Everything you need to verify before handing over your money.
Most used car buyers check the MOT expiry and maybe run an HPI check. But very few verify the factory specification, cross-reference the mileage timeline, or check whether the asking price reflects the actual spec level. These are the checks that separate informed buyers from people who overpay or get caught out.
Start with a free check on FactorySpecs. Enter the registration and you get the vehicle identity (make, model, colour, fuel type, engine size), MOT status and expiry, tax status, full MOT history with advisories and mileage at every test, and the last V5C date. This is free, instant, and requires no signup. It immediately tells you if the car exists, whether the MOT and tax are current, and whether the mileage pattern looks normal.
The seller says "full spec" or "loaded with extras." The VIN build record tells you what's actually fitted. A FactorySpecs report decodes the factory options with original prices, so you can see whether the car really has the premium pack, upgraded leather, and adaptive suspension the seller claims. Two identical-looking cars can differ by thousands in original specification.
Before committing, check for outstanding finance, stolen vehicle alerts, write-off history, plate changes, and mileage anomalies. A comprehensive HPI check is included in the full FactorySpecs report. If finance is found, do not complete the purchase until the seller provides a settlement letter from the lender.
Is the asking price fair? FactorySpecs provides live market valuations showing trade, private, dealer, and auction estimates. Compare the asking price against these benchmarks, factoring in the factory specification. A base model and a fully loaded version of the same car should not be the same price.
The finance check. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the lender can repossess it from you. You lose the car and your money. Always check before buying.
Yes. FactorySpecs combines factory option decoding, MOT history, mileage verification, live valuations, and full HPI checks in a single report. The free check covers identity, MOT, and tax. The full report adds everything else.
The MOT and tax check is free on FactorySpecs. A full report with factory options, valuations, and HPI starts from £7.95. Compared to the cost of buying the wrong car, it is the cheapest protection available.