What a car spec check is for
A spec check answers a simple question: what is this car, on paper? Buyers use it to confirm engine size, fuel type and power before a viewing. Owners use it to check tax band, CO2 or economy figures they were never sure about.
Enter a UK registration and VehicleScore opens the same free dashboard as the homepage. Specification fields appear there when we have them.
What VehicleScore can show
On the free dashboard, a recognised vehicle can include some or all of:
- Make, model and year
- Fuel type and engine size
- Power (BHP) and transmission
- CO2 and tax or SORN status
- Last recorded mileage from MOT tests
We only display figures stored against that vehicle or its model data. If a field is missing, treat it as unknown — not as zero.
Engine and performance
Engine size and BHP are the two figures people ask for first. Use the car BHP check for power by model, or the engine size pages when you are comparing capacities across a range.
Transmission type is shown on the dashboard when we hold it. We do not invent gear counts or 0–60 times on this page. For published acceleration figures by model, see 0–60 times.
Dimensions and weight
Length, width, height and boot space sit on the car dimensions check. Kerb or mass figures, where we publish them, are on the car weight pages.
Those tools are most useful when you already know the make and model and want a table, not a single-plate lookup.
Emissions and running costs
CO2 is the figure that usually drives the tax band. Check it on the dashboard when present, or browse the CO2 emissions check by model. Official economy figures are on the fuel economy check. Road tax by model is on the car tax check.
These are published or recorded values, not a promise of what you will pay at the pump or to the DVLA next month.
Why check specifications before buying?
- Confirm the advert’s engine and fuel type match the plate
- Compare insurance group and running costs before you travel
- Spot a car that is the wrong trim for the price
Insurance group, where we publish it, is on the insurance group check.
Car specification vs vehicle history
Spec tells you what the manufacturer built. History tells you what has happened since: finance, write-off, stolen markers, salvage and mileage anomalies. A clean spec sheet does not clear those risks.
If you are close to buying, run a vehicle history check after the free spec view. Mileage readings are explained on the mileage check.
Enter a registration to open the free VehicleScore. Specialist spec tables are linked above.