Condition reports
Every check shown, only when it is done.
Each lot shows five checks. A tick appears only when that check has really been carried out for that car, and every condition report says where its information came from.
- 01
Identity
The VIN and registration on the car are matched against the V5C, keys are counted and the mileage is recorded.
- 02
DVLA
The official DVLA record: make, colour, first registration date, tax and MOT status.
- 03
HPI
A history check for outstanding finance, theft, write-off, scrapping and mileage discrepancies.
- 04
MOT
The car's MOT history from the DVSA, including mileage at each test, failures and advisories.
- 05
Inspection
A physical inspection by our team: bodywork, interior, electrics, engine, underside and tyres, with a road test where the car is driveable.
Heritage Inspection
This seal appears only on cars our team has physically inspected. A physical inspection is carried out only when the lot says so, and the lot then shows the inspection date, what was checked and what was found. A Checked by Heritage badge means the car has a dated Heritage inspection report on its page.
Many lots are described from the seller's details and official DVLA and DVSA records instead. Those lots are marked “Not physically inspected”, their reports say so at the top, and they do not carry this seal or the badge.
Read the source line on every report before you bid. If you have a question about a car, ask us and we answer from the file.
What a report is, and is not
- It describes the car on the date it was prepared. Used cars show wear consistent with their age and mileage.
- It is part of the description of the car you buy, together with the photos and documents on the lot.
- It is not a guarantee of future condition or a substitute for a full mechanical survey.
- Documentary checks (the DVLA record, MOT history and the HPI history check) do not establish every aspect of a car's condition or legal history.
- Known faults and damage are disclosed on the listing and photographed where practicable. If you find something at handover that differs from the listing, tell us straight away.
- No seal or badge removes the rights you have as a consumer.
See the checks on a real car
Open any lot to see which checks are complete and where its report came from.