Home 5 Vehicle History & Title Check 5 How To Dissect A Vehicle History Report?

How To Dissect A Vehicle History Report?

Whether you get a basic vehicle history report free or purchase a more comprehensive report from a reputable company, you have to learn what all that information means. These reports can give you a wealth of information about a car you are interested in buying, but if you don’t know what all those facts and figures mean, they don’t do you a whole lot of good. If you want to make the most of a DMV vehicle history report, or a free VIN lookup report from another source, check our tips for dissecting these treasure chests of auto info.

Verifying the Make and Model

 Vehicle History Report It may seem like a no-brainer, but there is a very good reason why the make and model of a car are included when you check vehicle history. This information allows you to be sure the car you are checking is the same car you are interested in buying. By comparing the make and model on the report to the real thing, you protect yourself from unscrupulous seller trying to pass off another vehicle’s report for the car he is offering you.

Title History on DMV Vehicle History Report

A free DMV vehicle history report will usually give you a title history, as well as any number of reports you pay money for. This history tells you how many owners a vehicle has had, which could offer valuable input on how well the car has been cared for. In addition, an unusually large number of owners could indicate a car has been passed around due to an irritating sound, smell or problem no mechanic was able to fix.

Odometer Check

Another important piece of information that protects a potential buyer from odometer fraud. While this information may not come up every time you check vehicle history reports, when it does, it will alert you to a possible odometer rollback on a vehicle. Odometer rollbacks are illegal in all states, because they artificially jack up the value of a vehicle and may hide information about wear and tear from a potential buyer.

Other History

There are other facts that might come up, whether you pull a carfax free report or grab one from an authorized company. For example, you might learn a car’s airbags have been deployed, which could indicate the car was in an accident. You may discover that supposedly cherry car you are salivating over has actually done time as a taxi or rental vehicle. Be sure to peruse all the information in this section carefully, to ensure you don’t get stuck with a car that has not been properly fixed or cared for.

It is relatively easy to check a vehicle history today, with plenty of online companies offering this service. By learning how to read one of these reports, you can collect much of the information you need to make a smart, savvy decision on the purchase of your next used vehicle.

Article by Category
Recent Articles

Consumer car-buying rights in Colorado

Understanding consumer car-buying rights in Colorado is essential for anyone navigating the used car market in this state. Whether you're a seasoned car buyer or new to the process, knowing your rights can help you make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls....

Common Myths About Car Value and Trade-In Offers

When it comes to understanding car value and trade-in offers, many vehicle owners and buyers are often misled by common myths. These misconceptions can lead to poor decisions during car purchases or sales, especially in the used car market. It’s essential for buyers...

Regional Car Value Differences: Why Location Matters

When shopping for a used vehicle or assessing the value of your current car, it's crucial to understand that car values can vary significantly based on location. Regional car value differences are influenced by a range of factors, from climate conditions to local...

Emissions Testing Requirements When Buying a Used Car in Wisconsin

When shopping for a used car in Wisconsin, it’s essential to look beyond price and appearance. One of the most overlooked — yet critical — steps in the process is ensuring the vehicle meets emissions testing requirements. In Wisconsin, emissions compliance is a key...

Emissions Testing Requirements for Used Cars in New York

When buying, registering, or owning a used car in New York, emissions testing is an important requirement to understand. Designed to reduce pollution and protect air quality, New York’s emissions regulations play a critical role in vehicle ownership and transfer....

VIN & Plate Lookup

You might like

Beware of Rebuilt Titles in Michigan

Beware of Rebuilt Titles in Michigan

Buying a used car in Michigan can be a smart move, but it requires careful research—especially when it comes to rebuilt titles. To protect yourself, always start with a car VIN check and a search license plate in Michigan to verify the vehicle’s true history right...

Avoiding flood-damaged and rebuilt titles in Virginia

Avoiding flood-damaged and rebuilt titles in Virginia

Virginia’s used car market offers plenty of choices, but it also comes with potential risks, including flood-damaged vehicles and cars with rebuilt titles. Both can pose safety hazards and lead to unexpected repair costs. Here’s what you need to know to avoid these...

How to Check If Your Car Is Still Under Warranty

How to Check If Your Car Is Still Under Warranty

Owning a car is a significant investment, and understanding the warranty status of your vehicle can save you from unexpected repair costs. Whether you're buying a used car or confirming the warranty of your current vehicle, checking if your car is still under warranty...