From first advert to final choice
You should not have to hold the whole car in your head. Check the advert free, then keep its available records, buyer fit, matched context, seller replies, changes, findings and offer conditions in one decision trail.
Screen the advertClaims against available records
Build the car fileBuyer fit and matched context, where defensible
Test what is openReplies, proof, rechecks and physical findings
Make the decisionOffer conditions and finalist comparison
Choose how far to take this car
The free check helps you decide whether a car deserves a call. Open one serious car for seven days, or bring the same depth to your whole 30-day search.
Screen this car
Start with the advert; when a confirmed registration attaches an official record, carry one exact-car finding and focused condition check to the car
Prepare for this car
Investigate one car from matched context through seller contact, phased checks, offer and handover
Stay clear through your search
Apply the same evidence standard and car-file workflow across every serious candidate
Three separate car files cost £14.97. The 30-day search is £12.99 and brings the same car-file and comparison workflow to every serious candidate.
Matched comparisons and estimates appear only when the evidence is strong enough. Checking an advert again needs a readable live link.
Not useful? Email hello@askcarl.co.uk within 14 days for a full refund. Fair use applies.
More than an advert or MOT check
With an open car file, matched price and ownership context, buyer fit, seller replies, proof still needed, advert changes and what you record through the deal stay attached to the right car.
Illustrative AskCarl interface using synthetic vehicle data; no real vehicle or seller represented.
When a car stays in the running
Where the evidence qualifies, connect its position among matched adverts, model-year record and annual-fuel range with the budget, driving needs and must-haves in your saved brief.
How does this car fit the search, price evidence and likely use?
It is £1,005 under budget and the automatic gearbox matches. Its asking price is £245 above the middle of 13 close advertised matches. The advert still does not establish your boot-space requirement.
Before and during the viewing
Ask one useful seller question, record the reply without treating it as proof, then carry the unresolved point into a focused check at the car.
When the shortlist narrows
Put up to three finalists against the same brief. Captured advert facts and any successful recheck, available official records, seller replies, proof still open and viewing findings remain attached to the right car.
Clear boundaries
AskCarl brings the available record and your buying work together. Provenance and physical condition still need the right specialist checks.
Shown in AskCarlThe advert, available MOT and mileage trail, matched advertised prices, seller replies and the findings you record at the car.
Check separatelyFinance, theft, write-off and provenance through an authorised history provider.
Inspect in personMechanical condition, bodywork, underbody and anything that needs hands-on diagnosis.
Good to know
AutoTrader, Gumtree and supported eBay listings normally work from the link. Facebook Marketplace can vary what it shares with AskCarl; when it blocks the page, paste the advert wording or attach one full-page or combined screenshot. A blocked advert does not use one of your free advert checks.
It lets Carl retrieve the individual MOT and recorded-mileage trail. You can still check an advert without it, but the vehicle-specific record will remain unavailable until the registration is confirmed.
No. Use an authorised history check for finance, theft, write-off and provenance, and inspect the physical car before buying.
One trail for the whole decision
