How to Check the History Report of a Used Vehicle

Buying a used vehicle can be beneficial for several reasons. In most cases, used vehicles are less expensive than new ones because the bulk of their depreciation has already taken place. That means you could save a great deal of money right from the start. Used vehicles are also less expensive to insure. Their license plates cost less, and their registration fees are lower as well. On top of all that, when you look at used vehicles, you’ll have a virtually endless array of makes and models to choose from. 

Of course, many people are hesitant about purchasing used vehicles. After all, quite a few have ended up with more problems than they bargained for by taking that route. Buying a vehicle from a reputable dealership like axio automotive can help ensure you’re making a wise investment. Still, having a little extra reassurance is never a bad thing. Checking the history of a used vehicle before buying it can give you that added peace of mind. 

Why Check a Vehicle’s History Report?

A vehicle’s history report is a collection of information about a specific car, truck, van, SUV, or motorcycle. It draws details from numerous sources about everything a vehicle has been through since it rolled off of the assembly line. It can give you a great deal of insight about a vehicle before you commit to it. Take a look at some of the ways a vehicle history report can help. 

Understanding a Vehicle’s Accident History

For one, a history report can tell you whether a vehicle has been in an accident. You can’t always pinpoint prior damage by looking at a vehicle, especially if you don’t know what to look for. A good body shop can make a vehicle look like new, and mechanical damage can be remedied by replacing the affected parts. Even with repairs, though, a major accident can affect a vehicle’s safety and its value. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so checking a vehicle’s accident history beforehand is always a good idea.

Verifying Mileage

Mileage is another factor that can impact a vehicle’s value. It can affect performance and longevity as well. Contrary to what some people believe, altering a vehicle’s odometer reading isn’t overly difficult. With older analog odometers, rolling back the miles was as simple as connecting them to a drill and running it in reverse. It’s possible to change the mileage on newer digital odometers as well. By checking a vehicle’s history report, you can verify that the odometer hasn’t been tampered with and the mileage it shows is accurate. 

Checking for a Clear Title

Ensuring a vehicle has a clear title is another reason to check its history report. People often take for granted that the used vehicles they’re buying have clean titles, but not all sellers are as honest as they should be. If you don’t do your homework, you could end up with a vehicle that has a lien on it. In a case like that, you’d be responsible for paying off the lien. 

That’s not the only problem you could run into if you don’t check a vehicle’s title before buying it. You might inadvertently purchase a vehicle with a flood damage, rebuilt, or salvage, or junk title. In either instance, getting the title transferred to you and registering and insuring the vehicle could be difficult. In some cases, those vehicles aren’t legal to drive. You may end up spending your money on a vehicle you can’t use or sell. 

Being Sure the Car Isn’t Stolen

Another reason to check a vehicle’s history report is to ensure it hasn’t been reported stolen. That’s the case even if the seller has a title that appears to be legitimate. Though committing title fraud isn’t necessarily a simple process, it’s certainly not impossible for people who know which channels to go through. If you purchase a vehicle that has been reported stolen, you could find yourself in serious trouble even if you didn’t do so knowingly and willingly. It’s best to check beforehand, especially if you’re buying from an individual. 

How to Check a Used Vehicle’s History Report

That brings us to the process of checking a used vehicle’s history report. One of the easiest ways to check a vehicle’s history is to run its VIN. The VIN is a unique 17-character identification code. All vehicles manufactured in the United States after 1981 are required to have one.  

VINCheck Lookup is one of the most popular sources of information. It’s a free tool from the National Insurance Crime Bureau. You’ll find the vehicle’s VIN on a metal plate inside the lower left corner of its windshield. You may also be able to find it on a sticker on the inside edge of the left front door. Simply type the VIN into the box provided on the NICB website. It’ll tell you if the vehicle has ever been reported stolen and may tell you whether it has a problem title. 

Information provided by VINCheck Lookup is limited, so you may want to branch out from there. VehicleHistory.com and iSeeCars.com also offer free VIN checks, but their information may be limited as well. You can get more in-depth information from the National Vehicle Titling Information System, ClearVin, VinAudit.com, and other sites, but those sources may charge you a fee. Still, many people might argue that it’s a small price to pay for added peace of mind. 

Getting Reassurance Before Buying a Used Vehicle

Though buying a used vehicles comes with many benefits, it can also bring about a bit of uncertainty. Working with a trustworthy dealership can give you a great deal of reassurance and protection. Checking a vehicle’s history report before signing on the dotted line is also recommended. It’s as simple as entering the vehicle’s VIN into one of the websites mentioned here, and it can save you a great deal of heartache in the long run. Vehicle history reports provide insight to help you make wise investments and keep buyer’s remorse at bay.

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