How to read a car history report if you've never bought a car before

Most car history reports begin with a summary or overview section. This provides a quick snapshot of any major issues or risks. Look for clear indicators of problems, such as outstanding finance, stolen status, or write-off records.

The summary should highlight critical issues that require immediate attention. If the summary shows any financial or legal risks, such as outstanding finance or stolen status, these are typically deal-breakers. Do not proceed with the purchase if these are flagged.

If the summary shows no critical issues, you can proceed to review the detailed sections. However, always verify the summary by checking the detailed sections, as summaries may not capture every nuance.

Financial and legal sections show risks that could result in losing the vehicle or facing legal consequences. These sections typically include outstanding finance, stolen status, and scrapped records.

Outstanding finance means there is an active loan or hire purchase agreement on the vehicle. If finance remains unpaid, the finance company may repossess the vehicle even after you purchase it. Look for clear statements about whether finance is present and whether it has been settled.

Stolen status shows whether the vehicle is currently listed as stolen in police databases. If it is, do not purchase it. Scrapped status shows whether the vehicle has been recorded as scrapped or dismantled. Scrapped vehicles should not be on the road. If any of these are flagged, do not proceed with the purchase.

Damage history sections reveal past incidents that may affect safety, value, or structural integrity. These sections typically include write-off records and import history. Colour changes are also included in this section and show 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.

Write-off records show if an insurance company has declared the vehicle a total loss. The category matters: Cat A and Cat B vehicles must be scrapped. Cat S and Cat N vehicles can be repaired and returned to the road, but you should verify repairs were completed properly. If a write-off is shown, understand what category it is and whether repairs have been verified.

Import history shows if the vehicle was originally registered overseas. This may affect specifications or maintenance requirements. Colour changes show if the vehicle has been repainted. These are not necessarily deal-breakers but should be considered when assessing value and safety.

Usage and mileage sections show how the vehicle has been used over time. These sections typically include mileage records, MOT history, and MOT advisories.

Mileage records show recorded mileage at different points in time, such as during MOT tests. Look for consistent progression over time. If mileage decreases or shows unusual patterns, this may indicate tampering. Mileage discrepancy warnings indicate inconsistencies between different records, which can indicate fraud.

MOT history shows pass and fail results over time. A consistent pass history suggests good maintenance. Multiple failures or recurring advisories may indicate ongoing issues. Review the timeline to understand maintenance and roadworthiness trends.

Ownership and identity sections verify that the vehicle is what it claims to be. These sections typically include previous owner counts, ownership timing, and vehicle identity verification.

Previous owner information shows how many keepers have registered the vehicle and when ownership changes occurred. Unusual turnover patterns, such as multiple owners in a short period, may signal problems. However, this is more of a warning sign than a deal-breaker.

Vehicle identity verification confirms that VIN, VRM, make, model, and other identifiers match across all records. Identity mismatches are serious and can indicate fraud or cloning. If identity mismatches are found, do not proceed with the purchase.

If you find financial or legal issues, such as outstanding finance, stolen status, or scrapped records, do not proceed with the purchase. These are non-negotiable risks that can result in losing the vehicle or facing legal consequences.

If you find damage history issues, such as write-offs, assess whether the damage affects your decision. Verify that repairs were completed properly, especially for Cat S or Cat N vehicles. Consider whether the damage history affects the vehicle's value or safety.

If you find usage or ownership issues, such as mileage discrepancies or unusual ownership patterns, investigate further. Mileage discrepancies are significant fraud risks. Unusual ownership patterns may warrant caution but are not necessarily deal-breakers.

If you are unsure how to interpret something in the report, seek advice from someone experienced with car purchases, or contact the report provider for clarification. It is better to ask questions than to proceed with uncertainty.

Read the report systematically, starting with the summary and then reviewing each section in order. Do not skip sections, as each provides important information. Take your time to understand what each piece of information means.

Look for clear warnings or flags that indicate problems. Most reports use visual indicators, such as red flags or warning symbols, to highlight critical issues. Pay attention to these indicators.

If terminology is unclear, refer to the report's glossary or help sections. Many reports include explanations of terms and what they mean. Understanding the terminology helps you interpret the results correctly.

Remember that a car history report shows recorded information from official databases. It does not show everything about the vehicle, such as private service history or current mechanical condition. A professional mechanical inspection is still recommended.

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