The best place to go is www.eurocarparts.com, once you've entered the reg, click on any of the parts from the bottom and it will tell you a lot!
This is the one from DVLA:
http://www.taxdisc.direct.gov.uk/Ev...ework.internal.refresh&pageid=Vehicle+Enquiry
Superb that one! Great find.
You can get a free car id check which will include make model and derivative but you cant get a full check for free. I just bought a new car and the best deal i found was from Experian car check and it was £5 for a car check when bought as a multi check.