34 years of motor trade experience, distilled into your pocket.
Buying a used car is one of the few decisions where thousands of pounds change hands based on fragmented data. We exist to close that gap.
The 5-Point Check
Our tool is designed to be used at the vehicle, breaking the process down into five clear, actionable areas.
01
Service Schedule
We identify the exact services you should check for in the paperwork, stopping you from inheriting a car with hidden, overdue maintenance costs.
02
MOT Advisories
We decode the last two MOT advisories—notes made by the tester—to highlight wear and tear that will likely require your money soon.
03
Visual Inspection
A guided walkaround to help you identify physical issues, complete with estimated repair costs so you know exactly what you're looking at.
04
Known Faults
We flag the top 3 design faults specific to the model you are viewing, giving you the right questions to ask the seller about past symptoms.
05
Evidence-Led Negotiation
We compile all the captured details so you can confidently discuss who should cover the repair work, helping you negotiate a fair discount off the asking price.
Founder’s Note
"Most buyers aren’t misled by dishonesty; they are caught out by misunderstanding. This service was built to support calm, informed decisions at the exact right moment."
— Built from over three decades in the trade as a technician and brand manager.
How it's built
The service combines official UK government data, model-specific maintenance insights, and independent market pricing to give you a complete picture without the pressure.
We may highlight trusted partner services to assist your purchase, but our core data remains strictly impartial.
Total Independence
Before You Buy A Car is independent from the transaction. We don't sell vehicles and we don't work for dealerships.
Our only allegiance is to the buyer, providing a clearer view of the vehicle in front of you.
Feedback
Help us improve the buyer experience.
Tell us what would make this service clearer, easier, or more useful while you are viewing a car.
