Forecourt vs Total Car Check
Both UK-focused. Both promise transparency. Here's where they actually differ.
We use Total Car Check too. This isn't a takedown — it's an honest read on where each tool fits. Last updated 31 May 2026.
The short version
Total Car Check is one of the cheaper UK history-check options — they sell single-car or bundle checks with basic finance + write-off + MOT data. They're a thinner version of HPI Check at a lower price. Forecourt takes a different shape: we give you unlimited MOT history checks for free, layer on a 0-100 risk score derived from MOT signals, and add a live UK demand leaderboard so dealers know what's actually selling. We don't currently have finance + write-off data; if you need those for a single car, Total Car Check is cheaper than HPI. For research, comparison, demand intelligence, or a free MOT check — we're the cheaper / better fit.
Feature-by-feature
✓ = included. — = not in this product. We're honest about what we don't have, too.
| Feature | Forecourt | Total Car Check |
|---|---|---|
| Free MOT history check | ✓ Unlimited, no signup | Behind paywall |
| Per-check price | Free (Beginner £19/mo) | From ~£4.99 single |
| Outstanding finance check | — | ✓ (paid tiers) |
| Write-off check | — | ✓ |
| 0-100 risk score with breakdown | ✓ | — |
| DVSA-grounded advisory classifier | ✓ 135 defect taxonomy | Raw advisory list only |
| Live UK demand leaderboard | ✓ | — |
| Compare-5-plates side-by-side | ✓ Dealer tier | — |
| Fix-cost estimates per advisory | ✓ UK independent-garage bands | — |
| Unlimited monthly checks | ✓ All paid tiers | Per-check or bundles |
| Stolen / scrapped status | — | ✓ |
| Trade dealer tools | ✓ Compare-5, demand board | Basic bulk credits |
Which should you use?
If you want a £4.99 one-shot check on a single car including finance + write-off, Total Car Check is the cheapest credible option. If you check ANY cars regularly — as a dealer, an enthusiast, a buyer comparing options — £19/mo for unlimited Forecourt checks works out cheaper after about 4 cars per month, and you get the demand + risk-score layer Total Car Check doesn't offer.
Other comparisons:
We're not affiliated with Total Car Check. Trademarks belong to their owners. Pricing accurate as of May 2026 — check www.totalcarcheck.co.uk for the latest from them. ← Back to Forecourt