Vehicle ScouterStartIs this car worth buying?
Paste a listing URL or a UK reg. In 30 seconds we tell you: buy it, negotiate the price down, or walk away — with the numbers to back it up.
- Clean MOT history (only wear-and-tear advisories)
- Priced within 5% of the fair market value
- No known common faults on this model/year
- Mileage matches age (~8–12k/year)
- Structural corrosion on any recent MOT
- Two or more emissions failures on a diesel
- Overpriced by more than 15%
- Mileage jumps or drops that don't add up
What we actually check
- 1. MOT history & mileage. Every advisory, every failure, every mileage reading — flagged for anything that means expensive work coming.
- 2. Known common faults. Cross-referenced against real owner reports for that exact model, engine and year.
- 3. Fair market price. Live comparison against similar cars listed this week across the UK.
- 4. Year-one running costs. Insurance group, road tax, MPG and realistic repair spend — the total real cost of owning the car for 12 months.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a used car is worth the asking price?
Three things: how it compares to similar cars on the market this week, what it's likely to cost you in the first year (repairs, insurance, tax, MPG), and whether its MOT history shows any red flags. We calculate all three and give you a clear verdict.
What are the biggest red flags on a used car?
Structural corrosion in an MOT advisory (subframe, sill, chassis leg), repeated emissions failures on a diesel, transmission or clutch mentions on any car under £5,000, and a mileage history that doesn't add up. Any of these should make you walk away or drop your offer by at least £500.
Is a cheap car always a bad buy?
Not at all. A £2,500 car with a clean MOT history and no known common faults for that model can be a much better buy than a £6,000 car with a chocolate timing chain and two owners in the last year. We factor common faults into every report.
How much should I negotiate off?
Aim for 5–10% off the asking price on a private sale, 3–7% at a dealer. If the MOT has any advisory that needs work in the next 6 months, get quotes and knock the full repair cost off. Our reports include realistic UK repair prices for exactly this.
Don't guess. Know.
Free to check any listing or reg — pay only when you want the Buyer's Verdict.
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