6. "Is the V5C in your name at this address?"
Why: If the V5C is in someone else's name, the seller may not have the legal right to sell the car.
Red flag: "It is in the post" or "my mate is selling it for me."
7. "Can I see the full service history?"
Why: A stamped service book with consistent entries shows the car has been maintained.
Verify: Cross-reference service book mileage entries with MOT mileage readings on your CarCostCheck report.
8. "When was the timing belt last changed?"
Why: If the car has a timing belt (not chain), replacement is due every 60,000-100,000 miles and costs £400-800. A snapped belt destroys the engine.
Verify: Should be documented in the service history. If not, budget for it.
9. "Are there any known faults or things that need fixing?"
Why: An honest seller will disclose issues. Compare their answer to the MOT advisories in your report.
Verify: If the CarCostCheck report shows advisories the seller did not mention, ask about them specifically.
10. "Has any bodywork been repaired or repainted?"
Why: Professional-looking repairs may be hiding accident damage.
Verify: Check panel gaps and paint consistency during your physical inspection.
11. "Can I see the car start from cold?"
Why: Cold starts reveal problems that disappear once the engine is warm. Blue smoke (worn seals), white smoke (head gasket), rough idle (injectors), and warning lights.
Red flag: The seller has already warmed the car up before you arrive.
12. "Can I take it for a test drive on different roads?"
Why: You need to test at varying speeds, on bumpy roads (suspension), and with braking (should stop straight).
Red flag: Seller insists on a short route or specific roads only.
13. "Are both keys available?"
Why: A replacement key for a modern car costs £200-500. Only one key may indicate the car was stolen or repossessed.
14. "When is the MOT due?"
Why: A car with an MOT expiring next week may need work to pass. You already know the answer from your CarCostCheck report.
Verify: The free report shows the exact MOT expiry date.
15. "How long have you owned it?"
Why: Short ownership (under 6 months) combined with selling at a loss can indicate problems discovered after purchase.
Verify: The premium report shows keeper change dates.
CarCostCheck is not just a cheaper version of HPI. As well as the history check, it helps you judge whether a car will be a good one to own. Here is what you get that HPI does not offer at any price:
- Market valuation from £2.99, based on live UK dealer listings. See the local dealer value for your car and how quickly similar cars sell near you.
- Estimated vehicle lifespan: An estimate of how many years the car has left on UK roads and the probability of it still being on the road in 12 months.
- Insurance costs by age: See estimated annual premiums for drivers aged 20, 30, 40, and 50. Budget before you buy.
- Running cost breakdown: Annual fuel, road tax, MOT, predicted repairs, and total cost per month. All calculated for this specific car.
- Reliability score (0-100): one number based on the car's MOT record, including its pass rate, recent failures, advisory trend and mileage. Free.
- Common faults: the problems that keep coming up in the car's own MOT history. Free.
- 12 free checks: Full MOT history, mileage verification, reliability score, running costs, fuel costs, red flag alerts, common faults, recall check, ULEZ compliance, tax and MOT status, and more. All before you pay a penny.
The premium history check (£4.99) uses the same Experian database as HPI, AA, and RAC. You get the same core checks: stolen, outstanding finance and write-off. 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.
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