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Comparison · checked 9 October 2026

RegTail vs Autotrader Vehicle Check: what each check is for

Check a car before you buy: free MOT, tax and mileage check, plus a detailed report if you want more.

UK

Autotrader sells a £6.95 register check inside its listings. RegTail helps you shortlist first, from the advert and MOT record, so you only pay for a final check on the car you want.

Updated October 2026.

Use RegTail when

You are still comparing adverts and want to drop the weak ones before paying for register data.

Use Autotrader Vehicle Check when

You have picked the car and want finance, stolen and write-off checks without leaving Autotrader.

Like-for-like comparison table

FeatureRegTailAutotrader Vehicle Check
Price Free to startFull report £2.99, 5 for £9.99, 15 for £19.99. £6.95 per check.
What is free Useful free shortlist checkLatest MOT result, defects, advisories, mileage, MOT and tax status. A free five-point check on adverts.
MOT history Every test in full reportRecurring issues grouped by part. Not listed in detail.
Mileage checks MOT and advert contextMOT readings against the advert and typical mileage for the model. Not listed in detail.
Advert claims tested YesFlags claims the records contradict. Not listed.
Cloned-plate signs YesFlags an advert or photo that does not match the plate record. Not listed.
Outstanding finance Not checked Included.
Stolen marker Not checked Included.
Insurance write-off register Not checked Included.
Guarantee No guarantee Up to £30,000 cover.
Valuation No valuation Included.
Prices checked on 9 October 2026. Source: autotrader.co.uk/cars/vehicle-check. Not affiliated with Autotrader.

When Autotrader Vehicle Check is the better choice

You are already on Autotrader
The paid check sits in the listing you are reading.
You want one fixed price
One check, one price, no plans to compare.
Use RegTail first if
You would otherwise pay to check adverts you could have ruled out for free.

Looking for an Autotrader Vehicle Check alternative?

RegTail does not replace a register check. It tells you whether a listing deserves one.

What RegTail does differently

RegTail works before checkout, on the advert itself.

Works across marketplaces
The same MOT and claims filter for adverts on any site, not just Autotrader.
Tests the advert
Checks the seller's mileage and condition claims against the records.
A viewing plan
Recurring advisories and defects become a list of what to inspect first.
Clear handoff
Shortlist with RegTail, then confirm the final car with a register check.
Scope statement
RegTail does not check outstanding finance, stolen or write-off records. Add a register check before you pay. How to check for outstanding finance.

Questions

Is RegTail cheaper than Autotrader Vehicle Check?
Yes, £2.99 against £6.95, but they do different jobs. Autotrader checks the registers; RegTail checks the advert and MOT record.
Can RegTail replace an Autotrader purchase check?
Only if you do not need finance, stolen and write-off checks.
What is Autotrader's main advantage here?
The check is inside the listing, so there is nothing to switch to.
Does RegTail check finance, stolen or write-off?
No. Add a register check before you pay.

Check the car you are looking at

Plate, advert link or photo. The current condition is free; 1 credit unlocks the MOT history, mileage and the seller's claims, checked against the records.

Check a car

Read next: Comparison hub · Cheapest car check UK · Best car check UK · Reg check · Car check · MOT history check · Mileage check · Is the free gov.uk MOT check enough? · Cat S, Cat N and write-offs explained

Read next: RegTail vs carwow · RegTail vs Total Car Check. Prices and features can change, check source pages before buying.