It’s easier than ever to shop for a used car online in today’s digital age—or more confusing. With thousands of listings on Auto Trader, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and dealer websites, the temptation is to just go for it.
But before you press “Message Seller” or “Reserve Now,” pause.
Not every car that looks like a good buy will be one. There can be hidden finance, crash damage, or clocked mileage behind shining pictures. It’s why savvy buyers always start with a vehicle history check. It’s a speedy, affordable way of finding out if a car’s ever been nicked, written off, or left under finance—and hence steering clear of some of the most common and costly traps in the used-car world.
Whether you’re buying your first motor or trading up for bargain prices, this guide will help you remotely check a car and buy with confidence—without even having to get up from the sofa.
1. Know What You Want Before You Search
Specifying what you want before surfing through dozens of adverts means you won’t fall for a shiny bargain that completely doesn’t suit your lifestyle.
Ask yourself:
- What’s my total budget (tax, insurance, servicing included)?
- Do I need petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric?
- Manual or auto?
- Will I be driving mostly in town or on motorways?
- What are my “must-haves”? (e.g. Bluetooth, rear sensors, sat-nav)
With your checklist in mind, you can cut through the noise and look at cars that actually work for you.
2. Stay on Trusted Platforms
Where you shop counts. Larger websites like Auto Trader, Cazoo, or Motors.co.uk are more honest, have consumer reviews, and better search tools. They also tend to have stricter listing criteria, especially for traders.
It doesn’t mean private sales on Facebook or Gumtree can’t be relied on—just double check. Private sales usually offer fairer prices, but fewer protections.
3. Read Listings Properly and Look Out for Red Flags
Once you’ve seen a car that appears to be worth looking at, don’t jump in. Read the advertisement like a detective.
Look for:
- Service history outlined (ideally “full” or “part service history”)
- Reasonable mileage for the age of the vehicle
- Confirmation the V5C logbook is present
- Details of previous owners or accidents
Then, take a glance at the photos:
- Are they taken in daylight hours, from multiple angles?
- Is the number plate clear (necessary for checks)?
- Are there interior, boot, and engine bay photographs?
If it’s all woolly, missing, or overly processed—it’s alright to ask questions or leave.
4. Conduct a Vehicle History Check (Even Before Calling the Seller)
Can’t say it strongly enough: do a vehicle history check first. It could well stop you buying a car that:
- Has been nicked
- Has finance owing on it
- Was written off after an accident
- Has been exported or scrapped
- Has dubious mileage history
- Is on a cloned plate
Car Owl’s vehicle history check takes seconds to do. Pop in the reg number, and you’ll get instant sight of everything the salesman isn’t explaining to you.
It’s a relatively minor price for peace of mind.
5. No Reg Number? No Fuss—Run a VIN Check
Occasionally, sellers try to obscure the number plate in the pictures, or you are considering imports, auction lots, or trade sales which are unplated. Don’t worry—you can still make your inquiries.
Every motor vehicle has a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)—a unique 17-digit number usually found:
- Under the bonnet
- On the windscreen (bottom corner)
- On the driver-side door frame
- In the V5C logbook or service book
With that figure, you can carry out a VIN check through Car Owl and see the complete vehicle history—even if the vehicle isn’t registered.
It’s especially useful if you’re buying a car still in transit or advertised without plates. A VIN check gives you:
- Accident/write-off history
- Mileage checks
- Outstanding finance
- Import/export status
- Stolen car reports
It’s a smart thing to do when you’re handling something out of the norm or off the beaten path.
6. Verify the MOT History Online
Even if the MOT certificate is shown in the photos, don’t rely on paperwork alone. It’s easy to fake or misplace. Instead, run a quick MOT history check online.
With this, you’ll see:
- Past MOT results
- Mileage at each test (to spot clocking)
- Advisory notes (e.g. tyres wearing thin, brake pads low)
- Any pattern of failures
A tidy MOT record and average mileage on a car is usually a good indication it’s been properly looked after.
Conversely, repeated advisory stamps or a long chain of fails can point to neglect—and expensive problems waiting in the wings.
7. Ask the Right Questions Before Booking a Viewing
Once the car has passed all your online examination, it’s time to message the seller. Don’t ask merely if it’s “still available,” though—drill deeper:
- Has the car ever been in an accident?
- Is there any finance left on it?
- Do you have the V5C logbook and service history?
- When was the last servicing done?
- Any issues not mentioned in the advert?
These questions do two things: they show you’re a serious buyer, and they help determine whether the seller is honest and well-informed.
8. Don’t Send a Deposit Until You’re Sure
Some online sellers will ask for a holding deposit to reserve the car. This can be normal with trusted dealers—but be wary with private sellers.
Only send money if:
- You’ve verified the vehicle history
- The seller provides full ID and proof of ownership
- You’re confident it’s a genuine, trustworthy sale
Scammers often pressure buyers with “I’ve got other interest” tactics. If something feels off, walk away—there are plenty of other cars.
9. Use Video Calls to Inspect the Car Remotely
Can’t view the car in person yet? Ask the seller for a live video call walkaround.
During the call, have them:
- Start the engine (listen for rattles or clunks)
- Point to the dashboard (check warning lights)
- Zoom in on body panels, tyres, and interior wear and tear
- Highlight the VIN number and documents
It’s not a replacement for an actual inspection, but it’s the next best thing—especially if you’re purchasing from out of town.
10. If In Doubt, Get an Independent Inspection
If everything seems fine but you’d still like to be sure, get a mobile mechanic inspection. Most firms will come on-site and give you a full report.
It’s a good option if you’re buying a car worth thousands—or just want that little extra protection before you buy.
Final Thoughts: Online Car Shopping Made Easy
Buying an old car online does not necessarily have to be a gamble. With the right checks and precautions, it can be a smoother, more assured process than buying in person.
Here’s your quick guide:
✅ Start with a vehicle history check
✅ Use a VIN check if you don’t have the reg
✅ Do an MOT history check to verify mileage and maintenance
✅ Ask smart questions and don’t rush the process. Thanks to these online tools, you don’t need to be a mechanic to buy a car online safely—you just need to be smart.
