Colorado VIN Check

What to know when buying used cars in Colorado

When buying a used car in Colorado, it’s important to background check a prospect by perusing a vehicle history report, which can provide valuable information about its past ownership, accidents, and maintenance records. Buyers should also inspect the car thoroughly, including inspecting the tires, brakes, and suspension for any signs of wear and tear. Take a test drive and check for any unusual noises or vibrations. At the end of their investigation, buyers should negotiate the price, taking into account the vehicle’s condition, mileage, and any necessary repairs or maintenance to conclude if the price makes sense or not. 

According to a report by CBS42, Colorado ranks as the 9th most expensive state in terms of average prices for used cars. If you’re planning to buy a used car from Colorado, it is recommended to plan ahead. It would be smart to perform a free VIN check in Colorado to guarantee an informed decision.

Colorado Vehicle History: Doing thorough research on a used car’s history is essential when purchasing one in Colorado. It is vital to verify if the vehicle still contains its original parts and if it has encountered severe damage previously. To obtain a Colorado vehicle history report, potential buyers can utilize the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) or private car report providers like Carfax or Autocheck for performing a Colorado VIN Check.

A Colorado vehicle history report by Colorado VIN Check may show these details:

• Vehicle specifications – refers to the most basic of features, dimensions, performance, and appearance of a car. 
• Accident history – data on past accidents or damages the vehicle has sustained previously
• Title information – shows whether a car possesses a clean title record or if it was branded as salvage, reconstruction, total loss, or others in the past. 
• Ownership history – details on past ownership and the length of time they possessed the car as well as the dates and frequency of ownership transfer.
• Mileage history – the distance tracked by the odometer since a vehicle was first driven; it can be utilized to identify any manipulation of a vehicle’s mileage.
• Vehicle use – checks if a car has past personal or professional purposes, and whether it has ever served as a rental, taxi, or transport car.
• Manufacturer recalls – displays recall data instigated by the car manufacturer, along with a brief description of a defect and proposed fixes. 
• Theft record – shows any status that the vehicle has been marked as stolen or if it is connected to a theft recovery effort. 
• Liens and finance history – shows if a car has outstanding debts or liens that are not yet paid off, or if it has been confiscated for non-payment of loans.
• Others – information regarding currently active and expired warranties as well as car insurance policies.

Required Documents: Prior to purchasing a pre-owned Colorado vehicle, you must confirm if the seller has provided complete disclosure of critical information from the title, registration, bill of sale, and other legal documents to avoid any future legal entanglements or mechanical issues. It is incumbent upon the seller to pay any existing debts or legal obligations related to the vehicle’s ownership before the sale, unless they have expressly declared the vehicle to be sold on an “as-is” basis.

Inspection Requirements: Cars manufactured from 1981 onwards have to undergo emissions testing every two years. Vehicles made before 1981, however, must take the test annually instead. Gas and diesel vehicles must undergo emissions testing before being registered or sold in Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties, as well as certain parts of Adams, Arapahoe, Larimer, and Weld counties.

Lemon Law Protections: The Colorado Lemon Law applies to new autonomous automobiles, such as pickups and vans. Motorcycles and motor homes do not qualify for coverage under the Lemon Law. In accordance with the Lemon Law in Colorado, if the maker of a vehicle is unsuccessful in repairing any defects after a “reasonable amount of attempts,” the purchaser is allowed to either get a reimbursement of the full purchase amount (minus a deduction for usage) or a substitution vehicle.

Buying a Used Car? Make Sure to Run a Colorado VIN Check First

When it comes to buying a car, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. That’s why the Colorado VIN check and its accompanying Colorado vehicle history reports are crucial parts of the car buying process. By using the free Colorado VIN check, you can get a comprehensive look at a car’s past, including any accidents, damages, or title issues, through Colorado vehicle history reports. 

This information can help you avoid buying a lemon and ensure you’re getting a safe and reliable vehicle. Plus, with a Colorado car report, you can negotiate with confidence and have peace of mind knowing you made an informed decision. So, make sure to include Colorado Free VIN check in your car buying process to protect your investment and avoid any surprises down the road.

Colorado DMV

Registering/titling a car in Colorado? You must apply for registration/titling with a Colorado DMV office within 60 days of purchase, and/or within 90 days after establishing Colorado residency.

Here is a quick list of Colorado DMV services car buyers and owners can avail of:

• Title and registrations for vehicles
• Title/registration transfers and lien releases
• Replacement/Renewals of titles and registrations
• Issuance of license plates and stickers
• Vanity or Personalized License Plate Requests
• Motor Vehicle Records

Colorado DMV FAQs

How to register and title a vehicle in Colorado?

Here is a general overview of the process in Colorado:

1. Obtain insurance: Car insurance is mandatory in Colorado. All drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage for bodily injury and property damage.
   

The minimum coverage limits in Colorado are as follows: 

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death to any one person in an accident
• $50,000 for bodily injury or death to all persons in any one accident
• $15,000 for property damage in any one accident

Failure to carry valid car insurance in Colorado can result in a fine, suspension of driver’s license or registration, or even imprisonment in certain cases.

7. Get a vehicle inspection: Colorado autos that have reached a minimum age of eight years (dating back to the 1982 model year) must undergo an examination every two years. Meanwhile, vehicles from the 1981 model year or earlier have to undergo an inspection annually. When a motor vehicle is sold to a new owner, the unit must undergo vehicle inspection from authorities.
8. Apply for vehicle title and registration: To transfer the ownership of your vehicle or update its documents, obtaining a new registration/title certificate in Colorado is mandatory. The initial step towards receiving your vehicle registration and title involves filling out and submitting the required form to the responsible Colorado DMV branch.
9. Pay the fees: You are required to pay for the associated fees in your application as stipulated by Colorado DMV.
10. Submit the documents: Depending on the DMV, you may be asked to submit your requirements along with the completed application form and payment for the fees during or after the application. 
11. Get the DMV materials: After submitting all the required documents, you will obtain your registration card, title, and other records, and also be provided with a pair of Colorado license plates for your registered vehicle. To comply with legal regulations, you need to affix the license plates to the back and front of your car before driving it on Colorado roads.

How much does it cost to register and title a vehicle in Colorado?

In Colorado, the registration and titling fees are influenced by various factors, such as the make, model, age, and weight of a vehicle. Here are some basic guidelines that can provide an approximate idea of the expenses that one could incur for registration and titling.

Vehicle Registration Fee: The registration fee may vary depending on the type and age of the vehicle as well as the weight, but the usual charges may range between $6 – $12.

Title Fee: The title is charged at $7.20, plus separate charges for different types of vehicles. Passenger vehicles are charged $45, whereas light truck vehicles are charged $90. Additionally, there is a specialty fee of $50.

Sales Tax: A state sales tax rate of 2.9% applies to all purchases made by buyers. In case the vehicle is bought from a Colorado-based dealer, the dealer will be responsible for collecting the state sales tax and submitting it to the state authorities.

License Plate Fee: The standard license plate fee is $3.78. Colorado personalized and specialty license plates have costs ranging between $50 to $80.

Other Fees: There may be additional fees, such as the penalty for late registration/titling. For more information on other possible charges, click here. 

It is important to note that the fees mentioned are not fixed and may vary depending on individual circumstances. To be aware of the specific charges for registration and titling, it is advisable to contact the Colorado DMV.

What are the usual requirements when registering or titling a vehicle in Colorado?

The usual paperwork required for Colorado vehicle registration and titling includes:

• Proof of ownership: Bill of sale, past registration, and past title qualify. Provide a bill of sale and/or title with signatures from both parties (buyer and previous owner/seller) if transferring ownership. 
• Proof of identity: The driver’s license or any government-issued ID.
• Completed application form(s): Document(s) required for the official Colorado DMV recognition of ownership. 
• Insurance: Proof of liability insurance, such as an insurance card, might be required by Colorado DMV agents.
• Smog/Safety certification: This may be required by an attending Colorado agent.

Payment of fees/taxes: Fees and taxes must be settled to complete the process.

Other Resources for Car Drivers/Owners

Automotive review sites are online platforms where car enthusiasts and potential buyers can access reviews, ratings, and feedback on different vehicle models, ranging from hatchbacks to sports cars, SUVs, and trucks. These websites allow users to compare different models based on features, performance, safety, price, and customer satisfaction, among other factors. Edmunds, Car and Driver, and Motor Trend are good examples of automotive review sites. 

Vehicle safety rating sites are an invaluable resource for anyone who is looking to purchase a new or used vehicle. These sites provide critical information on the safety ratings of different makes and models, allowing consumers to make an informed decision when it comes to their next car purchase. Most safety rating sites use a variety of factors to determine a vehicle’s safety rating, including crash test results, safety features, and overall safety performance. They will typically provide ratings on a scale from one to five, with five being the best possible rating. NHTSA and IIHS are popular examples of vehicle safety rating sites.

Vehicle market value websites are online pricing guide sites that offer comprehensive details about a vehicle’s value. Such websites are extremely helpful for people who intend to buy or sell a car, as they regularly release up-to-date information about the present market value of cars. Automotive market value sites possess a crucial feature that enables them to evaluate multiple factors impacting a car’s worth. Such factors include the car’s brand, model, year of manufacture, mileage, special features or add-ons, and the demand for a particular make and model. Two examples of automotive market value sites include Kelley Blue Book and NADA Guides.

Colorado crash report. It is crucial to investigate a vehicle for any prior accidents that could have caused you serious harm in the future. To guarantee your safety while driving, choose cars that are in excellent condition. By using a Colorado VIN check to get a Colorado vehicle history report, you can detect previous accidents and acquire essential details from police and repair records. According to the 2019 FARS report, 574 deadly accidents in Colorado resulted in 622 fatalities. Worse, the vehicles involved in these accidents may be repaired, refurbished, and sold as new to unsuspecting buyers in the used car market. 

Colorado crime report. As per the FBI’s 2019 US Crime report, Colorado recorded 22,113 cases of auto theft during the year. Be cautious when engaging with used car vendors who could have sold stolen vehicles. To confirm whether a vehicle has been stolen or not, run a Colorado VIN decoder and review its Colorado vehicle history report.

Colorado natural disasters. As you can see on the Primal Survivor report, Colorado has suffered a fair share of floods, storms, winter freezes, and other natural disasters. Since 2000, the state has suffered at least 1 billion dollars worth of damage because of these calamities. Before purchasing a vehicle, make sure to examine a Colorado car report to verify that it hasn’t incurred any serious damage from natural catastrophes.

Get the Colorado VIN Check running to generate a full Colorado vehicle history report.