Source: Freepik
Used cars sound great on paper—they look good, run great, and are worth the price. The risky part of buying it is: How do you know it’s not hiding something scary under the hood?
You might waste money rather than get a good ride if you do not have the right information. A vehicle history report can save the day.
What Is a Vehicle History Report?
A Vehicle History Report (VHR) is exactly what it sounds like—a car’s backstory. It can tell you if the car’s been in an accident, if the mileage has been messed with, and sometimes even show past maintenance records.
Companies like Carfax and AutoCheck pull this information from insurance companies, the DMV, repair shops, and even police reports.
Why You Should Never Skip It
Not reviewing the VHR is a risky choice. The car appears fantastic from the outside, but you have no idea what is going on inside. Here’s what these reports can help you do:
- Uncover Hidden Accidents
How many times have you seen things that seem almost perfect at first glance, but are they really? When it comes to cars, a big accident could be covered up with just enough repairs to pass an inspection. You’d never know unless you looked into it.
Knowing what kind of accidents a vehicle has been in can save yourself from future troubles with it.
- Spot Odometer Fraud
You’d be surprised how many people roll back the mileage before selling their car. Those numbers really matter, and they should.
A vehicle history report shows the car’s true mileage. If it doesn’t match up to the records you’ve given by the seller, don’t be fooled—it’s a sign something’s off.
- Check for Flood or Fire Damage
Wherever fire and water have passed, the damage is hard to hide. It’s not impossible, but the main problem is that even when it looks good on the outside, internal damage is difficult to repair.
Let’s say you’re in the final stages of buying a car from a private owner, and at the last minute you decide to check the VHR. You discover that the car has been in a flood. Although it’s been cleaned up and looks great on the outside, the electrical system has been damaged. That’s one dangerous bullet you’ve just avoided.
- Verify Ownership and Title Issues
The last thing you want is a stolen car or one with unpaid debt attached. A vehicle history report lets you know if the title is clean or if there are any financial red flags. It’s a simple way to avoid a big headache.
- See Maintenance and Service Records
Some reports include service records, showing how well the previous owner maintained the car. Did they keep up with oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups, or did they skip the important stuff? This helps you know what to expect in the future and if the car needs extra work. If that’s the case, we advise you to negotiate the price.
Source: Freepik
What a Report Won’t Tell You
While VHRs offer so many benefits, they’re not perfect. There are things that won’t make it onto your report because they were never documented. Here’s what a VHR can miss:
- Unreported accidents: Sometimes, two drivers get in an accident and decide to handle it between themselves, so no police report or repair record shows up.
- Wear and tear: The report won’t show if the brakes are shot, the tires are bald, or the suspension is on its last legs.
- Pending repairs: If the car needs work but there’s no official record, you can’t see that on report.
That’s why a VHR should always go hand-in-hand through a visual check and a test drive.
Where to Get a Vehicle History Report
You have a few options when it comes to getting a VHR:
- Carfax and AutoCheck: The biggest and most popular report providers. You usually pay for reports, but some dealers include them for free.
- NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System): A government-backed source that tracks ownership and salvage history.
- Dealer and seller offers: Many trusted dealers offer free reports. If a private seller won’t, that’s a red flag.
Warning Signs to Look For
If you spot any of these things in a VHR, be careful:
- Salvage title: The car was once considered a total loss. It might’ve been fixed, but the structure could still be compromised.
- Multiple owners in a short time: Changing ownership multiple times in a few years? That doesn't sound right.
- Listed as a rental or fleet vehicle: Rental cars often get harder use since different people drive them, so they might break down sooner than other cars.
- Major accidents or frame damage: Even when the structure is repaired, it can still significantly impact both the safety and longevity of the car.
How to Use it to Negotiate
This may be its best purpose, and here's how to do it:
- Use it to walk away: Don't hesitate to step back if the report shows major red flags. There are plenty of other cars out there.
- Verify the seller’s claims: If the seller swears the car’s never been in an accident, but the VHR says otherwise, you’ll know they’re not being honest—trust the report, not just their word.
- Point out issues to lower the price: If the report shows minor accidents or gaps in maintenance, use that to negotiate a lower price. Find a mechanic providing automotive services in your area to get an estimate of the costs of repairs and deduct that from the asking price.
Source: Freepik
If Cars Could Talk…
No, a vehicle history report is not magic (although it seems like it sometimes), but it’s one of the best tools at your disposal when buying a used car. You can avoid scams, hidden damage, and pricey repairs down the road. Still, it’s only one part of conducting a complete check. Always combine it with a thorough examination and a test drive before making a decision.
A little research can save you a lot of stress—and money. Buying a car isn’t like buying a nice pair of shoes. Take your time and check the history—it could mean the difference between a pleasant ride and a total disaster on wheels.
