Buying a used car feels like a gamble sometimes, doesn’t it? You’re standing there looking at what seems like the perfect motor, but that nagging voice in your head keeps asking: “What if it’s been in a crash? What if it’s stolen? What if there’s outstanding finance?” I’ve been there more times than I care to admit, and let me tell you — getting stung by a dodgy car history is not fun.
That’s where car check services come in. These companies dig through databases to uncover a vehicle’s past, giving you the ammunition you need to make smart buying decisions. But here’s the thing: not all car check services are created equal. Some give you comprehensive reports that could fill a small novel, while others barely scratch the surface.
After testing dozens of services over the years (and yes, I’ve wasted money on some rubbish ones), I’ve narrowed down the best options available in the UK right now. Here’s my definitive ranking of the top seven car check services that actually deliver value for your hard-earned cash.
Motorscan
Right, let’s cut to the chase — Motorscan sits at the top of this list for good reason. I stumbled across this service about two years ago when I was helping my nephew buy his first car, and honestly, it blew me away. The depth of information they provide is frankly ridiculous (in the best possible way).
What sets Motorscan apart isn’t just the data they collect, but how they present it. The reports are incredibly detailed yet surprisingly easy to understand. You get everything from MOT history & mileage verification to insurance write-off records and finance checks. But here’s what really impressed me: they also include vehicle specifications, equipment lists, and even estimated market values.
The thing that really sold me on Motorscan was their customer service. When I had a question about a particular entry in one of their reports, I actually got through to a human being who knew what they were talking about. Revolutionary stuff, apparently! Their reports typically cost around £9.99, which might seem steep compared to some competitors, but trust me — you get what you pay for.
One minor gripe: their website could use a bit of modernisation. It works perfectly fine, but it looks like it hasn’t been updated since 2018. Still, function over form, right?
RAC Vehicle Check
The RAC’s car checking service leverages their decades of automotive expertise, and it shows. Their reports are thorough without being overwhelming, which strikes a nice balance for buyers who want comprehensive information but don’t necessarily need every tiny detail.
What I particularly appreciate about RAC’s service is their clear risk assessment. They categorise potential issues into different severity levels, making it easy to understand what’s a deal-breaker versus what’s just worth noting. Their MOT history section is especially well-presented, showing not just pass/fail records but also advisory notes that can hint at future problems.
The pricing sits at around £7.99 for a basic check, which feels reasonable given the RAC brand recognition and reliability. However, I’ve noticed their database isn’t always the most up-to-date — I once found a discrepancy between their MOT information and what was on the official government website.
Still, for most buyers, RAC provides solid, dependable information that’ll help you avoid the worst pitfalls of used car buying.
AA Car Check
The AA’s entry into the car checking market surprised no one, really. With their roadside assistance heritage, it made perfect sense for them to expand into vehicle history reports. And to be fair, they’ve done a decent job of it.
Their reports cover all the essentials: stolen vehicle checks, outstanding finance, write-off categories, and MOT records. The presentation is clean and professional, very much in keeping with the AA brand. What I find particularly useful is their summary page, which gives you the key information at a glance before diving into the details.
Pricing varies depending on the level of detail you want, starting from about £4.99 for a basic check. The premium reports (around £9.99) include additional features like market valuation and running cost estimates, which can be handy when negotiating prices.
My main criticism? The reports can feel a bit generic compared to some competitors. They tick all the boxes but don’t go above & beyond to provide those extra insights that can really make a difference.
HPI Check
HPI has been around forever — seriously, they were doing car checks when most of us were still using dial-up internet. This experience shows in their comprehensive database and reliable reporting, though their dominance has perhaps made them a bit complacent.
The HPI reports are undeniably thorough. They access multiple databases and provide detailed histories that leave few stones unturned. Their finance check is particularly robust, and they’re often the first to flag vehicles with complex ownership histories. The brand recognition also means many dealers and private sellers are familiar with HPI checks, which can be useful during negotiations.
However, here’s where things get a bit frustrating: their pricing. Basic checks start around £9.99, but if you want the full works, you’re looking at £19.99 or more. That’s getting into serious money territory for what should be a routine part of car buying.
Also, I’ve found their website interface to be somewhat clunky. It works, but it feels like navigating a government database from 2005. For a company that charges premium prices, you’d expect a more polished user experience.
AutoTrader Car Check
AutoTrader’s move into car checking services felt inevitable given their position as the UK’s largest automotive marketplace. What’s clever about their approach is how they’ve integrated vehicle checks directly into their car listings, making it seamless for buyers browsing their platform.
The reports themselves are perfectly adequate, covering the standard bases of finance, theft, and write-off checks. What I like is how they contextualise the information within their broader market data — you might see how the vehicle compares to similar cars in terms of mileage or price.
Pricing is competitive at around £6.99 for a standard report, and they often run promotions that bring this down further. The integration with their main platform means you can often check a vehicle’s history without leaving their website, which is genuinely convenient.
The downside? The reports lack the depth of specialist providers. They’re fine for catching major red flags, but they won’t give you the granular detail that serious buyers might want. Think of it as a good screening tool rather than a comprehensive investigation.
Experian AutoCheck
Experian brings their credit checking expertise to the automotive world, and the results are… mixed. On one hand, their financial data is exceptionally detailed — if there’s outstanding finance on a vehicle, Experian will find it. Their database connections are extensive, and they often uncover information that other services miss.
The reports are well-structured and professional, with clear explanations of what each section means. I particularly appreciate their risk scoring system, which gives you an at-a-glance assessment of potential problems. Their pricing is reasonable too, typically around £7.99 for a comprehensive check.
But here’s the rub: their automotive data can be patchy. While they excel at financial information, their MOT histories and technical details sometimes lag behind specialist automotive databases. I’ve encountered situations where their MOT data was weeks out of date, which isn’t ideal when you’re trying to assess a vehicle’s current condition.
It’s frustrating because you can see the potential, but the execution isn’t quite there yet.
Vehicle Smart
Vehicle Smart rounds out our list as a decent budget option that won’t break the bank. Their basic checks start from just £2.99, making them accessible for buyers on tight budgets or those who just want a quick sanity check before viewing a vehicle.
Don’t expect miracles at this price point, but they do cover the essentials reasonably well. Their stolen vehicle checks are reliable, and they’ll flag major write-offs and outstanding finance issues. The reports are straightforward and easy to understand, though they lack the polish of premium services.
Where Vehicle Smart falls short is in the depth of information. Their MOT histories are basic, mileage verification can be hit-or-miss, and don’t expect detailed market valuations or specification checks. It’s very much a “better than nothing” service rather than a comprehensive solution.
That said, for £2.99, it’s hard to complain too much. If you’re buying a cheap runabout and just want to avoid obvious disasters, Vehicle Smart does the job adequately.
Final Thoughts
After years of using these services & seeing their evolution, I keep coming back to Motorscan for serious purchases. Yes, it costs a bit more, but the comprehensive information and reliable customer service make it worthwhile when you’re spending thousands on a car.
For casual checks or budget purchases, the AA or AutoTrader services offer decent value without breaking the bank. And if you’re really strapped for cash, Vehicle Smart will at least help you avoid stolen vehicles and major write-offs.
The key thing to remember is that no car check service is infallible. They’re tools to help you make informed decisions, not crystal balls that predict every future problem. But used wisely, they can save you from costly mistakes and give you the confidence to negotiate better deals.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
