How to check how many owners a car has had

Curious about a used car’s ownership history? Find out how to easily check a car’s previous owners and get the full history before you buy a used car.

Thinking about buying a used car? It’s important to know how many owners a car has had, as learning about a car’s previous owners can reveal key details about its history and condition.

Whether you’re asking, “how many owners has my car had?” or researching a potential used car purchase, understanding a car’s ownership history is key to making the right decision. Read our complete guide to find out how.

How to check how many owners a car has had

If you already own a used car and are wondering how many previous owners it has had, look at the V5C document for your car. The details of the last keepers are listed on the front page of the document under section 2.

But if you’re eyeing up a used car, the easiest way to find out how many previous owners the car has had is by entering the registration plate into a car check tool. In fact, Carwow has a tool for exactly this – our paid report will tell you the number of previous owners and the dates of any changes of ownership.

Another way to find this out is simply through a conversation with the buyer. Ask as many questions as possible until you know for sure it’s a good deal. Bear in mind that a private seller is likely to be more informed about the previous treatment of the car than a used car dealer, so you’d have to rely on them to be open and honest.

The importance of a car’s previous owners

A car’s number of previous owners is important as it gives you a bigger picture of a car’s usage over the years. Here’s how a car’s previous owners can impact its condition and value:

1) Number of owners

The more owners a car has had could indicate potential problems or lower value, as frequent ownership changes might suggest the car had issues or wasn’t satisfying.

2) Mileage

Mileage greatly affects a car’s value – higher miles mean more wear and lower value. More owners usually indicate an older car with higher mileage, though not always. If the mileage doesn’t align with the car’s age, it could be a sign of odometer tampering (clocking).

3) Maintenance and care

Multiple owners may have different maintenance habits. A well-maintained car with regular servicing is likely to be in better condition.

4) Accident and repair history

Previous owners might have been involved in accidents. The quality of repairs and how the car was treated afterward affects its safety and reliability.

5) Usage patterns

A car used mostly for short trips or city driving by one owner versus long highway drives by another can have different wear and tear profiles.

6) Warranty and recalls

Some warranty or recalls might depend on ownership history. Knowing past ownership can help get an idea of how many years of warranty is left or if recalls were addressed.

7) Deprecation and resale value

Cars with fewer owners and documented history generally hold value better and are easier to resell.

Does the number of previous owners affect car value?

The number of previous owners a car has had can impact its condition and its value on the resale market. Although there isn’t one fixed rule that links the number to car valuation, single-owner cars tend to retain more value than those that have had multiple owners.

Keep in mind, though, that ownership isn’t the only factor influencing the value of a car. Also consider aspects such as maintenance, mileage, and emissions compliance when buying a used car.

How many previous car owners are too many?

Ideally, the desired amount of previous owners is one. This doesn’t come as a surprise, but there’s a good reason why one is the lucky number. If the car has only had one owner before you, it’s likely to have had a consistent driving experience. For example, the car will have been driven in the same style since its production, rather than being treated more sporadically with multiple owners.

Unfortunately, there’s no definite answer as to how many owners is too many. So long as each owner has treated the car well and it’s in good condition, then the number of owners shouldn’t be a concern.

Checking a cars’ previous owners FAQs

Does a car dealer count as a previous owner?

No, a car dealer is typically not counted as a previous owner, since they usually hold the car only briefly and don’t use it like a private owner.

Does the number of previous car owners matter?

Yes, the number of previous owners can matter when buying a used car, as it indicates the car’s overall condition and history. A general rule of thumb is that the fewer owners it has had, the better, as it may suggest the car has been better maintained and used less consistently.

Does a V5 show all previous owners?

No, a V5 logbook doesn’t typically show all previous owners of a car. It only displays details of the current owner and the previous registered keeper.

Are four previous owners of a car bad?

Having four previous owners isn’t inherently bad but it’s something to pay closer attention to. While a single owner is ideal, multiple owners doesn’t automatically mean there’s issues, especially if the car is older. We suggest focusing on the car’s condition, service history, and overall maintenance when looking at a used car instead.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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