Getting a vehicle history report is one of the most important steps in buying a used car. Why? This is the only way to find out the complete history of the vehicle, including serious problems that may not be visible when the car is inspected or even tested.

 

A vehicle history report, also known as a VIN lookup or VIN check, is a complete biography of a vehicle from its initial registration to its final transfer of ownership. Some of the important information included in the report is mileage, DMV transaction, transfer of ownership, and registration date. Companies such as Carantee can help you to check the vehicle history report.

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However, the most important part of the vehicle history report is the section on serious problems the car has had in the past. These include major issues reported by the Department of Motor Vehicles such as collision damage, mileage returns, police action, theft, fire, hail and water, persistent mechanical problems, and more. Many sellers don’t want to divulge this information for obvious reasons. Others may not even notice the problem after the car has changed hands several times.

For this reason, it is important to get a vehicle history report before making a decision to buy a used car, be it from a dealer, neighbor or friend. This is a small price to pay to avoid a problematic used vehicle.

When buying a used car, be sure to write down the 17 digit VIN number for each vehicle you come across. You can then go to one of the online car history reporting companies – for advice, visit Car Detective at the link below – and order a VIN search or unlimited VIN check depending on how many different cars you want to inspect.