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Buying a Car Guides

15 guides about buying a car for UK car owners.

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Buying a Car guides

Buying a Car

The Hidden Costs of Buying a Used Car

Beyond the sticker price — the real costs of buying a used car in the UK, from road tax and ULEZ charges to imminent MOT repairs.

7 min
Buying a Car

How to Check a Car Before Buying It Online

Everything you can verify remotely before travelling to view a used car — from MOT history and mileage to red flags in online listings.

6 min
MOTBuying a Car

Should I Buy a Car with MOT Advisories?

Not all MOT advisories are equal. Learn which ones to ignore, which to negotiate on, and which should make you walk away.

6 min
MOTBuying a Car

How to Prepare Your Car for Its MOT — The Complete Checklist

A practical pre-MOT checklist covering everything testers look for, what you can fix yourself, and how to avoid common failures.

7 min
MileageBuying a Car

What Is a Good Mileage for a Used Car?

How to judge whether a used car's mileage is good or bad, UK average figures by age, and how MOT history reveals the true picture.

5 min
Buying a Car

The Cheapest Months to Buy a Used Car in the UK

Find out the best time to buy a used car in the UK. We break down plate change months, winter dips, and dealer targets so you can time your purchase right.

6 min
Buying a Car

What to Check on a Test Drive: A Complete Checklist

Everything to check when test driving a used car — engine, brakes, steering, gearbox, electrics, and the warning signs that should make you walk away.

7 min
Buying a Car

Car Insurance Groups 1–50: The Complete UK Guide (2026)

How UK car insurance groups are decided, which models sit in each band, why EVs land higher than expected, and how to use the group rating to find cheaper cover.

14 min
Buying a Car

What Is an HPI Check? Free vs Paid Car Checks Explained

What an HPI check covers, how it compares to free car checks, and when you should pay for a full vehicle history report.

6 min
Buying a Car

How to Check a Car's Service History Before You Buy

How to verify a used car's service history, what a full service history means, and why gaps in the record should raise red flags.

5 min
Buying a Car

How to Check if a Car Is Stolen Before You Buy

How to check whether a used car has been reported stolen, what the warning signs are, and how to protect yourself when buying privately.

5 min
Buying a Car

10 Essential Checks Before Buying a Used Car

A practical checklist of things to verify before handing over money for a used car — from MOT history to mileage red flags.

5 min
Buying a Car

First Car Checklist for New Drivers

Everything a new driver needs to know before buying their first car — insurance, tax, MOT, running costs, and the checks that could save you money.

5 min
Buying a Car

How to Check if a Car Has Outstanding Finance

How to find out if a used car has outstanding finance before you buy, what happens if you buy a financed car, and how to protect yourself.

5 min
MileageBuying a Car

How to Check Mileage on a Used Car

How to verify a used car's mileage history using MOT records — spot clocking, detect discrepancies, and protect yourself from mileage fraud.

5 min

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