Buying & Selling Cars

Buying an ex-demo or nearly-new car? What service history to expect, why the dealer is the first owner, and how to verify the mileage and first-service trail.

Buying a used car with no service history? What it really costs, how much to knock off the price, how to recover the records, and when to walk away.

What an HPI check covers — finance, write-offs, theft, mileage — and the one big thing it doesn't show: how the car was actually looked after.

What Cat S and Cat N write-offs mean, whether they're safe to buy, how they affect value, and how to check repairs went through official dealers.

Why outstanding finance can get a car repossessed after you buy it, how to check for it before you pay, and what to do if finance is found.

A snapped cambelt can write off an engine. Use a car's service history to confirm the timing belt was changed on schedule — and know what to do if it wasn't.

Buying an ex-fleet, ex-lease, ex-hire or ex-rental car? What the status means, why they're often well-maintained, and how to verify the service history first.

Original research from 3,626 UK vehicle lookups: 63.5% of used cars have a traceable manufacturer service record, and 1 in 80 shows a mileage discrepancy.

George Arnold16 May 2026

Compare service history verification when buying from private sellers vs dealers. Understand consumer rights, risks, and why independent checks matter.

Maximise your car's sale price with complete service documentation. Tips on servicing, organising records, and presenting history to buyers.

Complete checklist for verifying a used car's service history before buying. Check intervals, stamps, mileage consistency, and more.

Spot warning signs in service history before you buy. Learn to identify mileage discrepancies, fake stamps, irregular intervals, and other red flags.

Cars with full service history sell for 10-20% more. Learn how service records impact valuation, depreciation, and what buyers and sellers should know.