A used car pre-viewing tool checks a car from its advert and registration before you travel to see it, so you only spend time viewing cars that are worth it. CarVouch is a free pre-viewing tool for UK buyers: enter the number plate (and optionally paste the advert text, price and mileage) and in seconds you get the full MOT history, a mileage consistency check, DVLA tax and MOT status, an AI scan of the advert for red flags and a 0–100 risk score.
Why check a car before you view it?
Viewing a used car takes time and often a long drive. Many problems can be found without leaving home, using official records:
- MOT history shows failures, dangerous defects and advisories that keep coming back.
- Mileage readings recorded at each MOT reveal clocking or long periods off the road.
- DVLA data shows whether the car is taxed or SORN and whether the MOT is valid, and confirms the make, colour, fuel type and engine size match the advert.
- The advert wording often gives away pressure tactics or known faults.
A pre-viewing check doesn't replace a viewing. It tells you which cars deserve one, and what to ask the seller.
What CarVouch checks before you view
| Check | What it tells you | Source |
|---|---|---|
| MOT timeline | Every test, pass or fail, defects and advisories | DVSA |
| Mileage consistency | Drops, unusual jumps, gaps and advert vs MOT mismatches | DVSA MOT readings |
| Vehicle details | Tax status and due date, MOT status, make, colour, fuel, engine size, CO2 | DVLA |
| Advert red flags | Risky phrases such as "logbook to follow" or "engine light is just a sensor" | Your pasted advert text |
| Risk score and verdict | A 0–100 score and a short AI summary of what to look at | CarVouch analysis |
The free scan doesn't include finance, stolen or write-off records, which come from commercial databases. Those are in the paid full vehicle history check.
How to use a pre-viewing tool, step by step
- Copy the registration from the advert. If the plate is hidden in the photos, ask the seller for it. Reluctance to share it is a warning sign.
- Paste the advert text, asking price and mileage into the CarVouch scan. This lets the AI compare the advert with the official records.
- Read the risk score and flags. Start with anything marked high risk: mileage drops, dangerous defects, untaxed or SORN status, or advert details that don't match the DVLA.
- Ask the seller about each flag before you travel. Use the questions in our used car red flags guide.
- Decide whether to view. If the answers make sense, book the viewing and take our pre-purchase used car checklist with you.
- Before paying a deposit, run a Full Vehicle Check for finance, stolen and write-off records.
Pre-viewing tool vs full vehicle history check vs inspection
- Pre-viewing tool (free): decides whether a car is worth viewing, using MOT, mileage, DVLA and advert data.
- Full vehicle history check (£9.99): confirms the car is legally safe to buy, with no hidden finance, theft or write-off. See what's included and what it costs.
- Pre-purchase inspection: a mechanic checks the car's current condition. See pre-purchase car inspections.
Using CarVouch on your phone
CarVouch works in any mobile browser, and there's a CarVouch iPhone app for checking cars while you browse adverts. You don't need an account for the free scan.
Frequently asked questions
What is a used car pre-viewing tool?
It is a tool that checks a used car from its registration and advert before you go to see it, so you can rule out cars with obvious problems and prepare questions for the seller.
Is the CarVouch pre-viewing check free?
Yes. The scan of MOT history, mileage, DVLA data and advert red flags is free, with no sign-up.
Does a pre-viewing check tell me if a car has finance or is stolen?
No. Finance, stolen and write-off records need a paid vehicle history check, such as the CarVouch Full Vehicle Check.
Do I still need to view the car?
Yes. A pre-viewing check uses records and the advert. You still need to see the car, test-drive it and check the V5C and VIN match before you buy.
What if the advert doesn't show the number plate?
Ask the seller for it. A genuine seller will share it so you can check the MOT history.