Vehicle Check Glossary

A finance agreement may still be registered against the vehicle, such as hire purchase, personal contract purchase or another secured agreement.

The seller may not yet have the right to transfer clear ownership. A finance provider could retain an interest in the vehicle.

Ask the seller for settlement evidence and independently confirm the agreement has been cleared before paying for the vehicle.

Shown within the vehicle finance section when finance data is available.

A participating data source has recorded the vehicle or its identity as stolen.

A stolen vehicle normally remains the property of its lawful owner or insurer. A buyer could lose both the vehicle and the money paid.

Do not proceed until the marker has been investigated. Compare the VIN, registration, V5C and seller details carefully.

Displayed in the stolen vehicle checks when relevant data is returned.

An insurer has treated the vehicle as a total loss because repair was uneconomical, unsafe or inappropriate compared with its value.

Some write-offs may legally return to the road after repair, while others must never return. Previous damage can affect safety, value and insurance.

Confirm the category, inspect repair evidence and consider an independent mechanical or structural inspection.

Shown in the insurance write-off section with the recorded category and available dates.

The vehicle is classed as waste. The entire vehicle, including reusable parts, should be destroyed.

A Category A vehicle must not be repaired or returned to the road.

Do not buy a Category A vehicle for road use.

The recorded category is highlighted within the write-off history.

The main body shell must be destroyed, although some safe components may be recovered for reuse.

The vehicle itself must not return to the road, even though certain parts may be salvaged.

Do not buy a Category B vehicle for road use.

The recorded category is highlighted within the write-off history.

The vehicle suffered damage to a structural part but may be repaired and returned to the road.

The quality and accuracy of structural repairs are important for safety, alignment and future value.

Request repair invoices, photographs and an independent inspection by a suitably qualified professional.

Shown as a structural insurance write-off where the marker is available.

The vehicle was written off with damage not classed as structural, although safety-related components may still have been affected.

Non-structural does not mean minor. Steering, brakes, suspension, electronics or other important systems may have required repair.

Examine the repair history and obtain an independent inspection before purchase.

Shown as a non-structural insurance write-off where the marker is available.

The vehicle has previously appeared in salvage or damaged-vehicle records, such as a salvage auction listing.

A salvage record may reveal earlier damage that is not obvious from the current condition or advert.

Review available dates, descriptions and images, then compare them with the vehicle and repair paperwork.

Displayed in the salvage history section when matching records are found.

The vehicle has been recorded as scrapped or destroyed.

A genuinely scrapped vehicle should not normally be offered for ordinary road use.

Do not proceed unless the record has been investigated and corrected by the appropriate authority.

Shown in the important status checks when a scrapped record is returned.

The vehicle was first used or registered outside the UK before being registered here.

Specification, service records, mileage units, warranty, emissions information and parts availability may differ from a UK-supplied vehicle.

Check foreign documentation, registration history, VIN, speedometer units and evidence of UK compliance.

An import marker is displayed when supplied by the vehicle data source.

The vehicle has been recorded as permanently exported from the UK.

An exported marker may conflict with a vehicle currently being offered for normal UK road use.

Ask the seller to explain the status and verify the current registration position with DVLA.

An export status is shown when present in the registration data.

The vehicle has previously used one or more different registration numbers.

Plate changes are often legitimate, particularly for personalised registrations, but earlier plates may hold relevant history.

Ask the seller about the changes and make sure available history follows the vehicle across its previous registrations.

The report may show the number of plate changes, previous registrations and recorded dates.

The colour recorded for the vehicle has been changed with the registration authority.

A legitimate respray or wrap may explain the change, but buyers should make sure the current vehicle matches its documents.

Compare the current colour with the V5C and inspect concealed areas for evidence of the previous finish or accident repair.

Colour history is shown when change records are available.

The MOT is a statutory roadworthiness test for most vehicles once they reach the applicable age.

It records the condition of specified safety and environmental items at the time of the test. It is not a guarantee of the vehicle's condition after that date.

Review the current status, expiry date, complete test history and recurring defects. Historic-vehicle exemptions may apply in limited circumstances.

Current MOT status and available historical tests are displayed in the MOT sections.

An item noticed during an MOT that was not serious enough to cause failure at that test.

Advisories may indicate wear, deterioration or maintenance that could soon require attention and expense.

Look for repeated advisories and ask whether the work has since been completed.

Advisories are listed against the relevant MOT test where supplied.

A defect serious enough to cause the vehicle to fail its MOT.

The defect must normally be repaired before a pass certificate can be issued.

Review the later retest or pass and request evidence showing how the problem was repaired.

Major defects are shown within the detailed record for the failed test.

A defect regarded as an immediate risk to road safety or as having a serious environmental effect.

Driving a vehicle with a dangerous defect can be unsafe and may be unlawful, regardless of an earlier MOT expiry date.

Confirm the defect was correctly repaired before the vehicle returned to use.

Dangerous defects are clearly identified in the detailed MOT history.

A chronological record of odometer readings gathered from MOT tests and any other available sources.

The pattern helps a buyer understand usage and identify readings that do not follow the expected progression.

Compare the latest displayed mileage with the report, service history, invoices and dashboard.

Mileage readings are shown in the mileage chart and detailed MOT records.

A recorded reading is lower than an earlier reading or otherwise conflicts with the expected mileage sequence.

It may indicate an input mistake, odometer replacement, unit conversion issue or deliberate mileage alteration.

Do not assume clocking from one reading alone. Compare dates, units, service records, invoices and later MOT entries.

Potential inconsistencies are highlighted alongside the underlying mileage records.

An isolated mileage value appears inconsistent with surrounding readings and may have been entered incorrectly.

A single unusual entry is not proof that a vehicle has been clocked.

Read the MOT records around the date, compare later readings and ask for supporting service documentation.

The online report may show neutral buyer advice when the pattern resembles an isolated recording error.

Two or more MOT records appear for the vehicle on the same calendar day.

This can happen when a vehicle fails and is retested quickly, or when separate records are created during the testing process.

Open the detailed records for that date and compare the result, mileage and defect lists.

A same-day MOT notice may identify the affected years and direct you to the detailed records.

The person or organisation recorded by DVLA as responsible for registering and taxing the vehicle.

The registered keeper is not necessarily the legal owner.

Confirm that the seller is entitled to sell the vehicle and compare their details with the V5C and other ownership evidence.

Keeper dates and counts may be displayed where that information is available.

The person or organisation with legal title to the vehicle.

A finance company, leasing company, employer or another party may own a vehicle even when someone else is its registered keeper.

Use the V5C, purchase documents and finance information together rather than treating the V5C as proof of ownership.

A history report can identify risks such as outstanding finance, but it does not by itself prove the seller's legal title.

The number of earlier registered keepers recorded for the vehicle.

The count provides context about ownership history but does not by itself prove good or poor condition.

Consider how quickly the vehicle changed keepers and ask the seller about unusually short periods.

The report may show the keeper count and latest available keeper-change dates.

The DVLA vehicle registration certificate containing details about the vehicle and registered keeper.

It helps confirm identity and registration details, but the document states that it is not proof of ownership.

Inspect the original document, reference number, issue date, VIN, registration and seller details before purchase.

Relevant registration details can be compared with the physical V5C.

The date on which the current V5C registration certificate was issued.

A recent issue date may have an innocent explanation, such as a keeper or address change, but should match the document presented.

Compare the date shown in the report with the date printed on the V5C.

The latest available V5C issue date may appear in the ownership or registration section.

The Vehicle Identification Number is the unique identifier assigned to the vehicle by its manufacturer.

A mismatched, altered or missing VIN can indicate identity problems, cloning or serious documentation issues.

Compare VIN locations on the vehicle with the V5C and the characters supplied in the report.

For security, the report may display only the final characters of the recorded VIN.

A manufacturer-assigned identifier for the engine fitted to the vehicle.

It can help identify an engine replacement or a mismatch between the vehicle and its recorded specification.

Compare the physical engine number with available documents where practical, particularly on unusual or high-value vehicles.

The engine number is displayed in vehicle specifications when supplied by the data provider.

The date the vehicle was first registered for road use in the relevant registration records.

It affects age-related matters such as MOT timing, tax treatment, emissions standards and valuation.

Compare the date with the V5C, number plate age identifier and seller's description.

Shown in the vehicle identity or registration details.

A Q-prefix registration is generally used where a vehicle's age or identity cannot be established in the normal way.

Kit-built, heavily modified, reconstructed or uncertain-identity vehicles may require more investigation and can be harder to value or insure.

Review the vehicle's build, inspection and registration documents and speak with the insurer before purchase.

The registration number and available identity information will be shown, but some normal specification data may be limited.

Vehicle Excise Duty is the tax that normally has to be arranged for a vehicle used or kept on a public road.

Tax does not transfer to a new keeper. Rates and rules depend on factors including registration date, emissions and vehicle type.

Confirm the current status and check the latest applicable rate through GOV.UK before using the vehicle.

The report may show current tax status, expiry information and indicative VED values where available.

A Statutory Off Road Notification records that a vehicle is being kept off public roads and is not currently taxed for ordinary road use.

A SORN does not transfer to a buyer, and the vehicle cannot normally be driven or kept on a public road until correctly taxed.

Arrange tax before road use and make appropriate transport arrangements for an untaxed vehicle.

SORN or untaxed status may appear in the tax section.

A European classification describing the emissions limits the vehicle was designed to meet when approved.

The Euro standard is often used when assessing access to low-emission and clean-air zones.

Use the official checker for the particular zone because registration dates alone do not guarantee the result.

The recorded Euro status is shown in vehicle specifications when available.

A defined Scottish city area where vehicles must meet specified emissions requirements unless an exemption applies.

Entering a Scottish LEZ in a non-compliant vehicle may result in a penalty notice.

Check the registration with the official Scottish LEZ service before travelling because local boundaries and exemptions matter.

The report may provide an indicative Scotland LEZ result based on available vehicle information.

ULEZ and Clean Air Zone schemes use emissions information to decide whether a vehicle can enter without a charge or penalty.

Rules differ between locations, vehicle classes and exemptions.

Confirm compliance using the official checker for the exact area before travel.

Indicative ULEZ or CAZ information may be shown where supported by the data.

A rating commonly used by insurers to help assess the likely cost and risk of insuring a particular vehicle version.

A higher group can contribute to a higher premium, but insurers also consider the driver, location, use and claims history.

Obtain an insurance quotation for the exact registration before agreeing to buy.

The recorded insurance group may appear in the vehicle specifications.

An estimate of the vehicle's value in different sale situations, often adjusted for age and estimated mileage.

Condition, service history, specification, location, damage history and market demand can move the real price above or below an estimate.

Compare several similar vehicles and inspect the actual condition before relying on any valuation.

Full reports may provide available dealer, private, trade or auction valuation guidance.

Brake horsepower is a commonly used measure of engine or motor power.

It helps compare performance, but does not describe how strongly or smoothly the vehicle delivers that power.

Confirm that the specification matches the exact model and derivative rather than relying only on the registration advert.

BHP may appear in the performance and technical specification sections.

Torque measures rotational force and is commonly quoted in newton metres or pound-feet.

It influences pulling power and how strongly a vehicle accelerates, especially from lower engine speeds.

Treat performance figures as model-based guidance and confirm the exact engine derivative.

Standard and estimated remapped torque figures may appear where suitable data is available.

Battery capacity describes stored energy, while range estimates how far an electric vehicle may travel before charging.

Actual range changes with temperature, speed, driving style, load, battery health and use of heating or air conditioning.

Ask about battery health, charging history, warranty, connector type and real-world use rather than relying on one range figure.

Battery capacity, charging and range information may appear when data is available for the exact electric model.