AutoCheck in the UK holds live data on 31 million vehicles and over 90 million DVLA registration records. Their database currently holds over 8 million records for cars bought on HP or finance.

Other UK Car Data Check services

AA Car Data Check

Checks stolen, insurance write off, outstanding finance, valuation and mileage where possible plus all the usual DVLA checks and CO2 emissions etc. It comes with up to £30k Data cover. Voted best buy 2006 by 'Autoexpress'. Discounted online price details...

MyCarCheck.com

Powered by CDL. Checks stolen and 'stolen recovered', insurance write off plus all the usual DVLA checks etc. It comes with up to £5k Guarantee cover. Further pricing options are available for varying levels of detail see website for further details...

AA Vehicle Inspection (Physical examination by an expert)

Basic Vehicle Inspection is suitable if you are confident to carry out basic checks on cosmetic appearance and bodywork yourself, but need an expert opinion on mechanical condition, vehicle operations and previous accident damage checks. It includes a full vehicle safety check and road test, verbal report and multi page written report. Comprehensive AA Vehicle Inspection also available from £165 Details...

HPI Check

Checks stolen, insurance write off, outstanding finance, valuation and mileage where possible plus all the usual DVLA checks.

Note: Please see respective websites for full terms and conditions

The advice from the Home Office is... "...you should check to make sure that the vehicle you are thinking of buying has not been stolen, seriously damaged or is still subject to finance"

A few years ago car background checks were originally only available to the trade but in recent years they have been made available to the public, with most people now having access to the internet the consumer has a choice of vehicle history check services so there's no excuse. In the U.S. it has long since been the case to check the history and vehicle's title deeds before parting with any cash, buyers that didn't then stood a good chance of buying a 'lemon'. With more UK buyers now pre-checking a vehicle before buying make sure you don't get caught out or stuck with someone else's problem. With 1 in 3 having some form of hidden history for the sake of a few pounds you're running the risk of losing your money, your sleep! or even your life if you buy a deathtrap. Don't risk it - get it checked first!

Further useful resources for the car buyer

How much will it cost to tax? - With new taxes on vehicle CO2 Emission taxing your new car could be more expensive than you think.

Search the make and model in the VED (Vehicle excise duty) calculator for exact CO2 emission price band here

This is the 2008 DVLA Vehicle excise duty rates form v149 - here...

Download the 2006 Car Theft Index - Published by the Home Office, 3826 cars are stolen every week! Details makes and models most at risk, an interesting read. Download in PDF (1.8MB) format here...

Citizens Advice Bureau - What the dealers would rather you didn't see! Great information on your rights when buying a used car - download here

VOSA Manufacturer Vehicle Recalls - Use this to see important recalls for your car, the franchised dealer will usually fix these for free here

DVLA - DVLA is warning motorists to be on the lookout for stolen V5C vehicle registration certificates when buying a used vehicle here

True Car Data Check stories from HPI™ - There are countless examples of people buying a dodgy car. Click the link to read some of their horror stories here...

Advertise your car online - TheCarPitch.com, get your car listed on all the major search engines, they're currently offering advertising at £4.99 until sold. Well worth a look here...

Car Buyers Guide - For a FREE Trading Standards Car Buyer's booklet produced in association with HPI, click the link here...

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