Vehicle History Reports
Anytime you are planning to purchase a vehicle, it is a good idea to check out its history. These days, it is easy to do so over the Internet. This allows you to ensure that the vehicle does not have any liens, has not been reported stolen, and does not have a salvage title. You can get these vehicle history reports for free from the federal government. If a vehicle that you are interested in has serious issues that are listed on its vehicle history report, you may want to consider walking away. Read on to learn more about vehicle history reports.
Why Vehicle History Reports are Important
Vehicle history reports are important because they can show a variety of serious issues that you would not otherwise be aware of. On the flip side, a vehicle history report can show that a vehicle you are interested in has a spotless history, making it a good candidate for your next car. The issues to look out for on a vehicle history report include any outstanding liens or theft reports and whether the vehicle has a salvage title.
If it does have a salvage title, this means that the vehicle was in such a serious condition that the insurance company wrote it off as “totaled.” If this happens, someone else may buy the vehicle and repair it till it is road-worthy. When the vehicle is road-worthy, it will be issued a salvage title.
How to Get a Vehicle History Report
You would have had to go to a government office in person to get a vehicle history report in the past. This is no longer the case. The federal government has a website that allows you to check a vehicle’s history for free.
How do I obtain a vehicle history report?
To obtain a vehicle history report, you will need the vehicle identification number (VIN), a unique 17-character code found on the car’s dashboard or driver’s side door frame. You can then use a trusted online service like Carfax or AutoCheck to purchase and access the report. Some dealerships may also provide a free vehicle history report upon request.
What information is included in a vehicle history report?
A vehicle history report typically includes the following information:
Ownership history (number of owners, duration of ownership)
Title and registration details (including any liens or salvage titles)
Accident and damage history (including flood, fire, or hail damage)
Odometer readings and potential mileage discrepancies
Service and maintenance records
Recall and warranty information
Can I trust the information provided in a vehicle history report?
While vehicle history reports are valuable for potential buyers, they may not be comprehensive or up-to-date. Some accidents or repairs might not be reported, and maintenance records can be incomplete. It’s essential to use the report as a starting point and verify the information through a thorough inspection by a professional mechanic and a test drive.
What should I do if I find discrepancies or issues in a vehicle history report?
If you find discrepancies or potential issues in a vehicle history report, discussing them with the seller and asking for further clarification is essential. If the seller cannot provide more information, it could be a red flag, and you may want to reconsider the purchase. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle to ensure its condition matches the information provided in the report.
What to do if a Vehicle You are Interested in Has Issues
If you are interested in a vehicle that has serious issues on its vehicle history report, you should think twice about buying it. This is especially true if the vehicle is suspiciously cheap. While this may make it more desirable, you should keep in mind that there is probably a reason that the seller is letting it go for less than the market value.