Selling your car? What buyers will check
Buyers can look up your car's full MOT history from the registration number, often before they call you. Knowing what they'll see helps you answer questions honestly and price the car fairly.
What buyers will see online
- Every MOT result, including failures and the faults recorded.
- Advisories, especially at the most recent test.
- The mileage at each test, which they'll compare with your advert.
- Whether the car is taxed and when the MOT runs out.
See what buyers will see
Free: every MOT, every defect explained in plain English, mileage, tax and ULEZ.
Get ready before you advertise
- Check your own car's MOT history so nothing in it surprises you.
- Deal with advisories from the last test if you can, and keep the receipts to show buyers.
- Gather the V5C logbook, service history, MOT certificates and both keys.
- Make sure the mileage in your advert matches the car.
- Mention any recorded failures or known issues in the advert. Buyers will find them anyway, and being upfront builds trust.
Questions buyers often ask
- How long have you owned it, and why are you selling?
- What work has been done on the advisories from the last MOT?
- Is there any finance owing on the car?
- Has it ever been in an accident or written off?
When you've sold it
- Tell DVLA you've sold the car straight away, online or using the V5C. Any full months of tax left are refunded automatically.
- Give the buyer the new keeper slip from the V5C.
- Cancel or transfer your insurance.
- If you want to keep a private number plate, apply to keep it before you sell.
MOT defects mentioned here
More guides
General information for buying or selling a used car in Great Britain, not advice about a particular car. Rules can change: check GOV.UK for the latest on tax, MOTs and selling a vehicle, and have any car you're buying inspected by a qualified mechanic.