Frequently asked questions

Tax and MOT status straight from DVLA, every MOT mileage reading (with automatic flagging if mileage has ever gone backwards), and the vehicle's identity — make, colour, engine and first registration. Run one on our free vehicle check page.

Outstanding finance, previous write-off or salvage history, whether it's reported stolen, and a closer look at mileage discrepancies — from finance and insurance industry records the free check doesn't reach. Add one from the vehicle check page.

Yes — that's what it's for. You can check any UK-registered vehicle from any seller: a private ad, another dealer, an auction, or one you already own. We have no connection to the vehicle or the person selling it.

No. The free check needs a registration and nothing else — no account, no password, not even an email address. Paid checks are held against an email address so you can get back to them, but there's still no password to remember.

The free check reads DVLA and DVSA records — tax, MOT history and every recorded mileage reading. A Full Check adds finance and insurance industry records, which is where outstanding finance, write-off categories and stolen markers are held. More on what we check.

No. Checks in a pack never expire and are used one at a time, whenever you like — useful if you're viewing several vehicles over a few weekends. See check packs.

Yes. Every paid report is emailed to you as a PDF, and you can ask for a link back to your past reports at any time from the vehicle check page.

Checks are paid for by card or PayPal at the point of purchase. There's no account and no password — your checks are held against the email address you buy with, and an emailed link unlocks them on any browser.

Checks you haven't used can be refunded within 30 days — email support@carbuynow.co.uk with your receipt number. Once a check has been used to look at a vehicle the report has been delivered, and that check can't be refunded — which is the consent you give at checkout.

Some plates return little or nothing — a very new vehicle, or one that's never been MOT'd. The report says so plainly rather than presenting an empty result as a clean one. If a paid check returns nothing at all, contact us and we'll put the check back on your account.