How to tell if there is outstanding finance on a car. Before you buy a used car, you should carry out a car registration check, which will tell you if any money is owed on the vehicle, and also if it has ever been involved in an accident or if it’s stolen.If you’re buying from a dealer, you can ask if they have carried out these checks or you can do your own.Our Car Passport can check the history of a vehicle and is thus a reliable way to avoid buying a car with outstanding finance.efore you buy a used car, you should carry out a car registration check, which will tell you if any money is owed on the vehicle, and also if it has ever been involved in an accident or if it’s stolen. If you’re buying from a dealer, you can ask if they have carried out these checks or you can do your own.