From an Independent Dealer (2026)
The full UK process: vetting the dealer, phone-call questions, paperwork to demand, negotiating, paying safely, and your Consumer Rights Act protection.
15+ min read
Buying Guides15 Aug 2026
Nearly New Cars: Are They Worth It? UK Guide 2026
New, nearly new or used? Compare pre-reg, ex-demo, ex-fleet and Motability cars, the real depreciation maths, VED costs and the MOT history blind spot.
15+ min read
Buying Guides14 Aug 2026
Can You Insure a Cat S Car? Yes, and Here Is What It Costs (2026)
You can insure a Cat S car, but fewer insurers will quote and premiums are higher. What you must declare, how claims are settled, and how to confirm the marker by reg from £9.99 first.
15+ min read
Buying Guides14 Aug 2026
How to Check a Car's Mileage in the UK: Free & Paid (2026)
Check any UK car's real mileage in minutes. Step-by-step GOV.UK MOT history check, the National Mileage Register, and how to spot a clocked car.
15+ min read
Buying Guides17 Jul 2026
Is a Cat N Car Worth Buying? Discount, Insurance and Risks (2026)
Cat N cars sell for less, but insurance costs more and resale is harder. When a Cat N is worth it, when to walk away, and how to check the write-off record by reg from £9.99 before you decide.
15+ min read
Buying Guides11 Jul 2026
Cat A, B, S and N Explained: Which Write-Offs Are Safe to Buy (2026)
The four UK write-off categories in plain English. Cat A and B can never return to the road; Cat S and N can, with a permanent marker. What each means for price and insurance, and how to check a car's category by reg from £9.99.
15+ min read
Buying Guides11 Jul 2026
What Does Cat N Mean? Is a Cat N Car Safe to Buy? (2026 Guide)
Cat N explained: what it means, is it safe to buy, insurance costs, DVLA rules, resale value, and how to check a car's write-off status.
15+ min read
Buying Guides1 Jul 2026
Most Reliable Used Cars Under £5,000 UK 2026
The best reliable used cars for under £5,000 in the UK in 2026: honest model picks, engines to target, common faults, and what to check before buying.
15+ min read
Buying Guides26 Jun 2026
How to Buy a Used Car at Auction UK (2026 Guide)
Complete guide to buying a used car at auction in the UK: BCA, Manheim, John Pye, SYNETIQ and more. How auctions work, buyer's fees, risks and how to avoid costly mistakes.
15+ min read
Buying Guides26 Jun 2026
Timing Belt vs Chain: What UK Used Car Buyers Must Know in 2026
Cambelt or timing chain: your complete UK guide covering service intervals, replacement costs, the wet belt scandal, and a make/model reference table for popular cars.
15+ min read
Buying Guides20 Apr 2026
How to Negotiate a Used Car Price in the UK (2026 Guide)
Proven UK-specific tactics to negotiate the price of a used car from private sellers, independent dealers and franchised dealers. Scripts, leverage points and mistakes to avoid.
15+ min read
Buying Guides19 Apr 2026
New 26-Plate Released March 2026: What It Means for Used Car Buyers
The new 26 registration plate launched 1 March 2026. Learn how UK number-plate dates work, when to buy used for best value, nearly-new bargains, and why plate age affects prices and depreciation.
15+ min read
Buying Guides25 Mar 2026
What Does a Car History Check Show? UK Guide 2026
Discover exactly what a UK car history check reveals before you buy: outstanding finance, write-offs, stolen status, mileage fraud and more. 2026 guide.
15 min read
Buying Guides6 Mar 2026
1 in 7 UK Used Cars Are Clocked: How to Spot Mileage Fraud Before You Buy in 2026
New data reveals 1 in 7 UK used cars show signs of mileage fraud or identity tampering. Learn how clocking works, the warning signs to look for, and how to protect yourself from this growing scam that costs UK buyers over £800 million a year.
10 min read
Buying Guides2 Feb 2026
Used EV Price Crash UK 2026: Best Electric Car Bargains and Buying Guide
Used electric car prices have plummeted by up to 28% in the UK. Discover the best EV bargains from £5,000, what to check when buying, battery health tips, running cost comparisons, and which models to avoid in 2026.
15+ min read
Buying Guides30 Jan 2026
Complete Used Car Buying Guide UK 2026: Everything You Need to Know
Comprehensive guide to buying a used car in the UK. Learn about essential checks, where to buy, negotiation tips, consumer rights, documentation requirements, and how to avoid common scams.
15+ min read
Buying Guides22 Jan 2026
Petrol vs Diesel vs Hybrid: Which Fuel Type Offers Best Value in the UK Used Car Market January 2026?
Complete UK fuel type comparison for used car buyers in 2026: Petrol, diesel, and hybrid pricing, depreciation, running costs, and regulations. Data-driven buying advice.
15+ min read
Buying Guides22 Jan 2026
Top 10 Used Car Scams in the UK (2026): How to Spot and Avoid Them
Protect yourself from the latest used car scams in the UK. Learn to spot AI-generated fake listings, deepfake fraud, curbing, cloned dealer websites, and classic scams. Includes red flags, prevention tips, and what to do if you've been scammed.
15+ min read
Buying Guides18 Jan 2026
ADAS and Self-Driving Features in Used Cars: UK 2026 Buyer's Guide
Complete guide to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in UK used cars. Learn what features to look for, common problems, calibration costs, insurance impacts, and which used cars offer best safety tech at every price point.
15+ min read
Buying Guides18 Jan 2026
Chinese Electric Cars in the UK 2026: BYD, MG, and More - Complete Used Car Buyer's Guide
Chinese EVs now account for 12% of UK electric car sales. Learn about BYD, MG, Ora, and other brands - including reliability data, depreciation rates, warranty coverage, and essential checks before buying a used Chinese EV.
15+ min read
Buying Guides18 Jan 2026
Most Reliable Used Cars UK 2026: Ranked by Real Owner Data
The UK's most reliable used cars for 2026: ranked from What Car?, Warrantywise and real owner data. Best small cars, family cars, SUVs & EVs by budget, plus how to check any car before you buy.
15+ min read
Buying Guides2 Dec 2025
Should I Buy My Car Privately? The Honest Truth (UK 2025 Decision Guide)
Should you buy privately or from a dealer? Honest breakdown of risks, savings, legal protection, and scams. Use our decision framework to choose the right route for your purchase.
15+ min read
Buying Guides2 Dec 2025
Should I Buy From an Independent Car Dealer? (UK Guide 2026)
Independent dealers vs franchised dealers vs private sellers. Which is best? Honest breakdown of independent dealer risks, benefits, legal protection, and how to spot dodgy traders in UK 2025.
15+ min read
Buying Guides9 Nov 2025
Car Warranty Guide UK 2025: Manufacturer vs Dealer vs Extended Warranties Explained
Complete guide to car warranties in the UK. Compare manufacturer warranties, dealer warranties, and extended warranties. Learn what's covered, costs, and whether extended warranties are worth it.
13 min read
Buying Guides9 Nov 2025
First Time Car Buyer's Guide UK 2025: Everything You Need to Know
Complete guide for first-time car buyers in the UK. Learn about budgeting, financing, insurance, test drives, paperwork, and avoiding common first-time buyer mistakes.
15+ min read
Buying Guides9 Nov 2025
New vs Used Car: Which Should You Buy in 2026? UK Comparison
Complete guide to buying new vs used cars in the UK. Compare depreciation, financing, warranty, running costs, and value for money. Learn exactly when to buy new and when to buy used.
15+ min read
Buying Guides9 Nov 2025
Part Exchange vs Selling Privately: Which Gets You More Money in 2025?
Complete guide to part exchange vs private sale. Compare convenience, prices, hidden costs, and tax implications. Learn when to part-ex and when to sell privately to maximize your car's value.
15+ min read
Buying Guides4 Nov 2025
HP vs PCP vs Personal Loan: Which Car Finance is Best in 2025?
Complete guide to UK car finance options. Compare Hire Purchase, PCP, personal loans, and leasing. Understand APR, balloon payments, ownership, and hidden costs. Make the right choice for your budget.
15+ min read
Buying Guides4 Nov 2025
Private Seller vs Dealer: Where Should You Buy Your Used Car in 2025?
Complete guide to buying from private sellers vs dealers in the UK. Compare legal rights, Consumer Rights Act protection, warranties, prices, and scams. Make the right choice for your budget.
15+ min read
Buying Guides3 Nov 2025
Grey Import Cars UK: Complete Guide to Buying Japanese & EU Imports 2025
Everything you need to know about grey import cars in the UK. Learn about Japanese imports (JDM), European grey imports, insurance, MOT, legality, pros & cons, and how to avoid import scams.
15+ min read
Buying Guides3 Nov 2025
How to Spot a Cloned Car: Number Plate Cloning Guide UK 2025
Learn how to identify cloned cars and number plate fraud in the UK. Spot VIN cloning, understand legal risks, check if your car has been cloned, and protect yourself from buying a clone.
15+ min read
Buying Guides1 Nov 2025
Outstanding Finance Check: Don't Lose Your Car to Repossession in 2025
Essential guide to checking outstanding finance on UK cars. Learn how vehicle history finance checks work, what happens if you buy a car with debt, and how to protect yourself from repossession.
14 min read
Buying Guides1 Nov 2025
How to Check if a Car is Stolen in the UK: Complete 2025 Guide
Learn how to check if a car is stolen before buying. Access Police National Database, spot stolen vehicle warning signs, understand your legal rights, and avoid losing £1000s.
15+ min read
Buying Guides28 Oct 2025
How to Check a Used Car Before Buying: Complete 2025 Guide
Learn the essential steps to check a used car before buying. Complete checklist covering MOT history, finance, mileage verification, and common problems to watch for.
7 min read
Buying Guides28 Oct 2025
Cat S Explained: What Category S Means, Value and Whether to Buy (2026)
Cat S means structural damage that was repaired and returned to the road. What the marker does to price, insurance and resale, how to inspect one, and how to check any car's write-off record by reg from £9.99.
8 min read
Buying Guides25 Nov 2024
How to Check EV Battery Health Before Buying (UK 2025 Guide)
Learn how to check electric vehicle battery health before buying. Understand battery degradation, capacity testing, warranty coverage, and spot failing EV batteries.
15+ min read