Before buying a used car: what to check and when

A registration-number lookup helps you prepare questions before meeting the seller. A purchase decision also needs documents and an inspection of the actual vehicle.

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Free vehicle lookup by registration number

Enter a plate of 5 to 8 digits on the search page. No account or payment needed.

On this page

Before the viewing

Request the registration number and service documents, then compare the advert with the report. A leasing or rental record alone does not prove excessive wear.

  • Match the model, manufacturing year and licence validity.
  • Compare advertised mileage with the latest published reading; the report does not provide an annual series.
  • Review recorded ownership types and query differences. The number of entries is not a verified owner count.
  • Check recalls with the importer even when the report contains no recall entry.

At the viewing and before payment

Match the licence to the vehicle and the seller to the ownership documents. Request dated invoices with odometer readings and evidence of recall repairs where relevant.

Arrange an independent inspection and check transfer restrictions through official services. Before paying, also check for a theft report (Israel Police), registered pledges (Registrar of Pledges) and insurance claims (INFOCAR). Public records do not establish a complete accident history or mechanical condition; a valid licence does not guarantee the vehicle’s condition today.

Illustrative example — fictional data

An advert says “privately owned from new”, but the data contains a leasing entry. Request the licence and supporting documents, and resolve the discrepancy before paying a deposit. The entry does not identify who drove the car or how it was maintained.

Your next step

Run the free lookup and make three short lists: details that match, discrepancies to resolve and documents still missing.

Official sources

Check a specific vehicle

Enter a registration number to check a specific vehicle. Registration details, mileage and ownership types depend on source availability.

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