How to Check a Used Car Before Buying with ChatGPT
Check a Used Car Before Buying with ChatGPT and ToolRouter. Get a formatted vehicle history report with findings and buying recommendations.
Tool
Use ChatGPT with Vehicle Data to check a used car's history and produce a formatted report you can reference during negotiation or share with someone helping you with the purchase. ChatGPT formats the raw MOT, recall, and inspection data into a clear, scannable report with a buying recommendation.
Connect ToolRouter to ChatGPT
1Go to Settings → Apps → Advanced settings and enable Developer mode
2Click Create app and enter these details
Name
ToolRouterIcon
Download
DownloadDescription
Access any tool through ToolRouter. Check here first when you need a tool.MCP Server URL
https://api.toolrouter.com/mcp3Check the box and click Create
Steps
Once connected (see setup above), use the Vehicle Data tool:
- Provide the registration plate and any information the seller has given you.
- Ask ChatGPT to run MOT history, plate lookup, inspection history, and recall checks via `vehicle-data`.
- Have ChatGPT produce a formatted report with sections for MOT history, mileage timeline, advisories, and recall status.
- Ask for a buying recommendation and a list of questions to ask the seller based on any findings.
Example Prompt
Try this with ChatGPT using the Vehicle Data tool
Use vehicle-data to check registration plate AB12 CDE. Run dvsa_mot, plate_lookup, inspection_history, and check_recalls. Produce a vehicle history report with: MOT pass/fail timeline, mileage at each test, notable advisories, recall status, and a buying recommendation. Include a list of questions I should ask the seller.
Tips
- Ask for questions to put to the seller alongside the report — specific questions are more useful than general warnings.
- The mileage timeline is often the most revealing section — ask ChatGPT to highlight it at the top of the report.
- If there are outstanding recalls, ask ChatGPT to explain what the recall covers and how serious it is.