Know what the advert leaves out
Check the story behind a used car before you commit to it.
Check Buy Drive brings together the details buyers care about most, from damage and stolen markers to MOT history, mileage patterns and running costs, so you can move forward with clearer facts.
Check the car you are considering
DVLA-backed data
Ground your buying decision in trusted UK vehicle data sources.
Free basic report
Start with the essentials, then decide if you want the deeper paid report.
PDF export
Keep the full report handy when you want to review or share the findings.
Built around the checks that change a buying decision
Spot expensive risk sooner
See finance, theft, damage, MOT and mileage signals before they become your problem.
Understand the car in context
Follow changes over time, compare market value and review the full vehicle timeline.
Buy with fewer unknowns
Buy prepared. Discuss issues with the buyer before you buy. Let them fix it or walk away.
From a quick check to deeper confidence
Use the report in the same order most buyers think: start broad, dig deeper where it matters and keep the result close at hand.
01
Run the reg
Start with the free basic report to get an immediate read on the vehicle and decide whether it deserves a closer look.
02
Unlock the full picture
Upgrade to the paid full report when you want the wider checks, from damage and finance to ownership changes and advert history.
03
Have it to hand
Keep the PDF copy of the report so you can review it later, share it or keep it beside you during a viewing.
Trusted data, organised for real buyers
We bring together trusted UK vehicle data sources, including DVLA-backed data and MOT records, then present the results in a format that is easier to act on before you buy.
What that means in practice
You can cross-check the car's identity, history and ownership story in one place instead of piecing it together from scattered sources.
Where data is available, we also show extras such as salvage auction photos, NCAP safety ratings and past advert sightings.
Data sources our buyers recognise
Ready to check your next car?
Start with a free basic report, move up to the full report when you want the extra detail, and keep the result as a PDF when the buying decision gets serious.
What a full Check Buy Drive report can show you
Each section is designed to help you judge risk, cost and fit before you spend money on the wrong car.
Damage
See recorded insurance damage, salvage auction history and severity clues, with salvage photos shown when they are available.
Theft
Check PNC (police) and MIAFTR (insurance) stolen markers so you can avoid stepping into a risky or disputed purchase.
Import / export
See import and export status that may affect the vehicle's provenance, paperwork or value.
Adverts
Review previous online listings to understand how the car has been described, priced and presented.
Finance and legal status
Find outstanding finance and other legal issues before hidden obligations land with you.
Equipment
Confirm the factory equipment and options match the car you expect to buy.
Mileage
Review the mileage trail and annualised chart to spot suspicious changes or patterns that do not add up.
Technical data
Check key engine, performance, dimensions and specification details for the vehicle.
Market price
Compare estimated market value data to judge whether the asking price looks fair.
MOT history
Read test results, failures and advisories to understand how the car has been maintained.
Cost of ownership
Look ahead at tax, emissions, ULEZ compliance and other likely running costs.
Safety
Bring recall information and safety ratings into view, where available.
Changes
Track keeper, registration plate and colour changes that may deserve a closer look.
Timeline
Pull important events into one chronology so the vehicle's history is easier to follow.
Helpful tips
Use practical prompts from the report to guide your inspection and buying decision.