Registration
“Registration” refers to the number and letter combination found on your plastic number plates. It is used to identify your vehicle on the DVLA’s records.
Make
The “make” of a car refers to the company that manufactured the vehicle (e.g. Audi, Mercedes, Ford).
Model
The “model” of a car refers to a specific type of vehicle sold by the manufacturer (e.g. Ford Fiesta, Audi A1, etc.).
Colour
The color of the vehicle's exterior (e.g. Silver, Blue, Black, etc.).
Body style
The “body style” refers to the shape, size and model of a specific vehicle (e.g. hatchback, sedan, convertible).
Registered
All vehicles must be registered on the DVLA database. Registration date refers to the date in which the vehicle registered onto the DVLA.
Latest V5C date
A V5C is a document issued by the DVLA to the registered owner of a vehicle. The V5C date refers to when it was last issued.
VIN ends in
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-digit code assigned to an individual vehicle. “VIN ends in” refers to the last 5 characters of the VIN.
Vehicle length
“Vehicle length” refers to the distance (in millimeters) between the front of the bumper and furthest rear part of the vehicle.
Vehicle width
“Vehicle width” refers to the distance (in millimeters) between two sides of the vehicle. This excludes the wing mirrors.
Vehicle height
“Vehicle height” refers to the distance (in millimeters) between the highest and lowest point of the vehicle.
Vehicle wheelbase
“Vehicle wheelbase” refers to the distance from the centre of the front axle to the centre of the rear axle.
Vehicle weight
“Vehicle weight” refers to the weight of the vehicle (without any passengers or goods inside).
Engine number
The engine number is separate to the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It is assigned to the engine of the car.
Engine size
“Engine size” refers to the amount of fuel and air that it can hold. This is measured in cubic centimetres (cc). In technical terms, it’s the amount of fuel and air that can be pushed through the vehicle’s cylinders.
Fuel type
“Fuel type” refers to the substance that powers the vehicle (e.g. petrol, diesel, unleaded, etc.).
Fuel catalyst
The fuel catalyst is a mechanical device that decreases emissions and increases fuel efficiency.
Fuel system
The fuel system consists of the components that deliver fuel from the tank to the engine. This includes the fuel pump, fuel filter and fuel injectors.
No. cylinders
“Number of cylinders” refers to the power unit of the engine. In these cylinders, fuel is converted into mechanical energy, in order to power the vehicle. Most vehicles will have 4, 6 or 8 cylinders.
Power
Brake Horsepower (BHP) is used to measure the power of an engine. It calculates the power leftover after all other parts of the vehicle are working.
Top speed
“Top speed” refers to the maximum speed that a vehicle can go. It is measured in Miles Per Hour (MPH).
0-60 mph
“0-60 mph” refers to the time it takes for a vehicle to reach 60 miles per hour. It is measured in seconds.
Vehicle Type
“Vehicle type” is similar to body style. It refers to the shape, size and model of a vehicle (e.g. hatchback, convertible, sedan).
Transmission
“Transmission” refers to the vehicle’s gearbox. The gearbox works in ratios, signalling to the engine and wheels to either speed up or slow down.
Emissions
“Emissions” refers to the exhaust gases that are harmful to air quality. Measured in grams per kilometer (G/km), this will usually relate to carbon monoxide (CO), hydrovehiclebons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NO).
CO2 output
“CO2 output” refers to the expected CO2 emissions of a vehicle. This ranges from A (0<100g/km) to M (225+g/km). The higher the emissions, the worse the grade.
EU emissions label
The EU emissions label shows the CO2 emissions and expected fuel economy of a vehicle.
Tax Costs (6 months)
“Tax costs” refers to a payment made to the government. A 6 month agreement allows you to legally drive your vehicle on the roads for 6 months.
Tax Costs (12 months)
“Tax costs” refers to a payment made to the government. A 12 month agreement allows you to legally drive your vehicle on the roads for 12 months.
MPG (Urban)
Miles per gallon (MPG) is measured in miles. It refers to the distance that a vehicle can travel per gallon of fuel. “Urban” refers to city driving.
MPG (Extra-Urban)
Miles per gallon (MPG) is measured in miles. It refers to the distance that a vehicle can travel per gallon of fuel. “Extra-urban” refers to country road and motorway driving.
MPG (Combined)
Miles per gallon (MPG) is measured in miles. It refers to the distance that a vehicle can travel per gallon of fuel. “Combined driving” refers to a mix of urban and extra-urban.
Total mileage
“Total mileage” refers to the total number of miles that a vehicle has driven since production. This is not wiped with every new owner.
Average mileage
“Average mileage” refers to the average number of miles that a vehicle drives per year.
Last MOT mileage
“Last MOT mileage” is the mileage that was recorded on the vehicle’s most recent MOT.
Mileage anomaly?
Mileage anomalies are flagged when there are inconsistencies with the mileage records of a vehicle.
Date
“Date” refers to the date that the mileage was recorded.
Mileage
“Mileage” refers to the total mileage recorded at this date.
-/+
“-/+” refers to the increase or decrease of a vehicle’s mileage.
Total MOT tests
“Total MOT tests” refers to the total number of MOT’s that the vehicle has had.
Tests passed
“Tests passed” refers to the total number of MOT’s that the vehicle has passed.
Tests failed
“Tests failed” refers to the total number of MOT’s that the vehicle has failed.
Date
“Date” refers to the date that the MOT test took place.
Mileage
“Mileage” refers to the mileage (amount of miles) recorded on the date of the MOT test.
Result
The result of the MOT test will either be a pass or fail.
Test results
Test results provide a deeper insight into the MOT, highlighting a list of advisory notices.
Tax valid until
“Tax valid until” refers to the date that a vehicle’s tax will run out.
Days left on tax
“Days left on tax” refers to the number of days left on the vehicle’s tax.
MOT valid until
“MOT valid until” refers to the date that a vehicle’s MOT will need to be renewed.
Days left on MOT
“Days left on MOT” refers to the number of days left until the vehicle requires a new MOT.
Agreement Type
Finance Company
Agreement No.
Date
Term
Vehicle imported?
If a vehicle is imported, it means that it was bought elsewhere in the EU and imported into the UK.
Import date
Vehicle exported?
Export date
Current owner
“Current owner” refers to the date that the existing owner first acquired the vehicle.
Previous owner
Vehicle written-off?
A “write-off” is a term used by insurers when a car is no longer roadworthy. This could either be due to the fact that it’s damaged beyond repair or that the repairs would be too costly.
Category
Category A
Entire vehicle has to be crushed.
Category B
Body shell has to be crushed, but you can salvage other parts from it.
Category C
You can use the vehicle again if it’s repaired to a roadworthy condition.
Category D
You can use the vehicle again if it’s repaired to a roadworthy condition.
Category N
You can use the vehicle again if it’s repaired to a roadworthy condition.
Category S
You can use the vehicle again if it’s repaired to a roadworthy condition.
Write-off records:
Vehicle stolen?
“Vehicle stolen?” informs you as to whether the vehicle has been registered as stolen. This information is taken from the Police National Computer and the MIAFTR (Motor Insurance Fraud and Theft Register). The Police National Computer records all vehicles reported as stolen and the MIAFTR is updated by insurance firms.
Date stolen
Source
Contact number
Police force
MIAFTR:
Vehicle scrapped?
If a vehicle is scrapped, it means it is too old or unusable to drive. “Vehicle scrapped” means that the vehicle has been registered as scrapped. It cannot be used.
Scrap date
Number of colour changes
“No. colour changes” refers to the number of times that a vehicle has had its exterior repainted.
Previous colour
Latest colour change date
Number of plate changes
“No. Plate changes” refers to the number of times a vehicle has changed its registration number.
Plate changes: