An AI used car check reads a car's official records and its advert, and explains the risks in plain English. CarVouch's AI check takes a UK registration, pulls the DVSA MOT history and DVLA vehicle data, runs rule-based checks on the MOT, mileage and advert, gives a 0–100 risk score, and then uses AI to write up what it found and what to ask the seller. The basic scan is free. The full AI report is included with every Full Vehicle Check.
What the CarVouch AI check looks at
MOT history (DVSA)
Every MOT test on record: passes, failures, dangerous and major defects, advisories and expiry. The analysis looks for patterns such as the same advisory repeated across tests, a failure followed by a quick pass, long gaps between tests, and issues like corrosion, brakes, tyres, suspension, oil leaks, emissions and warning lights.
Mileage
Odometer readings from each MOT are checked for drops (a sign of clocking), unusual jumps, long gaps, consistently low use, and an advertised mileage that is lower or much higher than the last MOT reading.
DVLA vehicle data
Tax status, MOT status, make, colour, fuel type, engine size and CO2. If the advert describes a different fuel type or colour, the mismatch is flagged.
The advert
If you paste the advert text, CarVouch scans it for risky wording such as "logbook to follow", "engine light is just a sensor", "MOT will be done", "sold as seen", pressure phrases like "no time wasters", mentions of Cat S or Cat N, and claims such as "HPI clear". It also notes positive signals like a full service history or a recent MOT.
How the score and verdict work
The checks above produce a list of flags, each weighted by severity, and positive signals reduce the total slightly. Together they give a 0–100 risk score, and the score's risk level sets a default verdict: worth viewing, view carefully, negotiate strongly or avoid. The AI then writes the summary and can adjust the verdict when the details justify it. The score comes from the checks; the AI explains the findings and doesn't add new data.
What's in the full AI report
The free scan shows the risk score, key MOT findings, advert flags and a short AI summary. The full AI report, included with every Full Vehicle Check (£9.99), adds:
- A written analysis of the MOT and mileage history and the advert.
- Structured red flags with explanations.
- Questions to ask the seller.
- A viewing checklist for that specific car.
- Negotiation points.
- A verdict and a recommended next step.
- A downloadable PDF.
The Full Vehicle Check also adds Experian finance, stolen, write-off, keeper and plate history. See the sample AI report and AI car report pages.
Other AI tools on CarVouch
- Car Match recommends used car models for the UK market from your budget, usage, body type, fuel and gearbox preferences, must-haves and things to avoid. It's free and needs no sign-up.
- Compare lets signed-in users put several scanned cars side by side and get an AI summary of the trade-offs.
What an AI car check can't do
- It can't see the car. It won't spot accident damage, a worn clutch or a noisy gearbox. Do a careful viewing or book a pre-purchase inspection.
- It only knows what's on record. Work done between MOTs, private repairs and unrecorded mileage aren't in the data.
- The free scan can't see finance, theft or write-offs. Those need the Full Vehicle Check.
- It isn't a guarantee. The report is a tool to help you decide what to check and ask. It shouldn't be the only basis for buying a car.
How to use an AI used car check
- Run the free scan with the registration and, ideally, the advert text.
- Read the verdict and the highest-severity flags first.
- Ask the seller about each flag before you travel. Our used car red flags guide helps.
- If the car still looks good, run a Full Vehicle Check before paying a deposit.
- Take the viewing checklist with you, and follow our pre-purchase used car check.
Frequently asked questions
What is an AI used car check?
It is a car check that uses AI to analyse a car's MOT history, mileage, DVLA data and advert text, and explain the risks and what to ask the seller in plain English.
Is the CarVouch AI check free?
Yes. The basic scan with the risk score and a short AI summary is free. The full AI report is included with the Full Vehicle Check.
Can AI tell if a car has been clocked?
It can flag mileage readings that go down between MOTs or don't match the advert, which are common signs of clocking. It can't detect tampering that happened between tests without a recorded reading.
Does the AI check include finance and write-off data?
Not in the free scan. The Full Vehicle Check adds Experian finance, stolen and write-off records alongside the full AI report.
Can I rely on an AI car check alone?
No. Use it to decide which cars to view and what to ask, then view the car in person, run a history check and consider a mechanical inspection.