Asking for MOT history before buying a car?

[stripped fred]

I'm thinking of asking the owner of a car for sale if they can give me the v5 number or the mot number of a car so I can check it's mot history. Has anyone else done this and also is it a bit cheeky? Also, if I do ask how likely are they to give them to me?

[JohnK]

I've done this before, generally find people are more willing to give the MOT no than V5 No though.

 

The only time it has been declined was when I was buying the car of an MOT station employee. I checked it on my iPhone when viewing the car and let's just say I didn't have faith in the MOT certificate I was looking at!

[Minimad5]

Just ask them for the V5 reference number, and wait for them to either give you it or ask why.

 

Nothing wrong with looking into a cars history, can show up some surprising things !

[rainagain]

I looked through my OH's Tucson's mot history, apparently for a number of years it was in fact a diesel, before reverting to being a petrol again.

[Twiggy]

A perfectly reasonable request I would have thought. Refusal should mean in instant end to any interest in the vehicle.

[Bren]

I have done this with no problems.

 

If the vendor says no look elsewhere.

[D Spares & Tyres]

I was asked this by email on a £500 car

 

Couldn`t be arsed to respond, it sounded pedantic on an old banger

[The Reverend Bluejeans]

I was asked this by email on a £500 car

 

Couldn`t be arsed to respond, it sounded pedantic on an old banger

 

Me too. It's an old shitter, it has a valid MOT. What it failed on last year is of no consequence. Come and have a look at it, and bring money. 

[stripped fred]

Well I've asked. It's a Rover 75 and nearer £1000 than £500. We'll see if he replies...

[Jim Bell]

Means nothing anyway.  Ive bought cars that have had the same historic advisories for three years, then when I get a test done, its not even mentioned.  A lot is down to tester discretion.  Or opinion.

[Stanky]

I asked for this when inquiring about what I hope will be an imminent purchase, the seller was very forthcoming with details and it enabled me to check the MOT history and establish just how well cared for the car had been. It is also useful to know what to check extra-carefully when you go and visit, as advisories the previous year could be failures on the next MOT. 

 

With the super duper gov.uk MOT checker all you need is a reg and corresponding MOT number - not the VIN necessarily. I can see why a seller might be a bit cagey about dishing the VIN out, but there isn't a whole lot of a fraud you can do with an MOT number, at least as far as I'm aware.

[the judge]

If the car is ok,i wouldnt have a problem with that. Think a genuine seller wouldnt have an issue. But if you think you may need to ask,maybe the alarm bells are tingling