Guides & Advice
Car Buying Advice & Vehicle Check Guides
Guides on car history checks, outstanding finance, write-offs and MOT history.
HPI Check UK: Is It Worth It? (And Is There a Cheaper Alternative?)
HPI check costs £19.99. Bad Drivers UK runs the same Experian data check for £9.99. Here's what you get and why you're overpaying.
17 May 2026
What Is a Mileage Check and Why Does It Matter?
A mileage check cross-references MOT records to spot clocking. Here is what it shows, how mileage fraud works in the UK, and why a discrepancy is a serious red flag.
16 May 2026
Can You Sell a Car With Finance on It?
Selling a car with outstanding finance without settling it first is illegal. Here is what the law says, what happens to the buyer, and how to do it properly.
16 May 2026
Flood Damaged Car History: Why the Data Trail Usually Goes Cold
Flood damage almost never appears on a car's official history. Here is why the data trail fails, how insurers handle flood total losses differently, and what that means for buyers.
15 May 2026
Importing a Car From Europe: The Risks UK Buyers Don't Factor In
Buying a car imported from Europe carries registration, specification, and history risks that UK-registered cars do not. Here is what to check before you buy.
13 May 2026
DPF Delete: Why It Is Illegal and What It Costs Buyers
A DPF delete is illegal on UK roads and will void your insurance. Here is what the DPF does, why some owners remove it, how to spot it, and why you should never buy a car with one.
12 May 2026
Category A Write-Off: What It Means and Why These Cars Must Stay Off the Road
A category A write-off must be crushed entirely. No parts, no repairs, no road use. Here is what Cat A means, how it differs from other categories, and why these cars still appear on the market.
11 May 2026
What Is Hire Purchase Car Finance and What Are the Risks?
Hire purchase lets you spread the cost of a car over fixed monthly payments, but you do not own it until the last payment is made. That matters a lot when buying used.
10 May 2026
What Does Mileage Discrepancy Mean on a Car History Check?
A mileage discrepancy on a car history check means the recorded odometer readings do not follow a consistent upward path. Here is what it means and what to do.
10 May 2026
What Is a V5C Logbook and Why Does It Matter?
The V5C logbook records the registered keeper and vehicle details. Here is what it contains, what it proves, and the checks you must do before handing over money.
9 May 2026
What Is a Cat C or Cat D Write-Off? The Old Categories Explained
Cat C and Cat D are the old UK write-off categories used before October 2017. They still appear on history checks for millions of older cars. Here is what they mean and what risks you are taking.
9 May 2026
How to Spot a Flood Damaged Car Before You Buy
Flood damaged cars get dried out, valeted, and relisted. Some make it onto the market with no disclosed history. Here is what to look for and how to protect yourself.
9 May 2026
How to Spot a Cloned Car Before You Buy
A cloned car carries number plates stolen from a legitimate vehicle. Here is how to spot one before you hand over your money.
9 May 2026
What Is a ULEZ Check and Why Does It Matter When Buying a Used Car?
A ULEZ check tells you whether a used car will trigger daily charges in an Ultra Low Emission Zone. Here is what to check before you buy.
8 May 2026
What Is a Cat B Write-Off? Why You Should Never Buy One
Cat B write-offs are declared beyond economic repair with salvageable parts only. The vehicle's identity must be destroyed. Here is what that means and why Cat B cars should never be driven.
4 May 2026
What Does a Car History Check Actually Show?
A car history check pulls data from multiple official databases. Here is exactly what it shows - and what it cannot tell you.
4 May 2026
What is Car Finance PCP and How Does it Affect Buying Used?
PCP is the most common car finance product in the UK. Here is how it works, what happens to the car at the end, and why it matters when you buy used.
3 May 2026
What is a V5C Document and Why Does it Matter?
The V5C is the vehicle registration certificate. Here is what it contains, how to check it, and why a missing or cloned V5C is a serious warning sign.
3 May 2026