You can check any car's MOT history for free. Here is how, what the results mean, and how to use them to make better buying decisions.
Full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs. No signup needed.
| Feature | CarCostCheck (Free) | Gov.uk MOT Checker | HPI (£19.99) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Every MOT test since 2005 | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Pass/fail results | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Advisory details | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Failure reasons | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Mileage readings plotted | ✓ (graph) | ✓ (list) | Basic |
| Mileage anomaly detection | ✓ (automatic) | ✗ (manual) | Basic |
| Reliability score | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Predicted repair costs | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Common faults for make/model | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Running cost estimate | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Insurance group | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| DVSA recall check | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Price | Free | Free | £19.99 |
Short answer: Enter any UK registration plate on CarCostCheck for a free, instant MOT history report with analysis. You will see every test since 2005, mileage verification, reliability score, advisory cost predictions, and common faults. No sign-up, no email, no catches. The government checker at check-mot.service.gov.uk shows raw data only.
Check Any Car Free, Right Now
Enter a reg plate below. Full MOT history, mileage check, reliability score, and running costs in seconds.
The government checker and CarCostCheck both use the same DVSA database. The difference is that CarCostCheck analyses the data to give you actionable insights, while the government site gives you raw test results that you need to interpret yourself.
A pass means the car met the minimum legal standards on the test date. A fail means it did not. One or two failures over a car's lifetime is normal, especially for older vehicles. Multiple consecutive failures suggest poor maintenance.
Advisories are items the mechanic noticed but that have not yet deteriorated enough to fail the test. These are your crystal ball for future costs. Common advisories and what they mean:
| Advisory | What It Means | Typical Cost When It Fails |
|---|---|---|
| Brake disc worn but above limit | Brakes need replacing soon | £300-600 |
| Tyre tread depth approaching limit | New tyres needed soon | £60-150 per tyre |
| Suspension arm bush worn | Suspension component deteriorating | £150-400 |
| Slight oil leak | Engine seal wearing, monitor | £100-500 depending on source |
| Exhaust corroded | Exhaust may need replacing | £150-500 |
| Anti-roll bar linkage worn | Suspension component | £80-200 |
CarCostCheck automatically calculates the estimated cost of all current advisories, so you do not need to research each one individually.
Try It Yourself
See everything we check for free. No sign-up, no email, instant results.
Every MOT records the odometer reading. In a genuine car, mileage increases steadily at roughly 8,000-12,000 miles per year for an average driver. CarCostCheck plots these on a graph, making anomalies obvious:
Enter any reg below for a free MOT history, mileage check, and running costs. Takes 5 seconds, no signup.
Data from DVSA and DVLA. Used by thousands of UK car buyers.
A clean MOT history does not guarantee a good car, but a bad one is a reliable warning. Here is how to use it:
CarCostCheck is not just a cheaper version of HPI. It is a fundamentally better product that happens to cost 75% less. Here is what you get that HPI does not offer at any price:
The premium history check (£4.99) uses the same Experian database as HPI, AA, and RAC. You get identical stolen, finance, and write-off data. The complete bundle (history + valuation) is £6.99, still 65% cheaper than HPI's basic check.
Ready to Check a Car?
12 checks included free. Premium stolen, finance, and write-off checks for just £4.99. Market valuation from £2.99.
Enter any reg plate for a free MOT history, mileage check, health score, and running costs. No signup needed.
Used by thousands of UK car buyers. Data from DVSA and DVLA.
Example report preview
2019 Ford Fiesta
1.0 EcoBoost, Petrol, Manual
82
Grade A
£2,450
per year
Pass
MOT status
42k
Mileage
This is what you'll see. Try it with YOUR car:
12 free checks included. Premium history from £4.99. Valuation from £2.99.