Car history checks vs mechanical inspections: what each is for

Car history checks show recorded information from official UK databases about past events and risks. They cover financial and legal risks, such as outstanding finance, stolen status, and scrapped records. They show damage history, such as write-offs and imports. They show colour changes, which indicate if the vehicle has been repainted and the change was reported to the DVLA. A colour change only appears in records if the whole vehicle was resprayed. They show usage indicators, such as mileage records and MOT history. They show ownership and identity information.

History checks draw from multiple official databases, including the Police National Computer, DVLA records, finance company databases, insurance industry databases, and MOT test records. They show what is recorded in these databases, not necessarily everything that has happened to the vehicle.

History checks help identify risks that may not be visible during a physical inspection. For example, outstanding finance or stolen status cannot be determined by looking at the vehicle, but they can be identified through database checks. History checks complement but do not replace mechanical inspections.

Mechanical inspections assess the current physical condition of the vehicle. A qualified mechanic examines the vehicle's components, systems, and overall condition. This includes the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, steering, electrical systems, bodywork, and interior.

Inspections identify current problems, wear, damage, and potential future issues. They assess whether components are in good working order, whether repairs are needed, and whether the vehicle is safe to drive. They can also identify signs of previous damage or repairs that may not be recorded in official databases.

Mechanical inspections provide information about current condition that history checks cannot provide. They assess what the vehicle is like now, not what has happened in the past. They complement but do not replace history checks.

History checks cannot assess current mechanical condition. They show recorded information about past events, but they cannot tell you whether the engine, transmission, brakes, or other components are currently in good working order. A vehicle with a clean history check may still have mechanical problems.

Mechanical inspections cannot identify financial or legal risks. They cannot show outstanding finance, stolen status, or scrapped records. They cannot show write-off history, mileage discrepancies, or ownership patterns. These risks can only be identified through database checks.

Neither check can show everything. History checks can only show what is recorded in official databases. Mechanical inspections can only assess what is visible and testable during the inspection. Both have limitations, which is why they should be used together.

History checks and mechanical inspections serve different purposes and provide different types of information. Using both together provides a more complete picture of the vehicle than using either alone.

A clean history check is positive, but it does not guarantee current mechanical condition. A vehicle with no recorded issues may still have mechanical problems that require attention. A mechanical inspection identifies current condition that history checks cannot show.

A good mechanical inspection is positive, but it does not identify financial or legal risks. A vehicle in excellent mechanical condition may still have outstanding finance or be recorded as stolen. A history check identifies risks that mechanical inspections cannot show.

Together, history checks and mechanical inspections provide comprehensive coverage of both recorded risks and current condition. This helps buyers make informed decisions based on complete information.

Use a history check early in your assessment, before committing to purchase. It identifies financial and legal risks that should prevent purchase, regardless of mechanical condition. If the history check shows outstanding finance, stolen status, or scrapped records, do not proceed with the purchase.

Use a mechanical inspection after the history check, if you are still considering the vehicle. It assesses current condition and identifies problems that may require attention. If the mechanical inspection reveals significant issues, you can factor this into your decision or negotiation.

Use both checks together for a complete assessment. The history check identifies recorded risks, and the mechanical inspection assesses current condition. Together, they provide the information needed to make an informed purchase decision.

History checks are typically less expensive than mechanical inspections, but both are relatively small investments compared to the value of a used car purchase. The cost of discovering a major issue after purchase far exceeds the cost of both checks combined.

If budget is limited, prioritise the history check first, as it identifies risks that should prevent purchase. If the history check is clean, then consider a mechanical inspection to assess current condition. Both checks provide value, but the history check should come first.

Remember that both checks are investments in making an informed decision. The small cost of both checks is worth the comprehensive information they provide. Skipping either check creates blind spots that can lead to costly mistakes.

For detailed information about specific checks, see the vehicle check guides.