Hi everyone,

I’m looking to buy a classic car and want to know how to get a detailed history check. I’m familiar with registration number checks for newer cars, but I’m unsure how they work for older ones, especially those with non-standard or shorter registration numbers.

Are there any specific services or tools that specialize in classic car history reports? Any tips or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Morning Beth

Welcome to the Forum

When you say Vehicle History which bit, !st,  is Service History this will indicate how well the car has been maintained. With older cars this will mainly be by way of a stamped Service Book and Reciepts for work done. 2nd. MOT history is always worth checking it will indicate if Advisories (Advised repairs) have been carried out or re-occur. 3rd. Are the Insurance checks ie. has it been in an accident and repaired (HPI etc) The DVLA hold information on all legally registered cars regardless of Registration number MOT information also includes The Vin Number (check it matches) HPI and similar hold information on Insurance claims, Finance etc

Then of course there are the Physical checks when viewing the car such as, is the body work and paint in good condition, Tyres are they in good condition and evenly worn, Next the mechnicals engine off bonnet up the state of the engine bay will tell you a lot if it is clean and tidy all good if there is dirt oil and grime everywhere ? Before starting check oil water, power steering fluids is the oil clean and up to the correct level, same for the other two no visible leaks, check the engine hasn;t been run warmed up before you get there if it has it raises a question why? 

Now engine start and listen for noise's rattles sit in the car and make sure everything works as it should every switch button and knob, check the interior for rips or tears carpet and seats, check the carpets for wet or damp (sign of leaks) Last the test drive make it at least 5 or 10 miles single carriageway dual carriageway give it a real test.

Don't fall for the "never used that never bothered me" or "easy fix you can get one on Ebay cheap" 

The MOT/Finance checks you can carryout from the comfort of your living room. The Service History while standing in front of the car same with the other checks don't rush it. If you can't do it yourself take a friendrelative who can

Good Luck

Dave