Buying a used car is a good idea for someone on a budget who wants to save money. That said, ensuring the vehicle is in good condition is important. A vehicle might look fine on the outside and even drive well during a test ride. But that’s not enough. Buyers must also check the vehicle history report to understand how well the car has been looked after over the years.
Title Status
When buying a used vehicle, the first thing to do is check the vehicle’s title status. If a vehicle has a clean title, it means it does not have major issues. On the other hand, tags like “flood damage,” “salvage,” or “rebuilt” are red flags. Flood damage could mean the car has been submerged in water to the extent that its parts were damaged. Salvage or rebuilt are other ways of saying the car was extensively damaged and repaired. Cars with such terms on their vehicle history report checklist are expensive to run and maintain.
Odometer Readings
Tampering with odometer readings is a serious offense in many states and can have legal consequences. Yet, some people do not shy away from a little tweak when selling the car. That’s why asking the seller for odometer reading records is important. This record should show a steady increase in the mileage numbers over the years. Any sudden spike or dip could indicate the meter has been tampered with. Odometer readings are among the most important things to check on a car report.
Accident History
A history report helps buyers check whether the car has been in an accident. Regardless of whether the car has been in a small event like a fender bender or a major crash that involves airbag deployment, one should think it through. The focus should be on the accident’s severity, the repair that was needed, and if the airbags were deployed. Models that have been in accidents and repaired thereafter will cost less but may be relatively unsafe. It is important to read the accident history verification report carefully instead of quickly rejecting the car based on the mention of an “accident.”
Service Records
Some vehicle history reports are well-kept and include details about the service logs. This can be helpful as it tells buyers whether the previous owner took care of maintenance, rotated the tires, and regularly changed the oil. It is a good sign if the previous owner has these records and has looked after the vehicle well. On the other hand, a report with no maintenance history at all might be a reason to ask more questions.
Previous Owners
Another thing to check in a vehicle’s history records is the number of previous owners of the car. Cars with fewer previous owners are easy to check for service, maintenance, and repair logs. Any car that has seen a change of hands frequently and in a short period could be a red flag. It might indicate that the car has some issues and all the previous owners tried to get rid of it. Long-term ownership usually suggests the car is reliable and worth keeping. If it’s been passed around a lot, it’s smart to dig deeper.
Recall Information
Some reports include information about a vehicle’s recall history. A recall is when the manufacturer flags certain cars for safety-related issues. These issues are usually repaired for free at a dealership. If the previous owner hasn’t taken the initiative to address them, it could become a hassle or even a safety risk for the new owner.
Lien and Loan Records
When performing a used car background check, one should ensure the vehicle doesn’t still have a loan or lien tied to it. If the previous owner hasn’t paid off their auto loan, the lender could legally reclaim the car. The history report should show that the title is clear and that there’s no financial hold on it.
State Inspections and Emissions Results
Some states require cars to pass regular safety and emissions inspections, the results of which are recorded in the vehicle history report. A failed inspection could signal underlying mechanical problems or issues with the engine, exhaust system, or brakes. If the vehicle has failed these checks multiple times, that’s worth knowing before buying.
Theft and Recovery Records
Although rare, some used cars on the market may have been stolen and later recovered. If the vehicle was listed as stolen and never recovered, it might not be legally sellable. If it was recovered, the report should say whether it was returned in usable condition or had damage. It’s always better to avoid a vehicle with an unclear legal history.
Registration and Use
One should check how the car was used. If it was used as a personal vehicle, that’s usually fine. But if the report says it was used as a rental, taxi, or commercial vehicle, it may have seen a lot more wear and tear. These cars are often driven harder and may not receive the same care as privately owned ones.
Decoding a vehicle history report could seem time-consuming, but it is essential. Buyers should try to spot red flags in car history and research well before making a deal. One can get this report using the car’s VIN number.
