# How to check the paperwork before you buy a used car

Live version: https://autoscout.fyi/guides/check-paperwork

The five documents that matter most when buying a used car in the UK, and the red flags that should make you walk away.

## V5C (logbook)

The single most important document.

- The seller's name and address on the V5C should match the ID they show you. If they don't, ask why. A recently moved owner is fine if they can explain; a "selling on behalf of a friend" story is a classic clone warning.
- The 11-digit V5C reference number lets you tax the car on gov.uk — get the seller to let you verify this before handing over money.
- Missing V5C? Walk away. Applying for a duplicate takes weeks and a missing V5C is a staple of stolen cars and finance-fraud cases.

## MOT certificates and MOT history

- Check gov.uk/check-mot-history for free — you'll see every test, mileage at the time of test, advisories, and any failures.
- Look for mileage that jumps backwards or sits still for years — a red flag for clocking.
- Recurring advisories on the same item (brakes, suspension, corrosion) usually means it was never fixed.

## Service history

- Full franchised history is best for cars under six years old. A mix of franchised and independent is normal after that.
- Stamps in a service book must match the dates in any invoices. Invoices alone without stamps are still evidence — stamps alone aren't.
- A cambelt / wet belt change on the correct schedule is the single highest-value service record for a modern small engine.

## HPI / finance / write-off check

- £20 for HPI, Experian Car History or the RAC check. It shows whether the car is stolen, has outstanding finance, is a Category A/B/S/N write-off, or has a mileage anomaly.
- Around 1 in 3 UK used cars has something flagged. Don't skip it, even if the dealer has shown you their own check.

## Tax, insurance, and handover

- You must tax the car before driving it away. Use the V5C reference on gov.uk/vehicle-tax.
- Insurance needs to be in place before you move the car — even on a dealer's forecourt. Driving uninsured is six points and a £300+ fine, on top of whatever the other driver's insurer hits you with.

## When to walk away

- V5C with "on behalf of" a family member or friend.
- A price significantly below market value for a car in apparently good condition.
- Seller refuses to let you run a history check or take the car to an independent garage.
- VIN on the car (windscreen, door post, engine bay) doesn't match the V5C.

If any of these apply, politely thank them for their time and leave. A good used car is worth waiting for.