Buying a Used Car? 5 Hidden Dangers You Must Check First

Buying a used car is exciting, but it comes with risks. From clocked mileage to hidden finance that could lead to your new car being repossessed, the UK used car market can be a minefield for unprepared buyers.

Before you hand over your hard-earned cash, you need to know precisely what you are buying.

At Easy Number Plates, we do more than sell number plates. We help drivers make smarter car-buying decisions. That’s why we’ve launched our Free Car Check Tool, designed to give you instant peace of mind before you commit.

Below are the five essential checks every used-car buyer should complete in 2026.

1. The “Clocking” Scandal: Is the Mileage Real?

Mileage clocking (winding back the odometer) is still one of the most common forms of used-car fraud in the UK. A high-mileage car can be made to look far more valuable than it really is.

The risk:

You could overpay for a vehicle with a tired engine, worn components, and expensive repairs waiting just around the corner.

The solution:

Our Car Check tool pulls official DVLA MOT history data. If a car showed 80,000 miles in 2023 but only 60,000 miles in 2025, that’s a clear warning sign to walk away.

2. Outstanding Finance: Don’t Pay Someone Else’s Debt

Many cars on the road are purchased using PCP or Hire Purchase agreements. Until the finance is settled, the lender legally owns the vehicle.

The risk:

If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it—even if you have paid for it. You lose both the vehicle and your money.

The solution:

Use a finance check to see whether money is still owed on the vehicle before you buy. This check can protect you from severe financial loss.

3. Hidden Accident Damage (Cat S / Cat N)

Some cars that look perfect on the surface have previously been written off by insurers and repaired.

The risk:

Category S (structural) or Category N (non-structural) vehicles may have hidden damage that affects safety, resale value, and insurance premiums.

The solution:

A simple registration lookup reveals whether a car has been recorded as Cat S or Cat N. This allows you to negotiate a fair price or avoid the vehicle altogether.

4. MOT Nightmares and Advisories

A valid MOT certificate doesn’t always tell the whole story. Advisories highlight issues that may soon require costly repairs.

The risk:

A seller may say the car “flew through the MOT”, but the history could show advisories such as worn brakes, corroded suspension components, or damaged tyres — repairs that could cost hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

The solution:

Viewing the full MOT history lets you see precisely what mechanics flagged during previous tests, helping you budget accurately or reconsider the purchase.

5. ULEZ and Clean Air Zone Compliance

With the expansion of ULEZ in London and Clean Air Zones in cities such as Birmingham, Bristol, and Manchester, emissions compliance is more critical than ever.

The risk:

Buying the wrong diesel or petrol car could cost you £12.50 per day just to drive in certain areas.

The solution:

A car check confirms the vehicle’s Euro emissions status and ULEZ compliance, helping you avoid unexpected daily charges.

How to Check Any Car in Seconds

You don’t need to be a mechanic to stay safe when buying used.

1. Find a car you like (AutoTrader, eBay Motors, dealership or private sale)


2. Enter the registration number into our Car Check tool


3. Instantly view tax status, MOT history, mileage data and insurance information for free

Passed the Check? Make It Yours

Once you’ve found a clean, honest car, it’s time to make it feel brand new.

Replacing cracked or faded dealer plates with Premium 3D Gel or 4D Laser Cut Plates is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to refresh a used vehicle.

Use the Number Plate Builder to preview how your registration will look before ordering.

Final Thoughts

A few minutes of checking can save you thousands of pounds and a lot of stress. Always verify a car’s history before you buy, and never rely on a seller’s word alone.

Run a free car check today and buy your next used car with confidence.