Duewise
Duewise
Duewise Academy

Learn how to inspect a used car before it costs you money.

Practical lessons for buying, checking and owning used cars.

Practical knowledge

Evidence beats promises.

A seller saying well maintained is not evidence. Invoices, dates, part numbers, MOT history and cold-start behaviour are evidence.

Free lessons

5

Premium lessons

8

Levels

3

Learning modules

Short lessons for real buying situations.

Free lessons cover essential buyer checks. Premium lessons go deeper into service evidence, parts, platform logic and negotiation strategy.

Beginner

Simple checks every buyer should know.

Practical checks for tyres, oil, lights, cold starts and seller screening.

BeginnerFree7 minchecklist

Basic checks

How to check tyres before buying

Tyres reveal safety, alignment, suspension wear and how carefully the car has been maintained.

✓Measure tread and check legal/safety margin.
✓Spot uneven wear, cracks, bulges and old date codes.
✓Use tyre condition as a negotiation and inspection signal.
BeginnerFree6 minchecklist
checklist

Basic checks

Basic fluid checks

Oil, coolant and brake fluid checks can reveal neglect, leaks and urgent maintenance.

✓Check oil level/condition safely.
✓Inspect coolant level and leak signs.
✓Know when fluid condition is a walk-away warning.
BeginnerFree8 minarticle
article

MOT

How to read MOT history

Learn how pass, fail, major, minor, dangerous and advisory items change the buyer decision.

✓Understand MOT defect severity.
✓Spot repeated advisories and repair gaps.
✓Separate a clean pass from a well-maintained car.
BeginnerFree6 minchecklist
checklist

Viewing

Cold start basics

A true cold start can reveal rattles, smoke, idle issues and warning lights that disappear when warm.

✓Know why cold start matters.
✓Listen for rattles, smoke and unstable idle.
✓Avoid warmed-up viewing traps.
BeginnerFree8 minchecklist
checklist

Test drive

Test drive basics

Check clutch slip, steering pull, braking vibration, gearbox noises and warning lights safely.

✓Plan a safe, useful route.
✓Recognise common test-drive symptoms.
✓Know when to stop the viewing.
Intermediate

Evidence and cost control.

Use service history, MOT patterns and parts knowledge to avoid overpaying.

IntermediatePremium14 minarticle
article

MOT

MOT preparation masterclass

Understand common MOT failures and how to prepare tyres, lights, wipers, brakes, suspension and emissions.

✓Know likely fail items versus advisories.
✓Prepare safety-critical checks before the test.
✓Read dangerous, major, minor and advisory wording.
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IntermediatePremium12 minarticle
article

Evidence

Service history evidence

Invoices, dates, mileage and parts detail matter more than stamps alone.

✓Compare invoices and stamps.
✓Check mileage/date consistency.
✓Understand dealer, specialist and DIY evidence.
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IntermediatePremium13 minarticle
article

Weak points

Known weak point evidence

Timing belts/chains, wet belts, clutches, turbos, DPF/EGR and coolant leaks should be judged by proof.

✓List expensive weak points before viewing.
✓Ask for repair or inspection proof.
✓Know when no proof means walk away.
Log in or create an account to unlock premium Academy lessons.
IntermediatePremium11 minarticle
article

MOT

MOT failure response

Know what to repair immediately, what is safety critical, and when repair cost means walking away.

✓Separate safety-critical repairs from advisories.
✓Estimate whether repair makes economic sense.
✓Know when to scrap or walk away.
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Advanced

Smarter buyer strategy.

Think like a knowledgeable buyer when weak points, high mileage and specialist inspections matter.

AdvancedPremium15 minarticle
article

Parts

VAG parts logic

VW, SEAT, Skoda and Audi often share platforms and parts, but fitment still needs checking by VIN/part number.

✓Understand platform sharing.
✓Use OEM, OE supplier and aftermarket cautiously.
✓Avoid wrong-part ordering.
Log in or create an account to unlock premium Academy lessons.
AdvancedPremium14 minarticle
article

Parts

Parts buying basics

Use VIN checks, part numbers and supplier quality to avoid buying the wrong or cheapest risky part.

✓Compare dealer, specialist and online suppliers.
✓Use part numbers and VIN.
✓Avoid unknown low-quality brands on critical parts.
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AdvancedPremium12 minchecklist
checklist

Repair costs

Mechanic quote sanity checks

Separate labour, parts, diagnosis and risk so you know when to ask for old parts or a second opinion.

✓Read labour versus parts.
✓Ask what diagnosis supports the repair.
✓Know when a second opinion is sensible.
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AdvancedPremium13 minarticle
article

Ownership

High-mileage ownership

High mileage can work if maintenance is realistic: fluids, leaks, suspension, cooling and preventative checks.

✓Set realistic expectations.
✓Prioritise preventative maintenance.
✓Monitor leaks, suspension and cooling.
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Buyer guides

Useful guides before a viewing.

Start with practical guide pages, then run a Duewise check when you have a specific car.

Premium buyer knowledge

Make the subscription feel useful before the viewing.

Premium Academy lessons help you challenge weak evidence, understand repair quotes and avoid buying a car that becomes expensive for predictable reasons.