The ITV when buying a used car: more information than it seems
Next inspection date, recorded defects and mileage: using the roadworthiness history to negotiate — or to walk away in time.
The roadworthiness sticker isn’t just a sticker: the test history is one of the few objective sources about a used car’s life, because every inspection records date, mileage and result.
First: when it expires
A car with the test about to expire isn't a dealbreaker — it's a short-term cost and an unknown. Ask who passes it and what happens if it fails. A seller confident in the car won't mind passing it before the sale.
Defects tell a story
Inspections record minor and serious defects. A pattern of repeated brake or steering defects speaks about the maintenance the car did NOT get. A recent fail followed by an express pass deserves the question of what was fixed, and where.
Mileage, again
Every test records the odometer. That time series is the best weapon against clocking: read it in the DGT report before viewing the car.
Buying with the test expired
It's possible — the transfer doesn't require it — but you can only drive the car to the test station, and you're buying its result blind. Discount that risk from the price or ask the seller to pass it first. At Autamo, test validity is one of the pre-listing checks, and the next test date is on every listing.