How CO2 data can help explain vehicle tax, compare models and understand a used car's official emissions figure.
A car's official CO2 figure is useful because it can help explain tax treatment and provide a consistent reference when comparing vehicles.
The emissions figure belongs to the vehicle specification rather than your individual driving style, so it should not be treated as a prediction of real-world fuel economy.
For some tax regimes, CO2 is directly relevant to the amount of Vehicle Excise Duty due. That makes it useful when comparing running costs between different engines or versions of the same model.
Check the registration and vehicle specification because different engine, gearbox or trim combinations can have different recorded emissions.
Use CO2 as one part of the ownership picture alongside fuel type, tax, mileage, condition and how you expect to use the vehicle.
How to use this information when buying
Vehicle information is most useful when it helps you verify the seller's description and decide what deserves further investigation before payment.
What to check
Compare the result with the vehicle advert and V5C.
Look for inconsistencies rather than relying on one isolated data point.
Ask the seller for evidence where the record raises a question.
Use a physical inspection for anything data cannot confirm.
Why it matters
A clean result can increase confidence, while an unusual result should guide the next questions you ask. Neither should replace checking the actual car and its documents.
What the data cannot prove
Vehicle-data availability varies and records can contain omissions or timing differences. MyPlateCheck presents the information available to the service but cannot guarantee that every event in a vehicle's life has been recorded.
