Car History Explained
Clear explanations of what different checks mean and how to understand a car history report.
Car history reports contain a lot of information, and it's not always obvious what each section means or why it matters. These guides break down the terminology, explain what different checks cover, and help you interpret results with confidence.
Longer articles are listed first. Shorter “what does … mean?” definitions are grouped by topic below.
How-to guides
Practical step-by-step walk-throughs for pre-purchase checks.
Used car buying advice
Decision guides, checklists and scam awareness for used car buyers.
Longer articles: car history reports and buying advice
In-depth pieces on reading reports, limits of checks, and buying decisions.
Short definitions by topic
Write-off categories and insurance
Finance and ownership
Mileage and usage
MOT and roadworthiness
- What does MOT advisory mean?
- What does MOT failure mean?
- Missing MOT history / lookup by registration: use the free MOT check (includes an FAQ on no MOT history).