A classic car is any vehicle over 20 years old. Those over 45 years old are considered antique. Before buying a classic or antique vehicle, it’s essential that you get a car history report to make sure it’s in the best condition possible and that there aren’t any faults or problems that could cause you issues in the future.
Older vehicles may not have a full MOT history, and depending on the age of the car, it may even be exempt from MOTs by law. But our car check will still work in most cases and all that you need to get started is the registration number of the car. Our check will let you know if the car has ever been stolen, written off or if it has outstanding finance, plus a range of other important details about the vehicle.
Yes - all you need is the number plate or the VIN of a vehicle to find out the key details about the car in question. Many auction sites will mask the number plate, but they will supply the VIN, which is a 17-digit number that is the car’s unique identity code. This can never be changed, while registration numbers can, so it’s a useful way to identify the vehicle you want to buy. With this, you can get a classic car check in next to no time, helping you make informed decisions at auction.
Yes, a Q plate vehicle is still registered with the DVLA and therefore we can still supply you with a car check report. There’s no reason why a Q plate wouldn’t have a full vehicle history, so you should have no issues. All a Q plate means is that the age or ID of the vehicle is in doubt, so the original registration number becomes invalid.
When you buy a car, whether new or classic, it’s important to know as much about the vehicle as possible. You don’t want to spend money on a car only to find out that it has faults that will cost you more money further down the line. A car check lets you make an informed decision that’s based on the facts, and not just on what the seller is telling you. It’s an easy and affordable way to make smarter purchasing decisions when it comes to buying a vehicle.
The definition of a classic car changes over time, as more and more new models are released onto the roads. Even a Mazda MX-5 could be considered classic now, and many cars from the ‘80s and even 90’s are now considered collectable with car enthusiasts. But whatever the style of car in question, one thing is for sure that a classic car is a collectable item and there will be people out there looking for specific models and styles. These cars may appreciate in value over time, or you may simply collect them for your own enjoyment.
Whatever the age of the vehicle, we can check the history for you in just a few simple steps. If a vehicle is registered in the UK and isn’t a ‘true’ import, the DVLA, DVSA, MIAFTR and other companies will have a record of its driving history. You don’t have to worry that an older car won’t have a reliable history, as many high-end classic cars are likely to have been looked after carefully by their owners for the duration of their life.
If the vehicle is over 40 years old, it is exempt from needing an MOT according to UK law. The same applies to road tax in the majority of cases.
Yes, if you only have a VIN but no number plate, you can still get a classic car check. The VIN can be found stamped on the VIN plate on the inside of the engine compartment, or it might be stamped elsewhere on the vehicle such as under the windscreen or on the inside of a door. However, you’ll need the UK number plate if you want to contact the DVLA about the vehicle or if you want to enquire about insuring it.