automano

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Practical guides and expert advice to check, value, and understand your vehicle.

Guide

July 22, 2026

Odometer fraud in numbers

How many used cars have a clocked odometer? Based on the official RDW register (10.8 million cars analysed), ~241,000 carry an odometer history officially flagged as inconsistent — about 1 in 31. The figures, the method, and how to protect yourself for free.

Guide

July 19, 2026

How to Check if a Used Car Was in an Accident

Panel gaps, paint mismatch, repair marks: the signs that give away an accident-damaged car, and what a VIN report can (and can't) actually confirm before you buy.

Guide

July 19, 2026

How to Check a Car's History for Free (and Where Free Tools Stop)

Free tools like NICB VINCheck, GOV.UK MOT history and NMVTIS give you part of a car's history. Here's what each one shows, its limits, and how to fill the gaps before you buy.

Guide

July 19, 2026

How to Spot Mileage Fraud (Clocked Cars) Before You Buy

Odometer rollback is one of the most common used-car scams. Here are the wear signs, the inspection paper trail, and how to verify a car's true mileage from its VIN.

Technical

July 19, 2026

Where to Find Your VIN Number (on the Title, V5C and the Car)

Your VIN is on the vehicle title, the UK V5C logbook, and in four places on the car itself. Here is exactly where to look, and how to decode the 17 characters for free.

Technical

March 14, 2026

Buying a Used Car from Germany

Prices 15-30% lower, Europe's largest market. Everything you need to know about buying a used car in Germany and registering it in France.

Technical

March 13, 2026

Average Car Mileage

What's the average car mileage in France? 12,200 km per year. Discover benchmarks by vehicle type and how to detect odometer tampering.

Guide

March 13, 2026

The 10 Best Used Cars to Buy in 2026 by Segment

Which used car should you buy in 2026? Our top picks for reliability by segment, with price ranges and known issues to watch for.

Guide

March 13, 2026

Buying an Ex-Lease Car

Ex-lease cars on the used market: pros, cons, and what to check. Everything you need to know before buying a former LOA or LLD vehicle.

Guide

March 13, 2026

Car Body Repair Costs 2026

How much does car bodywork repair cost in 2026? Prices for bumpers, wings, doors, scratches, dents. Full guide with real costs and negotiation tips.

Guide

March 13, 2026

Car Depreciation by Year

See how much a car loses in value each year. Full depreciation curve table, key factors, and how to use this data to negotiate a better deal.

Technical

March 13, 2026

Car Registration Transfer in France

How to transfer a carte grise after buying a used car in France. ANTS process, required documents, costs, and deadlines explained clearly.

Guide

March 13, 2026

French Car Inspection 2026

Everything about the French controle technique in 2026. New checkpoints, average costs, frequency, and tips to pass without a re-inspection.

Technical

March 13, 2026

How to Check a VIN Number

Where to find the VIN on your car? How to decode all 17 characters? What the VIN reveals about your vehicle's history and specifications.

Guide

March 13, 2026

Used Car Scams in France

Odometer fraud, hidden accident damage, fake MOT certificates... Learn the most common used car scams in France and how to protect yourself.

Technical

February 25, 2026

Understanding VIN Numbers

What is a VIN number? How to read and decode it? Complete guide to understanding the 17 characters of your Vehicle Identification Number.

Guide

February 20, 2026

Buying a Used Car

Everything to check before buying a used car. MOT, VIN, mileage, documents: the complete anti-scam guide for used car buyers.

Guide

February 15, 2026

Dashboard Warning Lights

Check engine, oil, battery, ABS, temperature: what do your dashboard warning lights mean? Complete guide with actions to take for each warning light.

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