The Riskey Used Car Buying Guide

Buying a used car involves more than checking the registration and hoping for the best. The Riskey Used Car Buying Guide explains vehicle history, MOT records, common mechanical risks and the checks that help you make a more informed decision before you buy.

Vehicle History Checks Explained

The History Check is one of the most important steps in any used car purchase. Understanding what each part of the check covers — and what a marker actually means — helps you ask the right questions before committing.

Outstanding Finance Checks ExplainedWhat outstanding finance means, why the lender may still have a legal claim, and what to check before buying.Read the guide →Insurance Write-Off Categories ExplainedCat A, B, S and N explained in plain English — what each category means and what to look for.Read the guide →Stolen Vehicle Checks ExplainedWhy stolen vehicles appear for sale, what cloning means and what to do if a stolen marker is returned.Read the guide →Mileage Checks and Clocking ExplainedHow MOT mileage records build a timeline, what patterns may indicate clocking and how to cross-check.Read the guide →Keeper History, Plate Changes and Colour Changes ExplainedHow to interpret the number of previous keepers, what plate and colour changes mean, and what to ask.Read the guide →Vehicle Identity and Cloning Checks ExplainedWhy the registration, VIN, V5C and recorded details must all agree — and what cloning looks like.Read the guide →

MOT and Viewing Guides

A guide to reading MOT history properly — what patterns and advisories actually mean, and a practical viewing checklist covering what to inspect before agreeing a price.

Coming soon

Engine Buying Guides

Individual guides to common UK car engines — covering known issues, service requirements and what to look for when buying a vehicle fitted with that engine.

Coming soon

Check the vehicle before you commit

Enter the registration to check the vehicle's recorded history and get practical guidance on what to inspect, what may need attention next and whether the asking price makes sense.

Run a history check