AutoCheck in the UK holds live data on 31 million vehicles and over 90 million DVLA registration records. Their database currently holds over 8 million records for cars bought on HP or finance.

Looking at a few cars? With the cost of fuel soaring it can make economic sense to 'car data check' the car before leaving home, with this in mind we recommend buying 5 checks for £24.99

CREDIT CRUNCH WARNING - “Any one who thinks that they are getting a bargain should ask questions about the car’s authenticity.  Why are you getting it so cheap?  Does it have a history that you should be investigating?  The industry is reporting a dramatic increase in the number of people selling their cars without repaying the loans on them.  Will you be left out of pocket because the car still has unpaid finance on it?  Or worse still, could it be a car that is actually a write-off and deemed unroadworthy by insurers but sold on fraudulently to you?” Kirk Fletcher, Managing Director of Experian’s Automotive division

Voted 'Best Buy 2008' by AutoExpress

AutoExpress tested the top 8 car data check services, AutoCheck was voted 'best buy' 5 stars

Other UK car data check services

AA Car Data Check

Checks stolen, insurance write off, outstanding finance, valuation and mileage where possible plus all the usual DVLA checks plus CO2 emissions etc. It comes with up to £30k data insurance. Online price details...

HPI Check

Hire Purchase Investigations (HPI) was formed in 1938. They were the first to introduce this invaluable service and our many years of experience in the industry have made 'getting an HPI Check' a commonly used phrase. Checks stolen, insurance write off, outstanding finance, valuation and mileage where possible plus all the usual DVLA checks.

* Please see each respective websites for full terms and conditions

The advice from the Home Office is... "...you should check to make sure that the vehicle you are thinking of buying has not been stolen, seriously damaged or is still subject to finance"

A few years ago car background checks were originally only available to the trade but in recent years they have been made available to the public, with most people now having access to the internet the consumer has a choice of vehicle history check services so there's no excuse. In the U.S. it has long since been the case to check the history and vehicle's title deeds before parting with any cash, buyers that didn't then stood a good chance of buying a 'lemon'. With more UK buyers now pre-checking a vehicle before buying make sure you don't get caught out or stuck with someone else's problem. With 1 in 3 having some form of hidden history for the sake of a few pounds you're running the risk of losing your money, your sleep! or even your life if you buy a deathtrap. Don't risk it - get it checked first!

Further useful resources for the car buyer

How much will it cost to tax? - With new taxes on vehicle CO2 Emission taxing your new car could be more expensive than you think.

Search the make and model in the VED (Vehicle excise duty) calculator for exact CO2 emission price band here

This is the 2008 DVLA Vehicle excise duty rates form v149 - here...

Download the 2006 Car Theft Index - Published by the Home Office, 3826 cars are stolen every week! Details makes and models most at risk, an interesting read. Download in PDF (1.8MB) format here...

Citizens Advice Bureau - What the dealers would rather you didn't see! Great information on your rights when buying a used car - download here

VOSA Manufacturer Vehicle Recalls - Use this to see important recalls for your car, the franchised dealer will usually fix these for free here

DVLA - DVLA is warning motorists to be on the lookout for stolen V5C vehicle registration certificates when buying a used vehicle here

True Car Data Check stories from HPI™ - There are countless examples of people buying a dodgy car. Click the link to read some of their horror stories here...

Advertise your car online - TheCarPitch.com, get your car listed on all the major search engines, they're currently offering FREE advertising until sold. Well worth a look Free car ads ...

Car Buyers Guide - For a FREE Trading Standards Car Buyer's booklet produced in association with HPI, click the link (2.5MB) car buyers guide

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For more car data check options see our partner sites here
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Popular incoming links:
Car Data Check - Yahoo! Search Results
Car Data Checks - Google Search Results
Car Data Check - MSN Search Results