Buy your next car with confidence
Straight-talking advice for UK used-car buyers — how to spot the traps, read the history and avoid an expensive mistake.
UK car write-off statistics 2026: how many, and which models
Year-by-year write-off volumes, the most commonly written-off models and ABI claims data — fully sourced.
Read guide →How to check if a car has finance (free & paid options)
Outstanding finance is the #1 hidden trap when buying used. Here's how to check — and what to do if you find some.
Read guide →What is a Cat S car? A, B, S & N write-offs explained
Should you ever buy a written-off car? What each insurance category means, and how to judge the risk.
Read guide →The used-car buying checklist (UK, 2026)
Every check to run and question to ask before you hand over a penny — from paperwork to test drive.
Read guide →How to spot a clocked car (mileage fraud)
The warning signs of a wound-back odometer, and how to check a car's true mileage before you buy.
Read guide →Buying a car with outstanding finance
Why a car with finance can be repossessed after you've paid — and how to protect yourself.
Read guide →Questions to ask when buying a used car
The questions that expose finance, accidents and mileage problems — and the red-flag answers.
Read guide →How to negotiate a used car price
Use the car's valuation, MOT advisories and history as levers to bring the price down.
Read guide →How many miles is too many on a used car?
Why service history matters more than the odometer — and when low mileage is a red flag.
Read guide →The used car test drive checklist
Exactly what to look, listen and feel for before, during and after the drive.
Read guide →Dealer vs private seller: which is safer?
Your legal rights, the price difference and the fraud risks of each — and how to protect yourself.
Read guide →How to pay safely when buying a used car
Safe payment methods, deposit protection and the checks to do before any money changes hands.
Read guide →Buying a used electric car: what to check
Battery health, real range, charging and the provenance checks that still matter for an EV.
Read guide →How to check a car's MOT history (free)
Read the pass/fail record, advisories and mileage to spot neglect and clocking.
Read guide →How to check a car's service history
Full, partial or none — how to verify a service record and why it affects value.
Read guide →What is an HPI check and do you need one?
What a provenance check reveals, why free DVLA data isn't enough, and how our report compares.
Read guide →How to avoid used car scams (UK)
Clones, clocking, hidden finance and deposit fraud — the warning signs and how to stay safe.
Read guide →How to spot a cloned car
How a stolen car is given a fake identity — and how to check the VIN, V5C and plates match.
Read guide →Buying an imported car in the UK
The pros, the pitfalls and the extra checks for a parallel or personal import.
Read guide →Is it safe to buy a Cat N car?
When a non-structural write-off is a smart buy — and the checks to do before you commit.
Read guide →How to check if a car has been in an accident
Not every accident is recorded — the physical signs plus what a write-off check reveals.
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