Used-car advice

Make a better decision before you view the car.

Practical UK guidance for checking the advert, MOT history, mileage, seller evidence and known weak points without being overwhelmed by disconnected facts.

Before travelling

Confirm the basics first.

1

Does the registration and vehicle identity match the advert?

2

Does the MOT mileage follow a credible pattern?

3

Can the seller provide dated evidence for important work?

Start here

Complete pre-viewing guide

Check a second-hand car before you buy it

A UK buyer guide for checking a second-hand car before viewing: registration, MOT history, mileage, seller evidence, model problems and negotiation signals.

Read the complete guide

Buyer guides

Choose the next question you need answered.

The library is organised around the buying decision, not around generic article categories.

Before you travel

Decide whether the car deserves a viewing

Start with the advert, registration, MOT pattern, mileage and the evidence the seller can provide before you spend time travelling.

Understand the risk

Turn disconnected facts into buyer questions

Use model context, common weak points and report guidance to understand what needs proof, inspection or negotiation.

After purchase

Keep the car and its evidence organised

Set a sensible maintenance baseline, prepare for future MOTs and retain the paperwork that protects the car's value.

Vehicle-specific report

Use the guides to prepare. Use Duewise to assess the car.

Enter the UK registration, mileage and asking price to combine available MOT context, vehicle identity, model knowledge and practical evidence checks.

Check a vehicle