A used car can look perfect and still hide an expensive past. A history check takes minutes, costs little or nothing, and can save you from buying a car that is unsafe, still owned by a finance company, or worth far less than the asking price. Here is what to check and what should make you walk away.
Why history matters
The seller only tells you what they want you to know. A background check tells you what actually happened to the car, independent of the sale. It is the one step that protects you from the problems a test drive cannot reveal.
What to check
Write off or total loss. Whether the car has been seriously damaged and written off by an insurer. Some repaired write offs are legal to sell but worth much less and occasionally unsafe.
Outstanding finance. If money is still owed on the car, the lender can have a claim on it even after you buy. Never buy a car with finance owing unless it is cleared as part of the sale.
Stolen status. Confirm the car has not been reported stolen, or you could lose both the car and your money.
Mileage. Compare the odometer against records and service history for signs it has been wound back. Wear on the pedals, seat and steering wheel should match the reading.
Identity. Check the vehicle identification number on the car matches the paperwork exactly, with no signs of tampering.
Recalls. See whether the model has open safety recalls, and whether this car has had the work done.
Where to check it
Most countries have an official or well established vehicle history service, often run by or linked to the government transport authority, that reports on write offs, theft, finance and registration details from the car identification number or plate. Use your own country official service or a reputable provider, and be wary of relying on a report the seller hands you, run your own. Your government transport or motoring authority website is the best place to start.
Red flags that should stop you
Walk away if the seller will not share the car identification number before you view, if the paperwork does not match the car, if the price seems too good for the model and mileage, if there is no service history at all, or if you are pushed to pay quickly or in cash without proper documentation. A genuine seller has nothing to hide.
History check and inspection go together
A clean history tells you the car is legally sound, but not that it is mechanically sound. Always pair the background check with a proper physical inspection using our used car inspection checklist, and get an independent mechanical check for anything significant.
