The IsItAGoodCar blog.
Honest, data-led guides on buying used cars in the UK. Just the facts you need to buy with confidence.
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Petrol Direct Injection Carbon Buildup: UK Used Car Buyer's Guide
Buying a used GDI, TFSI, or EcoBoost petrol car? Learn how intake valve carbon buildup causes misfires, cold start faults, and walnut blasting costs.
Dual-Mass Flywheel (DMF) & Clutch Failure: Used Car Buyer's Guide
Dual-mass flywheel (DMF) and clutch replacements cost up to £1,800. Learn how to spot rattles, clutch judder, and slippage before buying a used car in the UK.
Haldex AWD Problems in Used Cars: UK Buyer's Maintenance & Fault Guide
Buying a used AWD Golf R, Audi S3, TT Quattro, or Volvo XC90? Learn how Haldex coupling systems fail, pump strainer mesh red flags, and test drive checks.
Unrecorded Salvage & Write-Off Cars UK: How to Spot Hidden Damage
Unrecorded write-off cars bypass official insurance databases. Learn why salvage vehicles are repaired off the record, how to spot hidden damage, and your legal rights.
Buying a Remapped or Modified Used Car in the UK: Risks, DVLA Rules & Insurance Traps
An ECU remap or aftermarket tuning promises performance, but undeclared modifications can void your insurance, fail your MOT, and destroy your drivetrain.
Buying a Used Hybrid Car in the UK: MHEV, HEV & PHEV Buyer's Guide
Thinking of buying a used hybrid in Great Britain? Learn how MHEV, HEV, and PHEV systems work, test battery State of Health, and inspect high-voltage components.
VIN Number Check UK: How to Find, Verify & Spot Vehicle Tampering
Discover where to find a car's VIN number in the UK, how to cross-check it against V5C logbooks, and how to spot ground-down chassis numbers and cloned cars.
Buying a Car Without a V5C Logbook: Risks, DVLA V62 Process & Buyer Checklist
Buying a car without a V5C logbook carries huge financial and legal risks. Learn how the DVLA V62 replacement process works, road tax restrictions, and buyer red flags.
Pre-Purchase Car Inspection UK: Is an AA, RAC or Independent Inspection Worth It?
Is a £150-£250 pre-purchase vehicle inspection worth the money in the UK? Compare AA, RAC, and mobile mechanics, plus learn how to spot hidden faults yourself.
Curbside Traders & Unlicensed Dealers UK: How to Spot "Curbstoning" Used Car Scams
Unlicensed car traders posing as private sellers put thousands of UK buyers at risk. Learn how to spot curbstoning scams, check V5C logbook red flags, and protect your consumer rights.
Buying an Ex-Motability Car in the UK: Risks, Adaptation Red Flags & Buyer's Checklist
Ex-Motability cars offer low mileage and main-dealer servicing, but adaptation removals, short-trip engine wear, and 3-year MOT gaps bring hidden risks. Here is your complete buying guide.
OBD2 Scanner Used Car Inspection UK: How to Read Diagnostic Codes Before Buying
Learn how to use an OBD2 scanner when inspecting a used car in the UK. Uncover hidden engine fault codes, spot cleared code scams, and check ECU readiness.
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