How to Check a Used Car's MOT History

One of the most powerful tools available to used car buyers in the UK is the government's MOT history checker. It is free, easy to use, and can reveal a huge amount about a car's past. Here is how to use it and what to look for.

How to Access the MOT History Checker

Go to the gov.uk website and search for MOT history checker. You will need the car's registration number and the document reference number from the V5C logbook. If you are viewing a car, the seller should be happy to provide these details. If they refuse, that is a red flag. The checker shows you all MOT results from 2005 onwards, including the mileage at each test.

Check the Mileage Pattern

The mileage reading on each MOT should increase steadily. A typical car does 8,000 to 15,000 miles per year. If the mileage jumped from 60,000 to 40,000 one year, the car has been clocked. If the mileage stayed the same for two years, the car may have been off the road or the owner had more than one car. If the mileage barely changes but the car has had several MOTs, it has been little used, which is fine but comes with its own issues like perished rubber seals.

Look at Failures and Advisories

The MOT history shows every failure and advisory item. A car that has never failed is a good sign, but do not ignore advisories. An advisory for worn brake pads one year that is still there the next year suggests the owner did not fix it. Repeated advisories for the same item, such as corroded brake pipes or worn suspension bushes, suggest the car has not been properly maintained.

Notice the Severity of Failures

Some failures are minor, like a blown bulb. Others are serious, like structural corrosion or brake failure. A car that has failed for serious structural issues is a car to avoid unless it has been properly repaired and the repair is documented. Dangerous failures are a major red flag, as they suggest the car was being driven in an unsafe condition.

Check the Test Station

See where the car has been tested. A car that has always been tested at the same garage may have a good relationship with that garage and be properly maintained. A car that has been tested at many different stations could be a sign that the owner moved around or that different sellers were getting MOTs done cheaply.

Use the Information When Negotiating

The MOT history gives you solid information to use in negotiation. If the car has an advisory for corroded brake pipes that will need replacing soon, that is a cost you will have to bear. Use it to justify a lower offer. If the car has a clean history with consistent mileage, that adds value and gives you confidence in the car.

At TRD Moters, we see cars of all MOT histories. If you need parts to sort out MOT failures or advisories, we can help. Visit us at Unit 15, Lilleshall Grange, Newport TF10 9HL or call 07721 551617.