 Use each score to compare vehicles you're interested in buying

 Use the average to understand how that vehicle compares to other of that same make, model and year

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 Consider advertising your score on your vehicle listing. This will increase confidence for the buyers, and will allow you to leverage this to get more money for your vehicle compared to others on the market

 Instant cash offers on our score page can help you get rid of your car without the hassle of a private sale.

 Make sure you last MOT was clean with no outstanding issues. This will help increase your VehicleScore.
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Other than checking the scores, it is important you check exactly what the last 2-3 years of MOT's are. There could be important long term issues.

Finance, Write-off and Salvage checks. We offer these reports from £2.97. 1 in 3 of the vehicle's put through our checks have something to hide.

Check the insurance. We have partnered with Confused.com to get you low priced insurance.

Keeping the car for only a few years? Use our future price estimator to see how much depreciation to expect.

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VehicleScore has many tools that you can use to save yourself buying a risky motor

The UK automotive sector has called upon all political parties to embrace a set of five pledges that would enhance its competitiveness and unlock a £106 billion opportunity until the end of the next parliamentary term. By committing to a transformative approach to automotive production, instilling confidence in electric vehicles for all drivers, upskilling the workforce, enabling global vehicle sales, and reducing the cost of clean energy, the sector can take the lead in the UK's journey toward achieving net zero emissions.

During the annual International Summit in London, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) introduced "Manifesto 2030: Automotive Growth for a Zero Emission Future." The SMMT urged every political party to acknowledge the sector's strategic significance to the UK and create favorable conditions for a ten-fold increase in annual battery electric vehicle (BEV) production, reaching over 750,000 units per year by 2030. This ambitious goal would result in a cumulative product value of £106 billion at the factory gate.

However, realizing such growth hinges on British plants attracting the next generation of electric models and scaling up the emerging EV supply chain, which highlights the importance of maintaining competitiveness in the sector. While the industry continues its post-pandemic recovery, experiencing steady growth in new vehicle registrations, production output, and manufacturing jobs (which increased by 4% to a total of 208,000 jobs in the last year), it faces intense global competition as other countries offer substantial financial incentives and subsidies to attract green manufacturing.

Another significant challenge is the potential impact of tariffs due to stricter local content rules under the UK-EU trade deal, which will come into effect in just six months. If left unaddressed, this situation would place the industry at a disadvantage, rendering British-built electric vehicles uncompetitive in the largest export market while driving up EV prices for British consumers precisely when the UK and EU are striving to accelerate EV adoption.

The industry also faces inflationary pressures, with over 80% of companies surveyed in the SMMT's latest automotive business confidence barometer reporting increased input costs. These rising costs limit profitability and impede investment, despite an upswing in orders and output. Additionally, competitive energy prices are crucial for long-term domestic EV production. More than 90% of firms consider energy price mitigation measures essential for further investment. The UK automotive sector contends with electricity costs that are more than double those of its EU counterparts, compounded by lengthy lead times required to secure necessary new grid connections for renewable investments.

Other important factors identified by the industry include improved trade support, regulatory certainty, and, most importantly, a robust EV market. Lower energy costs, mandated charging infrastructure targets, and financial incentives for buyers were identified as key drivers for fostering a healthy EV market.

Speaking today at the automotive industry’s annual Summit, Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said,

The government has set the industry tough targets and we are committed to meeting them. But we are in the middle of the most fiercely competitive investment landscape of a generation and need a UK response, urgently, using every policy, every fiscal and regulatory lever, to make Britain the most attractive place to invest. The automotive industry rises to every challenge, so we set out today a challenge to all political parties: back us with the right conditions and we will turn our obligations into opportunities for our industry, for jobs, for the environment and for the UK.

Read more at https://www.smmt.co.uk/2023/06/uk-auto-calls-for-industrial-strategy-to-secure-106-billion-ev-prize/

The UK automotive sector is asking for pledges to secure the clean transportation future.

SMMT Urges UK Government to Take Action on £106bn Opportunity

London has introduced a scheme called the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) scrappage scheme, which is worth £110 million. Its main objective is to support disabled and low-income individuals in London by helping them replace their older, more polluting vehicles with ULEZ-compliant options. Starting from August 29, 2023, the ULEZ will expand to cover nearly all of Greater London, including areas within the M25 orbital motorway.

If you want to check if your vehicle is eligible for the ULEZ, you can use the ULEZ Checker provided by Transport for London (TfL): https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle/.

To qualify for the scrappage scheme, applicants must live in one of the 32 London Boroughs or the City of London, and they should be receiving one or more benefits such as Universal Credit, Carer's Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Pension Credit, or other benefits mentioned in the eligibility criteria.

To be eligible for the scrappage scheme, the vehicle must meet certain requirements. It should have been registered with the DVLA in the applicant's name or in the name of someone living at the same address for over 12 months before October 23, 2019. Additionally, the vehicle must be insured, have a valid MOT certificate, road tax, and fail to meet the ULEZ emission standards. These standards state that vehicles should at least meet Euro 4 standards (for diesel cars) or Euro 6 standards (for petrol cars).

Through the scrappage scheme, eligible applicants can save £1,000 on a new motorcycle or moped, and £2,000 on a new car, as long as the old vehicle does not meet the ULEZ standards and is replaced with a compliant one. Individuals with wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) can receive £5,000 towards the cost of a new vehicle if they scrap their old one.

If you meet the criteria and want to start the application process for the scrappage scheme, you can visit the Transport for London (TfL) website.

We take a look at what the ULEZ is, how it works, and how to check to see if your car is compliant.

London ULEZ Explained

Car theft has become a rising concern in the United Kingdom, with an alarming increase in incidents reported throughout 2023. 

As criminals adapt to new technologies and develop sophisticated methods, the battle to combat vehicle theft has intensified. This article sheds light on the recent surge in car theft cases, explores potential reasons behind this upward trend, and offers practical tips to protect your vehicle from falling victim to this unfortunate crime.

The statistical data regarding car theft in the UK for the year 2023 is deeply concerning. According to recent reports, there has been a significant rise in vehicle thefts across the nation, surpassing previous years' figures. The numbers reveal a growing challenge that demands immediate attention from authorities, law enforcement agencies, and vehicle owners alike.

Technological Advancements: Blessing or Curse? 

The rapid advancement of technology has undoubtedly enhanced our lives in numerous ways. However, it has also provided criminals with new avenues to exploit. In recent years, we have witnessed an increase in cases involving high-tech car theft methods, such as keyless entry hacks and relay attacks. These techniques allow thieves to gain unauthorized access to vehicles, bypassing traditional security measures. The rise in car theft can be partially attributed to these evolving criminal tactics.

Car theft is no longer limited to opportunistic individuals. Organized crime networks are now actively involved in the illicit trade of stolen vehicles. These networks operate across borders, making it increasingly challenging to recover stolen cars and dismantle these criminal enterprises. The lucrative nature of car theft has attracted the attention of sophisticated criminal syndicates, further contributing to the rise in incidents.

In some cases, the increase in car theft can be attributed to inadequate security measures adopted by vehicle owners. Failing to secure vehicles properly, leaving valuable belongings visible, and overlooking simple precautions can make vehicles more vulnerable to theft. It is crucial for car owners to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect their vehicles from potential theft.

Invest in additional security measures such as steering wheel locks, immobilizers, and tracking devices to deter potential thieves. 

Park your vehicle in well-lit areas or secure parking lots equipped with surveillance cameras. 

Always lock your vehicle and double-check that windows are closed before leaving it unattended. 

Avoid leaving valuable items inside the car, as they can attract thieves. 

Consider using physical barriers such as bollards or gates to secure your driveway or parking space. 

Be cautious of sharing personal information related to your vehicle, such as its location, on social media platforms. 

Stay informed about the latest car theft trends and security recommendations from local law enforcement agencies.

Put keyless entry keyfobs in suitable Faraday Boxes & Pouches when not in use. 

This video from UK automotive YouTube channel "DefinitelyNotAGuru" highlights some of the most popular cars with thieves in 2023.  Some of the numbers are simply staggering. 

Most Popular Cars for CAR THIEVES to STEAL in the UK

The rise in car theft cases in the UK demands immediate attention and collaborative efforts from all stakeholders. Vehicle owners must take proactive steps to protect their valuable assets, while law enforcement agencies and the government should enhance their strategies to combat organized car theft networks. By raising awareness, implementing effective security measures, and staying updated on evolving theft techniques, we can collectively work towards reducing car theft and ensuring the safety of our vehicles.

Is your car on the "most wanted" list? what can you do to make life more difficult for the thieves?

Car Theft in the UK is on the rise

Year on year increases in car related crime are on the up

VehicleScore is a complimentary tool designed to help you evaluate the performance of a vehicle throughout its lifetime. It also enables you to check its mileage history and quickly identify any MOT advisories. The best part? It's completely free to use, and you don't even need an account!

Buying a car can be easier for those with extensive automotive knowledge, but VehicleScore aims to assist those with limited expertise. This tool assigns a score ranging from 1 to 999 based on the car's MOT history, mileage, age, and other relevant factors. You can delve deeper into MOT reports that highlight potential serious faults as well as less concerning issues like wiper problems, bulb replacements, and general wear and tear.

VehicleScore can benefit sellers by allowing them to effortlessly add the score to their car sale photos and download them for free, all without requiring an account. This additional information can boost buyers' confidence and make your car listing stand out on popular car sales platforms.

Lastly, VehicleScore offers two reasonably priced Vehicle History Check services. These services help identify unrecorded Cat C/D/S/N cars that have passed through salvage auctions but maintain a completely clean history on websites like AutoTrader and eBay. It's truly invaluable.

For more Used Car Buying Advice, check out Buying a Used Car in the UK by Jim Starling on Amazon now

This great free tool is helping thousands of UK car buyers every day

The Best Things in Life Can Be FREE. Meet VehicleScore!

You may be used to be seeing the term 'HPI Clear' in car listings, most people take this to mean that there is no outstanding finance on the car and it's never been an insurance write-off.  You may even see that the car has passed a history check on sites like Auto Trader and eBay but what if I told you that there are literally thousands of 'HPI Clear' cars that have been subject to an insurance write-off (including cars with structural damage) that are legally being sold as 'HPI Clear'.  It's true.

Many of the big names in history checks search the DVLA and MIAFTR databases (MIAFTR is the insurance database containing records of written-off and stolen vehicles, as defined by the Code of Practice for the Disposal of Motor Vehicle Salvage). On the face of it that all seems fine but did you know that insurers are not legally obliged to record written-off vehicles on that database? it's seen as good practice but it's time-consuming and can therefore be costly so some insurers simply do not register their written-off vehicles whilst others sometimes slip through the net.

In the UK today I can promise you that there are hundreds of live listings with a big green tick next to them on very reputable websites for vehicles that were once an unrecorded Cat-C, Cat-D, Cat-S or Cat-N write off that are being sold at full retail price.  This is a scandalous situation but there is a quick and easy fix.  If a vehicle has already passed an 'HPI' style check, simply get a Salvage Plus History Check from VehicleScore for just £2.97 to help put your mind at ease.  VehicleScore.co.uk can give you details of the vehicle passing through a salvage auction and sometimes even show you photos of the car in it's pre-repaired/post-accident condition.  This can help you to see the extent of the damage and check for the quality of the repair. It can also be used as a powerful bargaining chip with the seller!  It's worth noting at registered write-offs, once repaired, are often sold for 25-30% less than the normal retail price.

Could your 'HPI Clear' car be an unrecorded write off?

What does 'HPI Clear' really mean?

Many cars advertised as HPI Clear than have a hidden past, luckily it's very quick and easy to uncover the truth.

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1. Head over to our website using the Safari browser and tap the bottom icon.
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3. All done! Now you can easily access your Vehicle's Scores.

1. Head over to our website using the Chrome browser and tap the top right, followed by Add To Home Screen.

4. All done! Now you can easily access your Vehicle's Scores

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Auto Trader expresses concern that "we are in danger of veering off-track" and predicts "difficult times" for the UK's 2030 goal to outlaw petrol and diesel vehicles.

According to data from the largest car sales website in the UK, interest in new electric vehicles may be waning as Tesla CEO Elon Musk predicts further price cuts to increase demand.

From January of last year to March of this year, the amount of new electric car searches, ad views, and messages to retailers on the Auto Trader platform fell down about two thirds (65%).

According to Auto Trader, this is because electric cars are expensive, borrowing costs are greater, and electricity prices are rising amid a crisis in the cost of living.

It made its findings public at a time when Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, is placing a higher priority on price cuts than on earnings.

Following the release of the company's most recent quarterly results on Thursday night, he hinted that additional price reductions would soon be implemented as Tesla works to increase sales and market share in the challenging macroeconomic environment.

Operating margins decreased by eight percentage points, and earnings decreased by a quarter, between January and March, according to its results statement.

The UK government was urged by Auto Trader to implement tax incentives to increase affordability.

Electric cars (EVs) accounted for 16.3% of new car ad views on the internet in January 2022, but by March 2023, that number had dropped to 10.54%, according to Auto Trader.

In the first month of last year, EVs accounted for 27% of all new car inquiries, but that percentage fell to 9% last month.

The company claimed that new EVs are 37% more expensive than petrol and diesel cars and that there are now less new electric models between £20,000 and £30,000 than there were in 2022, suggesting that disinterest may be growing.

According to Auto Trader, the number of gasoline and diesel vehicles priced under £30,000 is nine times more than the number of EVs, and a new electric SUV typically costs £22,290 more than a gasoline-powered one.

According to business analysis, as oil prices have declined from their highs following the invasion of Ukraine, drivers are no longer expected to save as much money by operating an electric vehicle as opposed to a diesel or gasoline-powered vehicle.

According to the data, whereas EV users with a home charger can save up to £130 for every 1,000 miles by charging overnight during off-peak hours, savings drop to just £40 for those who use public chargers.

According to Auto Trader, there is still a significant market for used EVs and fleet sales, when a business buys vehicles for its employees to use or to rent out.

As the government's 2030 deadline for banning the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles approaches, EV sales have significantly surged in recent years.

In the first three months of this year, new battery electric car sales increased by 18.8% to 76,233, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Auto Trader urged the government to drop the VAT on used EVs and said lenders should provide lower or interest-free rates on EV financing contracts in order to spur interest in and purchases of EVs.

Adopting uniform terminology for charging and battery health should also be a key goal for government and business, according to Auto Trader, who also noted that battery health is one of the top worries buyers have when purchasing an EV.

The commercial director of Auto Trader said, "These are challenging times for the UK's road to 2030 ambitions and we are in danger of veering off-track."

Tesla anticipates further price reductions as a research foresees a decline in demand for new electric vehicles

Tesla Price Cuts

Without a large subsidy package comparable to the billions in support the US is giving, Andy Palmer said it was "probable" automotive companies will leave the UK.

The "last throw of the dice" is being thrown at the industry, Mr. Palmer, who has held senior positions at Nissan and Aston Martin, noted.

The UK won't "toe-to-toe" with the US and EU, according to the chancellor.

According to Jeremy Hunt, the UK's strategy for luring investment would be "better."

Mr Palmer, who is currently chairman of the electric battery company InoBat, formerly served as Nissan's COO and as Aston Martin's CEO.

He stated on the Today programme of the BBC that the UK's auto industry was "managing decline" but that the transition to electric vehicles represented a "last opportunity" to revive the sector and create jobs.

However, he cautioned that substantial subsidy packages, comparable to those proposed in the US and currently under consultation by the EU, were required for companies with headquarters in the UK.

Mr. Palmer stated that it was "not only possible, it's probable" that vehicle manufacturers now based in the UK will leave and go overseas if such programmes are not developed.

You must either compete or control the fall of the British industry, which will eventually reach practically zero, he warned.

"We have one more chance to save some of that industry, but if we don't, then we'll have to find alternative jobs for the 820,000 people."

The caution follows the US's announcement of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which provides US companies manufacturing greener technology with billions of dollars in subsidies and tax credits, including electric automobiles, renewable electricity, and sustainable aviation fuel.

In response, the EU announced proposals for a Net Zero Industry Act to strengthen its green industry subsidies.

The UK government informed the BBC that representatives were speaking with other nations "who are similarly affected" as well as the US administration "to address serious concerns" about the IRA.

The government vowed to "remain resolute in defending the interests of UK industry."

The most recent remarks follow Mr. Hunt's declaration that the UK will not engage in what he called "some distortive global subsidy race" head-to-head with its friends.

Mr. Hunt promised that "our approach will be different -- and better." "Security, not subsidies, is the long-term solution as protectionism threatens to reemerge in the global economy."

According to a veteran of the business, the UK's auto industry may vanish unless the government follows the US and EU in assisting with the transition to electric vehicles.

UK Car Industry Threat

According to Tony Diver in The Daily Telegraph, the strategy was first implemented in 2006 after Tony Blair's administration was informed that congestion was costing the nation £20 billion annually. nonetheless, widening highways would be considerably more expensive. A solution appeared to be smart roads, which could be built for only a sixth of the price per mile of new roadways. Even after being forewarned of the dangers, later governments persisted with their plans—even reducing the number of pull-in areas to further reduce costs—so that on the newest motorways, these only appear every 2.5 km.

According to Edmund King, president of the AA, in the same publication, "I have been posing a straightforward query to ministers for years." Would they rather have a breakdown on a road where they had a better chance of making it to a hard shoulder, or on one where they would have to hope that they wouldn't be seen in a live lane, hope that the control centre would trigger a warning, hope that a Red X would appear, and hope that other drivers would pay attention to it?

The sad irony is that smart highways don't even reduce traffic, in part because a third of drivers stay out of the inside lane out of concern about hitting a stopped car. The fact that this policy was ever implemented is scandalous, and those responsible have "blood on their hands."

The proposal was supported by the government as a way to reduce traffic, and traffic managers reassured frightened drivers that they would be safe if they broke down in "thundering traffic" without access to a designated emergency spot thanks to "active traffic management" techniques like radar-based cameras and electronic signage.

But after a string of fatal accidents, the Government has finally realised its mistake. Last week, it announced that all of the proposals for additional smart motorways—a total of 14 schemes—will be scrapped. However, campaigners were never persuaded.

become clear," Oliver Duff wrote in The i Paper. At least 38 individuals were killed on these "death traps" in the five years leading up to 2020.

Then there are all the minor collisions and near misses; any driver who has had a tyre blow out at 70 mph can only image how terrible it would be to experience it on a road where the hard shoulder has been designated as the 'default lane for HGVs'. Now, activists are demanding that all currently built smart motorways be demolished as well.

The UK government have decided to halt all further expansion on smart motorways

Smart Motorways

The UK Government have decided to halt all further work on UK smart motorways 

VehicleScore was designed to help people with their vehicle buying decisions*. Our score can quickly tell you if a vehicle has had a good or a bad history. Save the hassle of looking into a vehicle's history, and let our score tell you how the vehicle's health has been.

It's simple. Enter your registration into our score generator, wait a couple of seconds, and you will be presented with a VehicleScore.

Not only do you get a score based on the vehicle's history, you will also be presented with an average score for your exact make, model, year and engine. This can be used to show how your vehicle compares to others on the market. Some vehicle models have common issues and problems that can reflect on a MOT. The average score can then be used to show how it weights up to other vehicles of the same model on the road.

Signing up allows you to save your vehicles, and it also keeps you up to date on new and exciting features. We have plans for vehicle comparison, new score widgets and even starting our own forum, all of which would require a sign up to access these.

How do I find out the details of my score?

If you head down to the MOT section of the score page, you will be presented with the MOT history. This is where we display aspects of your score. The colour key reflects the impact made on your score. For example, a red label indicates a serious issue, and will have a heavy impact on your MOT history. A light grey colour indicates almost no impact at all.

*please check our disclaimer as we do not take responsibility for your buying decisions, and should still do your own research and get professional advice before buying a vehicle.

You've got your credit score, but have you got your VehicleScore?

What Is VehicleScore?

"A VehicleScore is an all-in-one score of your vehicle's history. A MOT history shows a lot about a vehicle. Our VehicleScore algorithm is designed to spot big issues such as oil leaks, engine knocking and other mechanical issues, that can lead to expensive repairs. We also rule our the small MOT failures, such as tyres being below 1.6mm (UK legal tyre tread), and treating them as more wear and tear."

You've got your creditscore, but have you got your VehicleScore? This blog covers what VehicleScore is, and how it can help you in your search for a new vehicle...

The UK's auto industry group, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said that new-vehicle registrations increased for the eighth consecutive month in March, posting 18% rise from a year earlier. It also noted that March represented the highest month ever for full-electric car sales.

The SMMT stated in a statement on Wednesday that the first quarter of 2023 was the highest three-month period since 2019, with new-car registrations increasing to 287,825 units as supply chain difficulties continued to resolve.

Full-electric vehicle sales increased 19% to a record monthly high of 46,626, representing a market share of 16.2%, while gasoline-powered vehicles continued to be the most common fuel type, growing 17% to a 41.4 % share. Sales of diesel dropped 20% for a market share of 3.8%.

"The best month ever for zero-emission vehicles is reflective of increased consumer choice and improved availability, but if EV market ambitions - and regulation - are to be met, infrastructure investment must catch up," said SMMT CEO Mike Hawes in a statement.

Last month, the Nissan Juke and Nissan Qashqai were the top-selling EVs in the UK, followed by the Tesla Model Y.

The zero-emission vehicle mandate, which is set to go into effect in less than nine months, will only be successful with increased investment in public charging infrastructure, according to the industry organisation.

It would be foolish to declare the auto industry is out of the woods just yet, according to John Wilmot, CEO of the automobile leasing comparison website LeaseLoco, as current reported statistics were still significantly below pre-COVID levels.

UK Car Sales Rise 18 percent

The UK's auto industry group, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said that new-vehicle registrations increased for the eighth consecutive month in March, posting 18% rise from a year...

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Blogs

How to get the most out of VehicleScore

SMMT Urges UK Government to Take Action on £106bn Opportunity

London ULEZ Explainsion Explained

Car Theft in the UK is on the rise

The Best Things in Life are FREE!

What does 'HPI Clear' really mean?

How to get the VehicleScore Web App

Tesla signals more price cuts

Warning, UK car industry under threat

UK Smart Motorways government U-turn

What is a VehicleScore?

March sales in the UK increase 18%