Buying a used vehicle can be stressful. What if you miss something? How do you know if you’re making a good choice? Well, one way to protect yourself against purchasing a lemon is to examine the vehicle history report before buying. What is a vehicle history report? We’re glad you asked!
What is a Vehicle History Report?
When buying or selling a used car, one of the most helpful tools at your disposal is a vehicle history report. This is a document that provides a detailed account of a vehicle’s past, offering valuable insights into its condition, ownership, and potential risks.
Whether you’re purchasing from a private seller, an online dealer, or a used dealership, reading through the vehicle history report can help you make an informed decision.
Related Article: Avoiding Scams: Tips for a Safe and Secure Used Car Purchase
What Does a Vehicle History Report Include?
A vehicle history report compiles data from various sources, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), insurance companies, repair shops, and law enforcement agencies.
Using the vehicle’s unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), it assembles information into a comprehensive snapshot of the car’s history. Here are some key details typically found in these reports:
- Ownership History: Information about the number of previous owners and how the vehicle was used (e.g., personal, rental, taxi, or fleet).
- Accident Records: Details about any reported accidents, including the severity of damage and whether airbags were deployed.
- Title Information: Verification of whether the car has a clean title or has been branded with terms like “salvage,” “rebuilt,” or “flood”.
- Service and Maintenance Records: A record of routine maintenance and major repairs, which can indicate how well the car was cared for.
- Odometer Readings: Historical mileage data to detect discrepancies or potential odometer fraud.
- Theft Records: Whether the vehicle was ever reported stolen and recovered.
- Natural Disaster Damage: Information about flood, fire, or hail damage that could impact functionality.
- Recall Notices: Alerts for unresolved recalls or manufacturer defects.
Why Are Vehicle History Reports Important?
Getting a vehicle history report has a number of benefits, including:
- Informed Decision-Making: For buyers, these reports provide critical information to help determine whether a car is worth purchasing. For example, if the report reveals major accidents or title issues, you might reconsider or negotiate accordingly.
- Safety Assurance: Hidden damage from accidents or natural disasters can compromise a vehicle’s safety. A history report highlights these issues so you can avoid unsafe vehicles.
- Accurate Valuation: Understanding a car’s past helps assess its fair market value. Cars with clean histories generally command higher prices than those with salvage titles or extensive repair records.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing the full story behind a vehicle ensures confidence in your purchase or sale.
How Can You Obtain a Vehicle History Report?
You can easily obtain a vehicle history report through services like CARFAX and AutoCheck. All you need is the VIN to access this wealth of information.
Vehicle history reports generally cost somewhere between $25-$40. This small fee can be well worth it for vetting a vehicle that seems fitting for your needs.
Some dealerships also provide these reports for free as part of the sales process. At Tillema Auto, all of our vehicles for sale have not only been thoroughly inspected by our trustworthy mechanics, but also come with free vehicle history reports.
Limitations of Vehicle History Reports
While incredibly useful, keep in mind that these reports aren’t perfect. Not all incidents may be reported—such as unrecorded DIY repairs or services performed by unregistered mechanics—and minor issues might not appear in the database. Therefore, it’s always wise to combine the report with a professional inspection.
Find Your Next Used Vehicle at Tillema Auto
Whether you buy from a private party or a dealership, we encourage you to obtain a vehicle history report to help make an informed decision.
At Tillema Auto, we value honesty, integrity, and transparency – both on the lot and in the repair shop. When you trust us with your vehicle needs, you can rest assured that we have your best interest in mind. As a small town dealership, we see our customers as family.
Ready to find your next vehicle? Browse our inventory online, or stop by and see us at 2667 84th St SW, Byron Center, MI 49315.
