New to the vehicle check space - what would you do differently?

[carcheckreport]

Hi everyone,

I launched my online vehicle check website. The core idea is using AI to generate comprehensive vehicle reports - pulling together the usual data points (Salvage history, high risk record, write-off records, outstanding finance, etc.) but also layering in AI-driven analysis to give buyers a more complete picture and clearer recommendations rather than just raw data dumps.

The market obviously isn't empty - there are some well-established players. But I feel like most existing reports are quite formulaic and leave the buyer to interpret everything themselves.

I'd really value your thoughts:

- What do you think is genuinely missing from current vehicle check services in the UK?
- Are there angles or features you've personally wanted but never found?

Thanks in advance for any honest feedback.

 

[fisicx]

Not AI again. I’d prefer validated data rather than some AI guesswork.

I like formulaic.

 

[carcheckreport]

Not AI again. I’d prefer validated data rather than some AI guesswork.

I like formulaic.

to be clear, the data itself is from validated official sources. AI isn't generating any of the facts, just helping summarise and explain them.

 

[fisicx]

It’s a specialist niche. Some people will find it useful I’m sure but unless they know you exist you wont get the feedback you want.

Spend cash on marketing and see what happens.

Looking at your competitors they all seem to offer some sort of analysis, why is yours any different?

 

[Mark T Jones]

From a marketing (rather than operational) perspective, what is AI adding here?

My guess is that what the average occasional buyer wants is personal and interactive- kind of the opposite of AI.

Frequent, professbuyers will probably want something more slick - which may be your opening

 

[fisicx]

@carcheckreport - can you post an example of a typical report so we can see this analysis/summary.

 

[carcheckreport]

@carcheckreport - can you post an example of a typical report so we can see this analysis/summary.

this is a sample report containing dummy data -> carcheckreport[.]co[.]uk/sample-report

 

[fisicx]

TBH there isn’t anything in that summary that can’t be done with a set of filters. And the whole layout is very poor on a phone.

I think you may struggle to get much traction with your business idea.

 

[carcheckreport]

TBH there isn’t anything in that summary that can’t be done with a set of filters. And the whole layout is very poor on a phone.

I think you may struggle to get much traction with your business idea.

I just launched the website, so I still need to work on it. In this field, I think someone with a website could generate revenue if their mobile interface is user-friendly and they advertise cleverly. My goal is to add more innovative features.

 

[fisicx]

I just launched the website...

Then rethink the AI focus. Just use a set of filters - much simpler and less likely to hallucinate.

My goal is to add more innovative features.

Has your market research identified the need for this?

 

[carcheckreport]

Then rethink the AI focus. Just use a set of filters - much simpler and less likely to hallucinate.


Has your market research identified the need for this?

Honestly, I already have a well-functioning infrastructure, and I can use it to produce different products. I'm aware it's not an innovative project, but I believe I can improve my marketing skills through this site in the UK market.

Some websites in this field have started offering AI-generated summaries, so I aimed to enter the market with this feature as well.

 

[Mark T Jones]

This typevof business is all about marketing - you really need a solid, structured marketing plan or you will just drown.

 

[carcheckreport]

This typevof business is all about marketing - you really need a solid, structured marketing plan or you will just drown.

Do you have any marketing recommendations? Which online platforms would you recommend?

 

[Mark T Jones]

Do you have any marketing recommendations? Which online platforms would you recommend?

Marketing doesn't start with platforms, it starts with research

 

[bovine]

how are you going to compete against carvertical for instance? I follow a variety of car youtubers and they all market carvertical quite often as sponsors/paid partners. Must be expensive and how do you plan to beat that?

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Some websites in this field have started offering AI-generated summaries,

That doesn't mean it is right or useful.

Understanding why clients use the service and giving them what they want is the key.

 

[fisicx]

@carcheckreport - who is your target customer?

How many of these have you spoken to about their needs?

As an example, I’ve already researched the vehicle type so know all the specs. All I want to know is crash reports, service history and finance details.

 

[carcheckreport]

how are you going to compete against carvertical for instance? I follow a variety of car youtubers and they all market carvertical quite often as sponsors/paid partners. Must be expensive and how do you plan to beat that?

My main difference from CarVertical is that cheaper price. My current plan is to acquire customers through Google-Bing Ads and offer competitive prices every time. I plan to grow by continuously circulating the earnings internally.

 

[carcheckreport]

That doesn't mean it is right or useful.

Understanding why clients use the service and giving them what they want is the key.

I already provide customers with what they want. I also offer £10,000 data guarantee. The AI feature is optional. Customers can include it in their report if they want. Wouldn't that be a great feature for people who don't know much about cars?

 

[carcheckreport]

@carcheckreport - who is your target customer?

How many of these have you spoken to about their needs?

As an example, I’ve already researched the vehicle type so know all the specs. All I want to know is crash reports, service history and finance details.

Individuals looking to buy vehicles and dealerships are my primary customer base. I actually shared this idea with someone who used to work at HPI, and he liked it.

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

My main difference from CarVertical is that cheaper price. My current plan is to acquire customers through Google-Bing Ads and offer competitive prices every time. I plan to grow by continuously circulating the earnings internally.

This is not a good thing to be advertising

Many people will be buying the exact car that they want often over priced in the first place to get their required spec so they wont be saving money on the car checks

 

[carcheckreport]

This is not a good thing to be advertising

Many people will be buying the exact car that they want often over priced in the first place to get their required spec so they wont be saving money on the car checks

That's a nice perspective. Thank you.