Best Car Buying Apps for UK Buyers (2025)

Your smartphone is the most powerful car buying tool you've ever owned. The right apps can scan vehicle history in seconds, verify MOT records instantly, calculate true ownership costs, compare prices across hundreds of thousands of listings, and even spot hidden problems before you waste time viewing.

But most buyers only use Auto Trader and miss the other 15+ essential apps that could save them thousands of pounds and hours of stress.

Here's the complete guide to every app you should have installed before buying your next car in the UK.

Why Mobile Apps Matter for Car Buying

The Traditional Way:

• Drive to dealer
• View car with no background information
• Take dealer's word on history
• Go home to research
• Lose car to another buyer
• Start again

The App-Enabled Way:

• Check full history before leaving home
• Verify MOT and mileage at viewing
• Compare price to market instantly
• Calculate insurance quote on the spot
• Identify problems in real-time
• Make informed decision immediately

Apps save you:

• Time: 15-25 hours of research and verification
• Money: £800-£3,000 in better deals and avoiding problems
• Stress: Make confident decisions with verified information

The Essential App Categories

Every UK car buyer needs apps across five categories:

1. Marketplace Apps - Finding vehicles
2. Vehicle Check Apps - History verification
3. MOT & Tax Apps - Government record checking
4. Valuation & Comparison Apps - Price analysis
5. Inspection & Utility Apps - At-viewing tools

Let's cover the best app in each category.

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Category 1: Marketplace Apps

These apps help you find and browse available vehicles.

1. Auto Trader - BEST OVERALL ⭐

Cost: FREE Platform: iOS, Android Coverage: 400,000+ UK listings

What It Does:

Auto Trader is the UK's largest car marketplace, and their mobile app is exceptional.

Key Features:

Search & Discovery:

• Advanced filters (make, model, year, price, mileage, location)
• "Recently Reduced" filter showing price drops
• Saved searches with push notifications
• Similar vehicle suggestions
• Dealer vs private seller filtering

Price Intelligence:

• Every listing shows price indicator ("Great price", "Good price", "Above average")
• Market average comparison
• Price history for listings
• Valuation tool (check any car's value by reg)

Alerts & Monitoring:

• Instant notifications for new matching vehicles
• Price drop alerts on saved listings
• New dealer stock alerts
• Email and push notification options

Listing Details:

• Photo galleries (typically 20-40 photos)
• Full specifications
• Service history indicator
• MOT expiry date
• HPI check integration (paid)
• Seller contact options (call, email, WhatsApp)

How to Use:

1. Set up searches:

   • Define your ideal car criteria
   • Save 3-5 specific searches
   • Enable push notifications

2. Daily monitoring:

   • Check "Recently Reduced" daily
   • Review new listing notifications
   • Add favorites to watchlist

3. Price checking:

   • Use price indicators as initial filter
   • Check valuation tool for fairness
   • Compare similar vehicles

4. Contacting sellers:

   • Direct call from app
   • Send enquiry message
   • Schedule viewings

Pros:

• Largest UK inventory
• Excellent search filters
• Reliable price indicators
• Free to use
• Fast app performance
• Push notifications work well
• Dealer reputation ratings

Cons:

• Price indicators sometimes generous
• Sponsored listings can clutter results
• No built-in vehicle history checks (must pay)
• Some duplicate listings across dealer network

Best For:

• Primary marketplace for most buyers
• Daily deal monitoring
• Price comparison baseline
• Setting up automated alerts

Pro Tip: Filter by "Price: Low to High" within your search, then check only "Great price" listings. This finds genuinely underpriced vehicles before others spot them.

User Rating: 9/10 - Essential app for UK car buyers

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2. Motors.co.uk

Cost: FREE Platform: iOS, Android Coverage: 250,000+ UK listings

What It Does:

Second-largest UK marketplace with good dealer coverage and finance integration.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive search filters
• Finance calculator built-in
• Part-exchange valuation
• Dealer reviews and ratings
• Saved searches with alerts
• Virtual showroom tours (select dealers)

How to Use:

1. Search for vehicles (filters similar to Auto Trader)
2. Use finance calculator to check affordability
3. Save searches for alerts
4. Compare with Auto Trader to spot price differences

Pros:

• Good complementary inventory to Auto Trader
• Excellent finance tools
• Clean interface
• Part-exchange valuations

Cons:

• Smaller selection than Auto Trader
• Less sophisticated price analysis
• Notification system less reliable
• Some overlap with Auto Trader

Best For:

• Backup marketplace checking
• Finance comparison
• Finding dealers not on Auto Trader

User Rating: 7/10 - Good secondary marketplace app

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3. Facebook Marketplace (via Facebook app)

Cost: FREE Platform: iOS, Android Coverage: Massive private seller inventory

What It Does:

Facebook Marketplace is increasingly popular for private car sales, often with bargain prices.

Key Features:

• Large private seller inventory
• Direct messaging with sellers
• Seller Facebook profile visibility (verify legitimacy)
• Location-based search
• Price negotiation via Messenger
• Save searches for notifications

Why It's Useful:

• Private seller bargains: Often £500-£2,000 below dealer prices
• Less competition: Many buyers don't check Facebook
• Seller visibility: Can verify seller through Facebook profile
• Quick responses: Messenger enables fast communication

How to Use:

1. Open Facebook app → Marketplace
2. Search "Cars & Vehicles"
3. Filter by price, location, year
4. Message sellers via Messenger
5. Check seller's Facebook profile for legitimacy

Pros:

• Genuine private seller bargains
• Direct seller communication
• Can verify seller profile
• Free to use
• Large inventory

Cons:

• Higher scam risk
• No buyer protection
• No price analysis
• Less detailed listings
• More time-wasters
• No standardized information

Best For:

• Finding private seller bargains
• Budget buyers (under £8,000)
• Experienced buyers comfortable with risk

Safety Warning:

• Always meet in public places
• Never send money before viewing
• Verify identity and V5C ownership
• Get HPI check before buying
• Trust your instincts

User Rating: 6/10 - Good for bargains, higher risk

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4. eBay Motors (via eBay app)

Cost: FREE Platform: iOS, Android Coverage: 60,000+ UK vehicles

What It Does:

eBay Motors combines auction-style and "Buy It Now" listings, offering unique bargain opportunities.

Key Features:

• Auction and fixed-price listings
• Saved searches with alerts
• "Ending Soon" filter (find urgent auctions)
• Seller ratings and feedback
• Buyer protection program
• Make Offer feature on many listings

Bargain Opportunities:

• Auction endings: Sunday evening auctions sometimes overlooked
• Private sellers: Often priced below market
• Make Offer: Negotiate on fixed-price listings
• Less visibility: Fewer buyers check eBay regularly

How to Use:

1. Open eBay app → Motors
2. Search for your vehicle
3. Filter "Ending Soon" for auctions
4. Set up saved searches with notifications
5. Watch specific listings
6. Bid strategically in final minutes

Pros:

• Auction bargain opportunities
• Make Offer negotiation feature
• Private seller inventory
• Less competition than Auto Trader
• Buyer protection

Cons:

• Higher risk (many private sellers)
• More scams and problematic listings
• Smaller selection
• Requires more vigilance
• Time-sensitive (auctions)

Best For:

• Bargain hunters
• Auction enthusiasts
• Finding unusual/classic cars
• Buyers with time to monitor

User Rating: 6/10 - Niche but worthwhile for bargains

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Category 2: Vehicle Check Apps

These apps verify vehicle history to avoid buying stolen, written-off, or finance-outstanding cars.

5. Car Sorted ⭐ BEST FREE CHECK

Cost: FREE basic check / £9.99 full check Platform: Web-based (mobile-friendly) Coverage: UK vehicle database

What It Does:

Car Sorted offers a genuinely comprehensive free vehicle history check - one of the best free options available in the UK market.

Free Check Includes (getcarsorted.com/free-car-history-check):

• Vehicle details verification (make, model, year, colour)
• MOT history and expiry
• Tax status and expiry
• Mileage verification from MOT records
• Finance check indicator
• Stolen vehicle check indicator
• Written-off status indicator
• Insurance write-off category (if applicable)
• Number of previous keepers
• Import/export status

Full Check (£9.99) Includes (getcarsorted.com/full-car-history-check):

• Everything in free check, plus:
• Complete finance outstanding details
• Full stolen vehicle database check
• Comprehensive write-off history
• Detailed mileage history with discrepancies highlighted
• VIN verification
• Colour change history
• Plate change history
• Scrapped status check
• High-risk indicator analysis
• Previous keeper timeline

How to Use:

Before Viewing (Free Check):

1. Visit getcarsorted.com/free-car-history-check
2. Enter registration number
3. Review comprehensive free report
4. Check for any warning indicators
5. Screenshot report for viewing

Serious Prospects (Full Check £9.99):

1. Visit getcarsorted.com/full-car-history-check
2. Enter registration
3. Pay £9.99 for complete report
4. Review detailed finance, stolen, and mileage history
5. Verify all details at viewing

What Makes It Stand Out:

Unlike many "free" checks that only show basic details, Car Sorted's free check actually includes meaningful history indicators including:

• Finance warning indicators (not just "check required")
• Stolen vehicle database results
• Write-off status with categories
• Complete MOT mileage history
• Keeper count

This makes it genuinely useful for initial screening before paying for a full check.

Pros:

• Genuinely comprehensive free check
• No registration required for basic check
• Mobile-friendly website
• Affordable full check (£9.99)
• Clear presentation of results
• Quick results (instant)
• Includes MOT history integration

Cons:

• Web-based only (no dedicated app)
• Full check required for complete finance details
• Less established brand than HPI/MyCarCheck

Best For:

• Initial screening before viewings
• Budget buyers checking multiple vehicles
• Quick verification of seller claims
• Anyone wanting meaningful free check

Real-World Use: "I check every car on Car Sorted's free check before even booking a viewing. It's caught two clocked cars (mileage going backwards in MOT history) and one with finance outstanding - all before I wasted time viewing. The free check is genuinely useful, not just a teaser." - Mark, Southampton

Pro Tip: Use Car Sorted's free check to screen all potential vehicles. Only pay £9.99 for the full report on cars that pass the free check and you're seriously considering buying.

User Rating: 9/10 - Best free vehicle check available

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6. MyCarCheck

Cost: £1.99 basic check / £9.99 full check Platform: iOS, Android Coverage: UK vehicle database

What It Does:

Comprehensive vehicle history checking with a dedicated mobile app, good alternative to Car Sorted if you prefer an app.

What It Checks:

Basic Check (£1.99):

• Outstanding finance
• Stolen status
• Written-off status (insurance loss)
• Scrapped status
• Number plate changes
• Imported status

Full Check (£9.99):

• Everything in basic, plus:
• Mileage history and discrepancies
• Colour changes
• VIN verification
• Spec confirmation
• Previous keepers count
• Finance settlement figure (if outstanding)
• V5C registration date

How to Use:

Before Viewing:

1. Open app
2. Enter registration number
3. Purchase basic or full check
4. Review report (instant)
5. Screenshot for reference

At Viewing:

1. Verify details match car
2. Check VIN plate matches report
3. Verify mileage against history
4. Confirm colour hasn't changed
5. Question seller on any discrepancies

Pros:

• Dedicated mobile app
• Instant results
• Mobile-friendly reports
• Clear red flag highlighting
• Multiple check bundle discounts
• Can buy at viewing location
• Cheapest paid basic check (£1.99)

Cons:

• Must pay for basic check (unlike Car Sorted free option)
• Not as established as HPI
• Occasionally slower updates than HPI

Best For:

• Buyers who prefer dedicated apps
• At-viewing verification
• iOS/Android users who want native app

Pro Tip: If you want a free check first, use Car Sorted. If you prefer a dedicated mobile app, MyCarCheck's £1.99 basic check is excellent value.

User Rating: 8/10 - Good app-based option

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7. HPI Check

Cost: £9.99-£19.99 per check Platform: iOS, Android Coverage: UK vehicle database

What It Does:

The most established and comprehensive vehicle history checking service in the UK.

What It Checks:

• Outstanding finance
• Stolen vehicle database
• Insurance write-off status
• Mileage verification
• Number plate changes
• Scrapped status
• Imported vehicles
• VIN verification
• Keeper history
• Spec confirmation

Additional Feature: £15,000 Data Guarantee - If HPI misses recorded finance/stolen status and you suffer loss, HPI provides financial remedy up to £15,000.

Pros:

• Most trusted name
• Most comprehensive database
• Data guarantee protection
• Established history
• Used by dealers

Cons:

• More expensive than alternatives
• Same information as cheaper options
• Guarantee rarely needed in practice

Best For:

• High-value purchases (£20k+)
• Peace of mind buyers
• When data guarantee matters

User Rating: 8/10 - Premium option, worth it for expensive cars

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8. Vehicle Smart

Cost: FREE basic / £8.99 full Platform: iOS, Android Coverage: UK vehicle database

What It Does:

Offers a genuinely useful free basic check before upselling to full report.

Free Check Includes:

• Make, model, year
• Engine size and fuel type
• Tax status and expiry
• MOT status and expiry
• Some stolen/finance indicators (limited)

Full Check (£8.99) Includes:

• Complete finance check
• Full stolen status
• Insurance write-off history
• Mileage verification
• Keeper history

How to Use:

1. Run free check on any vehicle
2. Get basic details and MOT/tax status
3. Purchase full check only for serious prospects

Pros:

• Genuinely useful free tier
• Cheap full check
• Quick results
• Good for initial screening

Cons:

• Free check limited
• Less established than HPI/MyCarCheck
• Smaller market share

Best For:

• Initial screening before viewing
• Budget buyers
• Checking many vehicles

User Rating: 7/10 - Good free option

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Category 3: MOT & Tax Apps

Government-provided free tools for checking official records.

9. Check MOT History (gov.uk via browser or app) ⭐ ESSENTIAL

Cost: FREE Platform: iOS, Android (via gov.uk website) Coverage: All UK vehicles

What It Does:

Official government service showing complete MOT history including mileage at each test.

What You Can Check:

• Full MOT test history (back to 2006)
• Mileage at each MOT (spot clocking)
• Pass/fail results
• Advisories (problems noted but not failures)
• Dangerous defects
• Major defects
• Minor defects
• Test dates

How to Use:

Before Viewing:

1. Visit gov.uk/check-mot-history
2. Enter registration number
3. Review complete history
4. Note any patterns or concerns

What to Look For:

Red Flags:

• Mileage discrepancies: Mileage going backwards or suspicious jumps
• Repeated failures: Same issue failing multiple years (not fixed properly)
• Recent advisories: Current problems to negotiate on
• Missing years: Gaps suggest vehicle off-road or MOT dodged
• Major defects: Serious safety issues

Example Analysis:

2024: 68,450 miles - PASS (Advisories: Front tyres worn, brake pads low)
2023: 62,100 miles - PASS (Advisory: Oil leak from engine)
2022: 55,800 miles - FAIL (Brake pads), PASS on retest
2021: 48,200 miles - PASS
2020: 39,500 miles - PASS

Insights:

• Consistent mileage progression (genuine)
• Recent advisories = negotiation points
• Oil leak noted in 2023, not fixed by 2024 (concern)
• Brake issues recurring (check carefully)

Pros:

• Completely free
• Official government data
• Comprehensive history
• Instant results
• Catches clocked cars
• Identifies recurring problems

Cons:

• Only shows MOT data (not full history)
• Doesn't cover cars under 3 years old
• Website only (no official app, but mobile-friendly)

Best For:

• EVERY car buyer (always check this)
• Identifying clocked vehicles
• Finding negotiation leverage
• Spotting problem cars

Pro Tip: Take screenshots of MOT history and bring to viewing. Ask seller to explain any failures, advisories, or mileage discrepancies.

User Rating: 10/10 - Absolutely essential, always use

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10. Tax Check (gov.uk via browser)

Cost: FREE Platform: Mobile browser Coverage: All UK vehicles

What It Does:

Check if vehicle is currently taxed and when tax expires.

How to Use:

1. Visit gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax
2. Enter registration
3. Verify tax status

Why It Matters:

• Untaxed cars can't be driven legally
• SORN (off-road) vehicles may have hidden issues
• Helps verify seller ownership

User Rating: 8/10 - Quick, useful verification

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Category 4: Valuation & Comparison Apps

These apps help you determine fair market value and compare prices.

11. Parkers Car Price Checker ⭐ BEST VALUATION

Cost: FREE Platform: iOS, Android Coverage: UK market data

What It Does:

Parkers provides accurate valuations based on real market data, helping you spot overpriced vehicles.

Key Features:

Valuation Types:

• Private sale value: What private sellers typically get
• Part-exchange value: What dealers offer in trade-in
• Dealer forecourt price: What dealers sell for
• Trade-in value: Quick sale price

Factors Considered:

• Make, model, year
• Mileage
• Condition (Excellent, Good, Average, Poor)
• Service history
• Optional extras and trim level
• Regional variations

How to Use:

Before Viewing:

1. Open Parkers app
2. Enter vehicle registration OR select manually
3. Select condition honestly
4. Note all three values (private, part-ex, dealer)
5. Compare to listing price

Example:

2019 VW Golf 1.5 TSI Match, 42,000 miles

Parkers Valuations:
- Private sale: £13,200
- Part-exchange: £11,800
- Dealer forecourt: £14,600

Listing price: £15,200

Analysis: Overpriced by £600+ (4% above dealer average)
Fair offer: £13,500-£14,000

Additional Features:

• Running cost calculator
• Specs database
• Owner reviews
• Insurance group checker
• CO2 emissions data

Pros:

• Highly accurate valuations
• Free to use
• Multiple valuation types
• Considers condition and spec
• Running cost tools
• Comprehensive database

Cons:

• Valuations are estimates (market varies)
• Doesn't access live marketplace prices
• Some rare models not covered

Best For:

• Checking if price is fair
• Negotiation preparation
• Understanding market value
• Private vs dealer price comparison

Pro Tip: Check valuation in both "Good" and "Average" condition. Most used cars are actually "Average" despite seller claims. Use this reality check for negotiation.

User Rating: 9/10 - Most accurate free valuation tool

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12. What Car? Valuations & Reviews

Cost: FREE Platform: iOS, Android Coverage: UK market

What It Does:

Combines valuations with expert reviews and target price recommendations.

Key Features:

• Car valuations
• Expert reviews
• Target price guides (what you should pay)
• New car discounts database
• Real MPG data (not official figures)
• Reliability ratings

How to Use:

1. Enter registration or select car manually
2. Check valuation
3. Read expert review
4. Compare real-world MPG to seller claims
5. Check reliability rating

Pros:

• Expert reviews integrated
• Real-world MPG data valuable
• Target price guides
• Reliability scores

Cons:

• Valuations less detailed than Parkers
• More focused on new cars
• Some features require account

Best For:

• Research and valuation combined
• Checking fuel economy claims
• Understanding model strengths/weaknesses

User Rating: 8/10 - Good all-rounder

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13. CarGurus Price Analysis

Cost: FREE Platform: iOS, Android Coverage: CarGurus UK inventory

What It Does:

Analyzes listing prices and rates deals as "Great", "Good", "Fair", "High", or "Overpriced".

Key Features:

• Clear deal ratings on every listing
• Market context ("$X below/above market average")
• Price history tracking
• Days on market indicator
• Similar vehicle comparison

How Deal Ratings Work:

• Great Deal: Significantly below market (act fast)
• Good Deal: Below average (good value)
• Fair Price: Market rate (negotiate)
• High Price: Above average (negotiate hard)
• Overpriced: Significantly above market (walk away)

How to Use:

1. Search for vehicle on CarGurus app
2. Filter to "Great Deal" and "Good Deal" only
3. Check "Price Analysis" section on listing
4. Compare similar vehicles
5. Use as negotiation evidence

Pros:

• Honest deal ratings (not inflated)
• Clear price context
• Free to use
• Excellent transparency

Cons:

• Only covers CarGurus inventory (misses other platforms)
• Smaller UK selection than Auto Trader

Best For:

• Finding genuine bargains
• Transparent price analysis
• Negotiation ammunition

User Rating: 8/10 - Excellent transparency

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Category 5: Inspection & Utility Apps

Apps to use during the viewing and test drive.

14. Torque Pro (OBD2 Scanner App) ⭐ BEST FOR DIAGNOSTICS

Cost: £3.99 (one-time) Platform: Android only Requirements: OBD2 Bluetooth adapter (£10-25)

What It Does:

Connects to your car's onboard computer via OBD2 port to read fault codes and live data.

What It Reveals:

• Engine fault codes (P0420, P0300, etc.)
• Transmission codes
• ABS and airbag codes
• Live engine data (temperatures, pressures, sensor readings)
• Emissions readiness status
• Battery voltage
• Real-time MPG

How to Use:

At Viewing:

1. Plug OBD2 adapter into car's OBD2 port (usually under dashboard)
2. Turn ignition to ON (don't start engine)
3. Connect phone to adapter via Bluetooth
4. Open Torque Pro app
5. Scan for fault codes
6. Review live data with engine running

What to Check:

• No fault codes: Ideal
• Stored codes: Previous issues (may be cleared)
• Pending codes: Current problems
• Engine temperature: Should reach 90°C when warm
• O2 sensors: Should be responsive
• Emissions readiness: All monitors "Ready"

Red Flags:

• Multiple fault codes
• Cleared codes (seller may have reset before viewing)
• Emissions monitors "Not Ready" (suggests recently cleared codes)
• Abnormal sensor readings

Pros:

• Reveals hidden problems
• Professional-level diagnostics
• One-time £3.99 cost
• Comprehensive data
• Saves £50+ on pre-purchase diagnostics

Cons:

• Android only (iPhone users: see Car Scanner below)
• Requires OBD2 adapter purchase
• Learning curve to interpret codes
• Some sellers may resist

Best For:

• Used cars over £8,000
• Diesel vehicles (DPF/EGR issues)
• Performance cars
• Vehicles with warning lights history

Pro Tip: Buy a cheap OBD2 Bluetooth adapter (£12 on Amazon) before car shopping. Torque Pro + adapter = £16 total for professional diagnostics.

User Rating: 9/10 - Professional tool for serious buyers

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15. Car Scanner ELM OBD2 (iOS & Android)

Cost: FREE basic / £4.99 Pro Platform: iOS, Android Requirements: OBD2 adapter

What It Does:

iOS-compatible alternative to Torque Pro with similar functionality.

Key Features:

• Read and clear fault codes
• Live data monitoring
• Emissions readiness check
• Freeze frame data
• Dashboard customization
• Trip computer

Pros:

• Works on iOS (Torque doesn't)
• Free basic version
• Good interface
• Similar features to Torque

Cons:

• Pro version needed for full features
• Slightly less comprehensive than Torque

Best For:

• iPhone users
• Basic diagnostics

User Rating: 8/10 - Good iOS option

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16. Bubble Level (Tilt Check for Crash Damage)

Cost: FREE Platform: iOS (Measure app built-in), Android (many free apps) Use: Detecting frame damage

What It Does:

Uses your phone's gyroscope to measure if panels are level, helping detect crash damage.

How to Use:

At Viewing:

1. Open level/measure app
2. Place phone on bonnet, roof, boot lid
3. Check level reading
4. Compare left vs right side

What to Look For:

• Both sides should be within 0.5° of each other
• Major differences (2°+) suggest frame damage
• Particularly useful on older cars with minor accident history

Pros:

• Free (built into most phones)
• Can reveal hidden frame damage
• Quick check

Cons:

• Not foolproof
• Uneven ground affects readings
• Best used as indicator, not proof

Best For:

• Cars with accident history
• Suspiciously cheap vehicles
• High-mileage vehicles

User Rating: 6/10 - Useful supplementary tool

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17. Photos & Notes (Built-in phone apps)

Cost: FREE Platform: All Use: Documentation

How to Use at Viewing:

Photos to Take:

• All four corners exterior
• Each panel close-up (scratches, dents)
• Tyres (tread depth, brand, wear pattern)
• Under bonnet
• Service book pages
• Odometer reading
• VIN plate
• Dashboard with ignition on (warning lights)
• Any damage or concerns
• V5C registration document (with seller permission)

Notes to Record:

• Test drive impressions
• Seller answers to questions
• Any concerns or red flags
• Things to verify later
• Agreed price and terms

Pro Tip: Take video walk-around narrating condition. Useful memory aid and documentation if issues arise post-purchase.

User Rating: 10/10 - Essential documentation

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Recommended App Bundles

Budget Buyer Bundle (FREE)

Marketplace:

• Auto Trader (primary)
• Facebook Marketplace (bargains)

Verification:

• Car Sorted free check (getcarsorted.com/free-car-history-check)
• gov.uk MOT History (essential)
• gov.uk Tax Check

Valuation:

• Parkers (price checking)

At Viewing:

• Phone camera (documentation)
• Built-in notes app

Total Cost: £0

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Standard Buyer Bundle (£10-15)

Everything in Budget Bundle, plus:

Verification:

• Car Sorted full check (£9.99) for serious prospects
• OR MyCarCheck (£1.99 basic or £9.99 full) if you prefer an app

Diagnostics:

• OBD2 adapter (£12)
• Torque Pro or Car Scanner (£3.99-£4.99)

Total Cost: £10-15 (one-time investment for diagnostics, plus £9.99 per vehicle check)

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Premium Buyer Bundle (£30-50)

Everything in Standard Bundle, plus:

Verification:

• HPI Check (£19.99 for high-value vehicle)

Valuation:

• Which? Cars subscription (£10.75/month for reliability data)

Advanced:

• Insurance quote apps (Compare the Market, MoneySuperMarket)

Total Cost: £30-50

Best For: Vehicles over £15,000 or buyers wanting maximum confidence

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How to Use Apps at Each Buying Stage

Stage 1: Research & Shopping (Before Viewing)

Apps to Use:

1. Auto Trader - Daily deal monitoring, saved searches
2. Parkers - Check valuations on interesting vehicles
3. gov.uk MOT History - Screen out clocked or problem cars
4. CarGurus - Cross-reference pricing

Time: 15-30 mins daily

Goal: Build shortlist of 3-5 promising vehicles

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Stage 2: Pre-Viewing Checks (Night Before)

Apps to Use:

1. Car Sorted Free Check - Comprehensive free history check
2. gov.uk MOT History - Deep dive on history
3. Parkers - Finalize valuation and negotiation strategy

Time: 20 minutes per vehicle

Goal: Arrive informed with specific questions

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Stage 3: At the Viewing

Apps to Use:

1. Phone Camera - Comprehensive photo documentation
2. Torque Pro / Car Scanner - OBD2 diagnostics (if you have adapter)
3. gov.uk MOT History - Verify mileage matches
4. Notes app - Record observations and seller responses

Time: 10 minutes (alongside normal viewing)

Goal: Document condition and verify claims

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Stage 4: Serious Consideration (Before Offer)

Apps to Use:

1. Car Sorted Full Check (£9.99) or HPI Check (£19.99) - Complete history
2. Insurance quote apps - Get actual insurance cost
3. Finance calculators - Final affordability check

Time: 30 minutes

Goal: Confirm no deal-breakers, make informed offer

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Stage 5: Post-Purchase (After Buying)

Apps to Keep:

1. Auto Trader - Track your car's value over time
2. gov.uk MOT History - Book MOT and check afterwards
3. Fuel tracking apps - Monitor actual MPG
4. Maintenance trackers - Log services and repairs

Goal: Maintain and monitor your investment

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App Success Stories

Story 1: MOT History Saved £4,200

Rachel, Cardiff: "Viewing a 2017 Audi A3 listed at £14,500. Checked MOT history the night before - mileage showed 58k, 71k, 84k, then suddenly 62k at last MOT. Car was clocked! Confronted seller who admitted 'mistake'. Avoided £4,200 loss (corrected mileage value was £10,300)."

App Used: gov.uk MOT History (FREE)

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Story 2: OBD2 Scanner Revealed £2,800 Repair

Tom, Manchester: "Brought my £15 OBD2 adapter to view a BMW 320d. Seller insisted no problems. Scan showed 14 fault codes including DPF failure and turbo issues. Walked away. Seller later admitted he'd cleared codes that morning. Would've cost £2,800+ to fix."

App Used: Torque Pro + OBD2 adapter (£16 total)

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Story 3: Price Comparison Saved £1,200

Lisa, London: "Dealer wanted £16,500 for VW Golf. Parkers showed dealer price should be £15,300. CarGurus rated it 'Overpriced'. Auto Trader showed similar cars at £14,800-£15,500. Armed with screenshots, negotiated to £15,300. Saved £1,200."

Apps Used: Parkers, CarGurus, Auto Trader (all FREE)

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Story 4: Car Sorted Free Check Avoided Finance Trap

James, Birmingham: "Used Car Sorted's free check before viewing. Showed £8,400 outstanding finance on £12,000 car. Seller claimed 'paid off, just not updated'. Left immediately. Later confirmed finance was active - would've lost car and money. The free check saved me £12,000."

App Used: Car Sorted Free Check (£0)

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Story 5: Facebook Marketplace Bargain

Sarah, Leeds: "Set up Facebook alerts for Honda Civic. Private seller listed at £9,500 (market: £11,200). Messaged within 10 minutes, viewed same day, full MOT history clean, HPI clear. Bought for £9,200. Dealer told me weeks later I got £2,000 below market."

Apps Used: Facebook Marketplace, gov.uk MOT, Car Sorted (free + £9.99 full check)

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Common App Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Only Using One Marketplace App

Wrong: Only checking Auto Trader Right: Check Auto Trader + Facebook + eBay for full market coverage

Why: Private seller bargains often only appear on Facebook/eBay

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Mistake 2: Skipping MOT History Check

Wrong: Trusting seller's word on mileage Right: ALWAYS check gov.uk MOT history

Why: 1 in 20 used cars is clocked. Free check catches this.

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Mistake 3: Vehicle Check AFTER Committing

Wrong: Agreeing to buy, then checking history Right: Basic check BEFORE viewing, full check BEFORE offer

Why: Finding finance outstanding after agreeing to buy puts you in weak position

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Mistake 4: Trusting Valuation Apps Blindly

Wrong: Offering Parkers valuation without market research Right: Use valuations as guide, verify with actual listings

Why: Rare specs, regional variations, and market timing affect real prices

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Mistake 5: Not Documenting Viewing

Wrong: Relying on memory Right: Photos, video, notes of EVERYTHING

Why: Critical for disputes, insurance claims, and comparing multiple cars

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Quick Reference: Which App When?

Finding vehicles: Auto Trader (best), Motors.co.uk, Facebook Marketplace, eBay

Checking history: Car Sorted (free basic + £9.99 full), gov.uk MOT History (free, always), MyCarCheck (£1.99+ app), HPI (£19.99 premium)

Price checking: Parkers (best free), What Car?, CarGurus

At viewing: Phone camera, Torque Pro/Car Scanner (with OBD2), Notes app

Before offer: Full vehicle check (Car Sorted £9.99 or HPI £19.99), Insurance quotes

Essential for EVERYONE: Auto Trader, Car Sorted free check, gov.uk MOT History, Parkers, Phone Camera

Worth buying adapter for: Torque Pro / Car Scanner (if buying car over £8k or diesel)

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Final Recommendations

Minimum Essential Apps (FREE)

1. Auto Trader - Finding vehicles
2. Car Sorted Free Check - Vehicle history verification
3. gov.uk MOT History - Mileage verification
4. Parkers - Price checking
5. Phone Camera & Notes - Documentation

Total Cost: £0 Coverage: 85% of what you need

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Recommended Setup (£10-15)

Everything above, plus:

6. Car Sorted Full Check - Complete vehicle history (£9.99 when serious)
7. OBD2 Adapter - Hardware (£12)
8. Torque Pro / Car Scanner - Diagnostics app (£3.99)

Total Cost: £10-15 one-time for diagnostics, plus £9.99 per serious prospect Coverage: 95% of what you need

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Premium Setup (£30-50)

Everything above, plus:

9. HPI Check - Premium history check (£19.99 for high-value vehicles)
10. Which? Cars - Reliability data (£10.75/month, cancel after)

Total Cost: £30-50 Best For: Vehicles over £15,000

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Summary

The best car buying apps for UK buyers in 2025:

Must-Have (FREE):

• Auto Trader - #1 marketplace
• Car Sorted Free Check - Comprehensive free vehicle history
• gov.uk MOT History - Catches clocked cars
• Parkers - Price verification

Worth Paying For:

• Car Sorted Full Check (£9.99) - Complete history verification
• Torque Pro + OBD2 (£16 total) - Professional diagnostics

Premium Options:

• HPI Check (£19.99) - For high-value vehicles
• Which? Cars (£10.75/month) - Reliability research

Reality Check:

Apps can't replace physical inspections or test drives, but they can:

• Save you 15-25 hours of research
• Prevent buying clocked, stolen, or finance-outstanding vehicles
• Help negotiate £500-£2,000 better prices
• Avoid £2,000-£8,000 in hidden repair costs

The best part? The essential apps are completely free.

Download Auto Trader, visit getcarsorted.com/free-car-history-check, bookmark gov.uk MOT history checker, and install Parkers today. These four free tools will transform your car buying process and potentially save you thousands.

One in four UK buyers now uses mobile apps to research cars. They're making better decisions and getting better deals. You should too.