Guides & Advice
Car Buying Advice & Vehicle Check Guides: page 4
MOT history, finance, write-offs and what to check before buying a used car.
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
What is a Private Number Plate and Can it Hide a Car's History?
Private number plates are legal and common in the UK, but they can be used to obscure a car's age and break the paper trail. Here is what to check.
3 May 2026
What is a Cherished Plate and Does it Affect Car History?
Cherished plates are personalised registrations transferred onto vehicles. They can hide a car's age and create gaps in its history. Here is what to watch for.
3 May 2026
What Checks Should You Run Before a Test Drive?
Most buyers test drive first and check later. That is the wrong order. Here is what to do before you get in the car.
3 May 2026
How to Spot a Cut and Shut Car
A cut and shut car is two written-off vehicles welded together and sold as one. Here is how to spot one before you buy.
3 May 2026
How to Check if a Car is Taxed UK
Checking car tax in the UK takes 30 seconds. Here is how to do it, what the results mean, and what to do if the car is not taxed.
3 May 2026
How to Check a Car Recall UK
Car recalls are safety issues serious enough for manufacturers to fix for free. Here is how to check if a used car has an outstanding recall before you buy.
3 May 2026
How to Buy a Used Car Safely in the UK
Buying used is simple when you follow the right steps. Here is the complete process from finding a car to handing over money safely.
3 May 2026
Can You Insure a Cat S or Cat N Write-off?
Cat S and Cat N write-offs can legally return to the road but insuring them is harder than most buyers expect. Here is what to know before you commit.
3 May 2026
How Long Do Penalty Points Stay on Your Licence?
Penalty points stay on your licence for either 4 or 11 years depending on the offence. Here is exactly how it works and when you can declare yourself clean.
2 May 2026
What Is a Car Keeper and Why Does Keeper History Matter?
The registered keeper is not always the owner. Here is what keeper history tells you about a used car, and the warning signs to look for before you buy.
24 April 2026