Checking a Car's History Before You Buy
A proper used-car history check has two sides. One is provenance — the legal and financial status of the car: is there outstanding finance, has it been written off, is it stolen? The other is maintenance — how the car was actually looked after: the service history logged against it. They answer different questions, and a thorough buyer covers both.
To be straight with you: FindServiceHistory is the maintenance side. We retrieve official manufacturer dealer service records — we do not sell a finance, write-off or theft check. This guide points you to the right resource for each risk so you can buy with confidence.
Provenance: is the car safe to buy?
These are the legal and financial risks. Run an HPI-style provenance check with a reputable provider before you pay — and read up on what each marker actually means:
What Is an HPI Check?
What a provenance check covers — finance, write-offs, theft — and the one thing it doesn't show.
Cat S vs Cat N Write-Offs Explained
What the write-off categories mean, whether they're safe to buy, and how they affect value.
How to Check for Outstanding Finance
Why unpaid finance can get a car repossessed after you buy it, and how to check before you pay.
FindServiceHistory vs HPI Check
How a provenance check and a service history check differ — and why serious buyers run both.
Maintenance: was the car looked after?
A car can be finance-free and never written off, yet still have no proof it was ever serviced. This is where a service history check earns its keep:
How to Check a Car's Service History
Every way to check service history, and why manufacturer dealer records are the most reliable.
How to Read MOT History
Use the free DVSA MOT record to spot mileage inconsistencies and recurring faults.
Red Flags in Used Car Service Records
The warning signs of clocking, forged stamps and gaps in a car's service history.
Used Car Buying Checks
The full list of checks to run before you pay for any used car.
Buying an Ex-Fleet or Ex-Lease Car
Why ex-fleet cars often have strong dealer service history — and what to verify.
Check a vehicle's service history
Retrieve official manufacturer dealership service records using just a registration number. Results typically arrive within minutes. Your card is authorised but not charged unless we find records.
Run a Service History Check — £9.99No charge unless we find records