Every MOT test since 2005 is on the DVSA record: the date, the result, the mileage and any defects the tester wrote down.
Passes and fails#
A fail is not a red flag on its own. Most cars fail at some point, often on bulbs or tyres, and pass a retest days later. Look for the same item failing year after year.
Advisories#
Advisories are things the tester noticed that were not bad enough to fail. Corrosion, worn brake discs and tyres near the limit are common. Repeated advisories on the same part tell you it was never fixed.
Mileage#
Each test records the odometer. The readings should rise steadily. A drop, or a long gap with very few miles, is worth asking the seller about.