Buying a used car in the UK without running proper checks? That's like jumping out of a plane without checking your parachute first. I've been there, done that, and learned some expensive lessons along the way. After years of helping mates avoid dodgy motors & testing countless vehicle history services, I've compiled this definitive ranking of the nine most reliable car check tools available to UK buyers.
The used car market can be absolutely brutal. One minute you're admiring what seems like the perfect family saloon, the next you're discovering it's been written off twice and has more outstanding finance than the national debt. But here's the thing — with the right tools, you can spot these red flags before you hand over your hard-earned cash.
Motorscan takes the crown, and frankly, it's not even close. This service has consistently delivered the most comprehensive reports I've encountered, combining data from multiple sources including DVLA, insurance databases, and finance companies. What sets them apart isn't just the breadth of information — it's how they present it.
The reports are refreshingly clear, avoiding the technical jargon that plagues other services. You'll get detailed histories of previous owners, any insurance claims, outstanding finance, and crucially — whether the vehicle has been stolen or written off. I've used Motorscan for over a dozen purchases now, and it's saved me from at least three potential disasters.
Their pricing sits comfortably in the middle range at around £9.99 per check, but the value proposition is outstanding. The turnaround time? Usually under 60 seconds. Plus, they offer a guarantee that covers you financially if their report misses critical information. That's confidence in their product right there.
HPI has been around since the dinosaurs roamed the earth (well, 1938 actually), and they've built a solid reputation for good reason. They're probably the most recognised name in vehicle checking, which brings both advantages and drawbacks.
The data quality is generally excellent, particularly for insurance write-offs and finance information. However, I've found their reports can be somewhat overwhelming for first-time buyers. There's a lot of information presented in a fairly dense format that might confuse rather than clarify.
Pricing varies depending on the package you choose, starting from around £19.99 for a basic check. It's pricier than some alternatives, but you're paying for that established reputation and extensive database access. The mobile app is decent too, though nothing revolutionary.
The AA leverages their motoring expertise quite effectively here. Their vehicle checks are thorough without being overwhelming, striking a nice balance that newcomers will appreciate. The presentation is clean, and they explain technical terms clearly.
What I particularly like about AA Car Check is their integration with other AA services. If you're already an AA member, you might get discounted rates, and they sometimes bundle checks with breakdown cover or insurance quotes. Smart business, really.
The reports cover all the essentials: finance, theft, write-offs, and mileage discrepancies. However, I've occasionally found their database slightly less current than the top-tier services. Nothing major, but worth noting. Pricing typically runs around £14.99 per check.
RAC's offering is solid, if unspectacular. They cover the fundamental bases competently — stolen vehicle records, outstanding finance, write-off categories, and previous keeper information. The interface is user-friendly, and results arrive quickly.
Where RAC shines is in their customer service. I've had to contact them twice over the years with queries about reports, and both times the response was prompt and helpful. That's not something you can say about every service on this list.
The pricing is competitive at around £12.99, and they occasionally run promotions that make it even more attractive. However, the reports sometimes lack the depth of analysis you'll find elsewhere. They'll tell you what happened, but not always the full context of why it matters.
MyCarCheck positions itself as the budget-friendly option, and they largely deliver on that promise. For basic checks, they're hard to beat on price — often coming in at under £5 per report. But as they say, you get what you pay for.
The reports cover the essentials adequately, though they're not as comprehensive as premium services. I've used them for quick checks on cars I wasn't seriously considering, just to rule out obvious problems. For that purpose, they work fine.
The interface feels a bit dated compared to newer entrants, and the customer support can be hit or miss. But if you're on a tight budget and need multiple checks, they're worth considering. Just don't expect the same level of detail you'd get from Motorscan or HPI.
Experian brings their considerable data expertise to vehicle checking, and it shows. Their reports are detailed and well-structured, drawing from extensive databases that include finance agreements, insurance records, and DVLA information.
The standout feature is their mileage verification system, which is arguably the most sophisticated I've encountered. They cross-reference MOT records, service histories, and insurance data to flag potential discrepancies. Given how common mileage tampering is these days, this attention to detail is valuable.
Pricing sits around £16.99 per check, which feels appropriate for the quality of information provided. The reports can be quite technical, though, so they might not suit everyone. I'd recommend them particularly for buyers considering higher-value vehicles where the extra detail justifies the cost.
CarVertical is the newcomer that's shaking things up with blockchain technology and European data integration. Sounds fancy, doesn't it? In practice, it means they can provide information on vehicles that have histories across multiple countries — increasingly important as imports become more common.
Their reports are visually appealing and easy to understand, with timeline views that make it simple to track a vehicle's history chronologically. They also include photos from auctions and insurance assessments when available, which can be incredibly revealing.
The UK-specific data isn't quite as comprehensive as established players yet, but they're improving rapidly. Pricing is competitive at around £13.99, and they often offer package deals for multiple checks. Worth watching as they continue to develop their UK presence.
Vehicle Smart rounds out our list as a competent, if unremarkable, option. They provide standard vehicle history information at reasonable prices (typically £8.99), with decent customer service and reliable data sourcing.
What they lack in innovation, they make up for in consistency. I've never had a significantly inaccurate report from them, though I've also never been particularly impressed. They're the reliable friend who always shows up on time but never brings anything exciting to the party.
The reports are functional rather than elegant, covering finance, theft, write-offs, and keeper changes without much additional context or analysis. For straightforward checks on mainstream vehicles, they'll do the job adequately. Just don't expect any surprises — good or bad.
After years of testing these services across dozens of vehicle purchases, Motorscan consistently delivers the best combination of comprehensive data, clear presentation, and reliable accuracy. But here's the thing — the "best" service depends partly on your specific needs & budget.
For most buyers, I'd recommend starting with Motorscan and only considering alternatives if you have specific requirements they don't meet. If budget is your primary concern, MyCarCheck offers basic protection at minimal cost. For imported vehicles or complex histories, CarVertical's European data integration can be invaluable.
Remember though, no vehicle check service is infallible. They're tools to help you make informed decisions, not crystal balls that predict every future problem. Always combine digital checks with physical inspections and, when possible, independent mechanical assessments. Your wallet will thank you later.
