Car Buying Blog

Expert advice, guides, and insights to help you make informed decisions when buying a used car

Showing 11 articles

Flood-damaged cars UK repair guide: mechanic assessing a waterlogged car engine bay showing water damage, corroded wiring and ECU alongside a write-off category checklist

How to Repair Flood Damaged Cars in the UK: 2026 Cost Guide

Can you repair flood damaged cars? The answer depends on water depth, duration and which systems were affected. This guide covers common problems with flooded cars, write-off categories (Cat S/N), typical UK repair costs and how to spot flood damage when buying a used car.

Michael Davies

21 Oct 2026, 1:52 a.m.

9 min read

How-To

DVLA Contact Number UK: Complete Phone and Online Guide (2026)

Need to call the DVLA? This guide covers every DVLA contact number UK drivers need — vehicle tax (0300 790 6802), driving licences (0300 790 6801) and medical enquiries (0300 790 6806) — with opening hours, web chat and WhatsApp options.

Michael Davies

18 Oct 2026, 1:02 a.m.

7 min read

How-To

DVLA Change of Address UK: Driving Licence and V5C Guide

Moved house? You must notify DVLA by updating both your driving licence and your V5C logbook separately. Both are free. Failing to tell DVLA can result in a fine of up to £1,000.

Michael Davies

7 Oct 2026, 4:13 p.m.

5 min read

Illustrated guide to the V62 form and V5C logbook replacement process in the UK

How-To

V62 Form: How to Replace Your V5C Logbook in the UK

The V62 form is used to apply for a replacement V5C logbook by post. Find out when to use it, when the free online service is faster, what the process costs, and what new keepers should do if their V5C never arrives.

Michael Davies

6 Oct 2026, 11:36 a.m.

6 min read

How-To

How to Check a Car's Mileage for Free: A Buyer's Checklist

A step-by-step checklist for checking a used car's mileage before you buy: what to check online, what to check during the viewing, and what to do if the numbers don't add up.

Michael Davies

22 Sep 2026, 7:45 a.m.

6 min read

VIN check UK: comparing the vehicle identification number on a V5C logbook with the VIN on the car windscreen and door pillar

How-To

VIN Check UK: How to Verify a Vehicle ID Number

A VIN uniquely identifies a vehicle, but DVLA checks run by registration number, not VIN. Learn where to find it, why that matters, and how to spot VIN cloning before you buy.

Michael Davies

20 Sep 2026, 6:01 p.m.

7 min read

How-To

Has This Car Changed Colour? How to Check DVLA Colour Records

Car colour not matching the DVLA record? Learn what a mismatch could mean, what the law says about reporting a colour change, and what to check before you buy.

Sarah Mitchell

20 Sep 2026, midnight

6 min read

How-To

Who Is the Registered Keeper of a Car? What DVLA Will and Won't Tell You

Find out who counts as a car's registered keeper, when DVLA will release those details under form V888, and what this site's own keeper history check actually shows.

Michael Davies

19 Sep 2026, 10:48 p.m.

6 min read

How-To

How to Check a Car's MOT History for Free

Learn how to check a car's MOT history free using just the registration. Covers what you see, how far back records go, and what to do if none appears.

James Cooper

8 Sep 2026, 10:37 p.m.

6 min read

Check any UK vehicle by registration plate: phone lookup for a grey Volvo showing make, tax, MOT, fuel type and colour

How-To

How to Check Any UK Vehicle by Registration Plate: The Complete Guide

Learn how to run a free car reg check on any UK vehicle. This guide covers official DVLA lookups, what a vehicle plate check reveals and hides, and how to verify a number plate's authenticity before buying.

Emma Thompson

25 Jul 2026, 3:18 p.m.

7 min read