How we rank: Used car marketplaces
The Score (0–100) is a weighted sum of the factors below. Each factor is the weighted average of its metrics; each metric is calculated from one published fact. Missing facts score zero, and a service is ranked only when enough of its Score is backed by facts.
A service is ranked only when at least 60% of its Score is backed by verified facts.
← Used car sites in the UK 2026: a ranking built on verified facts
Transparency 20%
Whether the website names the operator's legal entity with its registration number (in the imprint, terms or contacts), and the year the site or its company started.
| Metric | Rule |
|---|---|
| Operator's legal entity on the website | Yes = 100, No = 0 |
| Online since | Full score at 20+ years |
For sellers 25%
Whether a private seller can list a car (or sell it to the service) without paying, and whether the site offers a market price estimate for a car.
| Metric | Rule |
|---|---|
| Free ad for a private seller | Yes = 100, No = 0 |
| Market price estimate | Yes = 100, No = 0 |
Buyer safety 40%
Whether a buyer can get a vehicle history report by VIN or plate, whether the site offers a safe deal, escrow, money-back period or other stated buyer protection, whether it verifies sellers, and whether it publishes anti-fraud advice.
| Metric | Rule |
|---|---|
| Vehicle history report (VIN or plate) | Yes = 100, No = 0 |
| Safe deal or buyer protection | Yes = 100, No = 0 |
| Seller verification | Yes = 100, No = 0 |
| Anti-fraud advice page | Yes = 100, No = 0 |
App 15%
The App Store rating of the site's own iOS app, weighted by the number of ratings.
| Metric | Rule |
|---|---|
| App Store rating | 3★ = 0, 5★ = 100, damped below 100,000 ratings |