Vehicle

History
Check

VEHICLE CHECKLIST

At the RAC we’ve been inspecting vehicles since 1916. We asked our Vehicle Inspectors to compile an
essential ‘Top 20 Checklist’ to help you when viewing the vehicle. If faults are found, you may be able to
negotiate on the price of the vehicle.

1 EXTERIOR 2 INTERIOR

• Check for any panel misalignment or • Check the seat belts are in good
previous damage working order and click into place
• Check for corrosion on older vehicles properly

• Check the windscreen for damage • Check the seat mechanism and
upholstery for damage
• If you’re buying a convertible, make sure
the soft-top operates properly • Ensure all the doors open and close
properly
• Check for worn brake pads
• Check the entertainment system / sat
• Check the tyre tread depth and look for nav are working
uneven tyre wear

3 ELECTRICAL / CONTROLS 4 ENGINE COMPARTMENT

• Check that all warning lights are • Check the coolant, oil, brake and clutch
working when the ignition is turned on fluid for contamination and that they are
• Check that all lights are working at the correct level

• Check that the vehicle starts easily • Ensure there are no external leaks to
the engine and gearbox

5 ROAD TEST

• Check noise levels from the engine and gearbox

• Check to ensure there is no excess smoke from the exhaust
• Check that the clutch and gearbox operate smoothly
• Check the steering for vibration, and that it is smooth in operation
• Check if there are any warning lights showing

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History
Check

BUYING CHECKLIST

Here are the steps you need to follow when purchasing a used vehicle. Use this checklist to make sure
you are given all of the documentation you need during the sale.

1 CHECK THE VEHICLE HISTORY 2 CHECK THE V5C

All major changes such as number plate Check the details on the V5C (registration
or colour changes should be registered document) are consistent with the
with the DVLA. They could be innocent but vehicle itself, and ask the seller for proof
they could also be an attempt to hide the of address. If you’re unsure check your
identity of the vehicle. If you’re unsure, concerns with the DVLA before you make
highlight any concerns with the seller or your purchase.
the DVLA before you buy.

3 VALIDATE THE VIN 4 TEST DRIVE INSURANCE

The VIN is usually 17 digits long and is a Are you insured to take the vehicle out for a
combination of letters and numbers and is test drive? Your standard vehicle insurance
listed in the vehicle V5 document. Make a may not cover you to drive the vehicle, for
note of the VIN number and we’ll check it peace of mind you can arrange temporary
matches the VIN number registered to the insurance so you can road-test the vehicle
vehicle at no extra cost. knowing you’re covered should anything
happen.
How to validate the VIN:
Get a quote to insure the vehicle with RAC
• Log into rac.co.uk/vehiclehistorycheck Day Vehicle Insurance¹ rac.co.uk/testdrive
• Enter the registration number and your
report reference number ¹RAC Day vehicle Insurance is arranged and
administered by Dayinsure.com Ltd, which is
• We’ll verify the VIN number against the
registered in England no. 4996289. RAC Day
VIN registered to the vehicle
Insurance is underwritten by Aviva Insurance
Limited.

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History
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5 PURCHASING THE VEHICLE

To prevent invalidation of the guarantee you shouldn’t part with more than £1,000 in cash as
part of the purchase, or pay less than 70% of the market price for a vehicle (if it’s that cheap
then it probably is too good to be true).
View terms & conditions here: https://vehicle-history-check.rac.co.uk/terms-conditions

6 GET A RECEIPT 7 INSURANCE

It’s important to document the purchase If you’ve bought the vehicle, make sure you
with a receipt. The receipt should: have called to update your insurance with
the new vehicle details before driving away.
• Confirm that the vehicle is ‘sold as seen,
tried and approved without guarantee’ Request a quote to insure your vehicle
• Include the date of purchase with RAC Vehicle Insurance¹ rac.co.uk/
insurance
• Include the signature from the buyer
and the seller. ¹RAC Car Insurance is arranged and administered
by BISL Limited, which is an independent
intermediary, and is underwritten by a panel of
insurers.

8 PURCHASE VEHICLE TAX 9 ACTIVATE GUARANTEE

Vehicle tax can’t be transferred from the To protect your purchase, we offer a free
seller to the buyer when purchasing a data guarantee up to £30,000 to ensure
vehicle, so if you’re buying a vehicle you’ll that you don’t suffer a financial loss due
need to register for tax at the time of to incorrect or incomplete data in your car
purchase. history check. This covers the Alerts, Alerts
in Detail and Vehicle History sections of
0300 123 4321 * your Vehicle History Report.

CALL THE DVLA TO ARRANGE TAX BEFORE How to activate your data guarantee:
YOU DRIVE AWAY • Log into rac.co.uk/vehiclehistorycheck
• Enter the registration number and this
*03 numbers are charged at national call rates and report reference number
are usually included in inclusive minute plans from
• Follow the on-screen prompts to
landlines and mobiles. Calls may be recorded and /
activate your guarantee
or monitored.

View terms & conditions here: https://vehicle-

history-check.rac.co.uk/terms-conditions