Buying a used car should be exciting. But sadly, it’s also where a lot of people get scammed. From dodgy dealers to clocked mileage and stolen motors, the UK has seen a big rise in car fraud over the last few years.
In fact, research from the AA found that around 1 in 3 cars checked have something to hide, including write-offs, mileage issues, or outstanding finance. Meanwhile, the DVLA reported that tens of thousands of number plates are cloned each year.
The good news? You can now catch many of these problems early using free tools that check a car’s details online. It only takes a few clicks and it can save you thousands of pounds, not to mention a major headache.
One of those tools is Car Owl’s reg check, which provides MOT history, tax status, mileage records, and export status. All from just a registration plate or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It’s a helpful way to get a clearer picture before viewing a vehicle.
Let’s walk through the most common used car scams and how to stop them in their tracks.
1. Finance Traps – It’s Not Theirs to Sell
If you’re looking to buy a car, should it should feel exciting, not risky. But far too many people make the same big mistakes. One of which is, they buy a car that still has money owed on it.
If a car has outstanding finance, the seller does not fully own it. The finance company still has a legal claim to the car until the loan is paid off. So, the car is not be theirs to sell.
This problem is more common than most people think. Many cars in the UK are bought using finance plans like Personal Contact Purchase (PCP) or Hire Purchase (HP). Some of these cars are sold before the debt is cleared. If you buy one, you might lose both the car and your money.
That is why it is so important to check the car’s finance status first. A full car history check can show if the car has any unpaid finance or was leased in the past. This gives you peace of mind before you pay.
Services like Car Owl include this check in their full report when viewing car history. It takes under a minute but can protect you from stress and financial loss. If the report shows the car still has finance, ask the seller to pay it off or walk away.
This step is not overthinking. It is just smart. Buying a car is a big choice. Make sure it is clear of finance before you buy.
2. Stolen Cars – A Hidden Danger
Some of the worst scams involve cars that have been stolen, given fake plates, and then sold to unsuspecting buyers. Once the police find out, you lose both the car and your money.
One driver, Gary F, shared his experience with Car Owl:
“Stopped me buying a potential stolen vehicle. So well worth the cost of getting it checked.”
Getting a stolen vehicle report as part of a full car history check can prevent situations like Gary’s.
3. Clocked Mileage
Clocking is when someone winds back the mileage to make a car seem newer than it is. It’s illegal and shockingly common. According to Car Owl, over 2.5 million UK vehicles have a mileage discrepancy.
How to spot it:
- Use a car reg plate check that shows MOT history to compare recorded mileages year by year.
- Check mileage trend to ensure there was never a significant drop. Car Owl free check highlights this in their Recorded Mileage Changes tool. This bar chart shows the all of the recorded changes in the vehicle’s mileage.
4. Cloned Number Plates
Cloning happens when someone copies the number plate from a real car and puts it on a stolen or dodgy one. The car might look fine, but it’s not what it seems.
How to protect yourself:
- Make sure the reg matches the correct make and model.
- Check that the VIN number on the vehicle lines up with the online info.
Many free vehicle registration check tools help with this quickly. If something doesn’t add up, walk away.
5. Hidden Write-Offs and Imports
There is always a possibility that some vehicles will look fine but have a past. It could have been written off after an accident or imported without documentation. These issues might not always show to the naked eye.
A car history check can tell you:
- If the vehicle ever been written off by insurers as a total loss
- If it was registered scrapped or imported ever
- It possesses a Q-plate, which a vehicle gets when the identity of it is dubious
6. Prices That Seem Too Low? Here’s Why
If a car is listed well below market value, there might be a reason. And not a good one. Stolen vehicles, write-offs, or ongoing issues could be behind that bargain price.
Some platforms now offer estimated pricing tools to compare the asking price with the car’s real value based on mileage and model.
7. Sneaky Mechanical Issues
Some problems do not show up on a quick test drive. A car might look fine and pass the usual checks, but it could still have faults that often show up in that model or year. These hidden issues can catch buyers off guard and lead to big repair bills later on.
Many cars have patterns of common faults. For example, some engines are known to have timing chain problems after a certain number of miles. Others may have weak gearboxes, faulty sensors, or electric issues that only show up over time.
This is where it helps to go deeper. Car Owl’s full car history check includes a tool that does just that. It shows you the common mechanical issues linked to the exact car you are looking at. But, it does not stop there! This new tool also tells you the average mileage when the issue may appear and gives an estimated cost of what the repair might be.
That means you can do these things:
- Ask smarter questions to the seller before you buy a car
- Spot any mechanical warning signs early
- Plan ahead for any likely repairs or issues
- Avoid buying cars with high-risk problems
This tool is based on real data from real drivers. You are not just guessing what might go wrong. You are looking at facts.
When you know what to expect, you are less likely to face nasty surprises, you can make safer choices and feel more confident about your new purchase.
8. The Real Cost Over Ownership Price
Current people shopping for a used car often focus too much on the buying price. But the price you buy it for is only just the start. The real cost of owning a car includes much more. You have to think about fuel, insurance, tax, servicing, repairs, and how much the car loses in value over time (depreciation costs). These costs can add up fast and can differ per make model. A car that looks like a great initial deal might turn out to be expensive after you start driving it.
Two cars might cost the same to buy. But one could be much more to keep on the road. Fuel use, repair costs, and even where you live can make a big difference to your yearly bills.
The Cost of Ownership Calculator. This is another smart tool provided by Car Owl which helps car buyers forecast costs throughout the entire ownership length. You simply enter your car details, how far you drive, and your location. Then, the tool then gives you a clear view of what the vehicle might cost to own each year.
You will see a full breakdown of costs including:
- Fuel costs per year
- Estimated Depreciation
- Repair and service costs
- Road tax based on your car
- Total costs over one, three, or five years (you choose)
This makes it easy to compare cars. One car might seem cheaper, but after looking at fuel and repair costs, it could cost more in the long run. Seeing the figures before you buy helps you choose the better option for you.
If you want to make sure you pick the right car and plan for the future, knowing the full cost of ownership helps you stay in control. It is not just about getting a good deal today. It is about finding a car that is smart to own tomorrow too.
✅ Final Checklist Before You Buy
Here’s a quick guide to staying safe:
✅ Do a free car check for MOT, mileage and tax history
✅ Match the reg and VIN numbers
✅ Get a Car Owl history check which finds outstanding finance, theft & insurance write-off’s
✅ Compare asking price with market estimates
✅ Use tools to find common faults for your chosen model
✅ Never pay a deposit until you’re 100% confident
Why TechBullion Highlights Tools Like Car Owl
At TechBullion, we often spotlight smart tech that helps consumers make better financial choices. Services like Car Owl combine verified official data with AI-powered insights, making it easier for drivers to buy with confidence.
From checking a car’s history to understanding running costs, these tools are changing how people shop for cars in the UK.
The Bottom Line
Used car scams are out there. But a few quick checks can make all the difference.
With the right info in hand, you can buy smart, stay safe, and avoid nasty surprises.
Look it up. Double-check. Then decide.
