Find a Vehicle’s History
Know the full story, without spending a dime
A vehicle history report allows you to quickly and easily check the history of used vehicles so you can learn about any potential problems before you make a vehicle purchase decision. No need to worry about hidden fees or credit card requirements. We believe everyone should have access to important vehicle information, without any barriers.
With a full vehicle history report, here are some things you’ll learn:
Vehicle Specifications
This refers to detailed information about a vehicle’s features, dimensions, and capabilities. This information can include the make and model of the vehicle, its engine size, fuel type, transmission type, seating capacity, cargo capacity, and other relevant details. Vehicle specifications can also include information about the vehicle’s performance, such as its horsepower, torque, and acceleration. This data can be useful for car buyers, sellers, and enthusiasts to make informed decisions about a vehicle’s suitability for their needs or to compare different models and brands.
Safety Ratings: (IIHS test results)
By reviewing the IIHS test results, car buyers can get an idea of how a vehicle is likely to perform in the event of a crash and how well it can protect its occupants. Vehicles with high safety ratings are generally considered safer and may be more desirable for families, individuals who prioritize safety, or those who frequently drive in hazardous conditions.
Market Value
This helps you determine the fair price for a particular make and model of a vehicle in the current market. Knowing the market value can help you negotiate a better price with the seller and avoid overpaying for the vehicle.
Vehicle Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is an important consideration when buying a used car for several reasons. First, a fuel-efficient car can save you money on gas, especially if you plan to use the vehicle for daily commuting or long-distance trips. With the rising cost of fuel, owning a car with good fuel efficiency can help you save money over time.
Warranty/Manufacturer Recall
Warranty and manufacturer recalls are important considerations when buying a used car because they can impact the cost of ownership and the safety of the vehicle. A warranty is essentially a guarantee from the manufacturer that the vehicle will function properly for a specific period or up to a certain number of miles. Manufacturer recalls can also affect the cost and safety of the vehicle. A recall is issued when a manufacturer discovers a defect or safety issue with a particular make and model of a vehicle. If the vehicle you are considering has an outstanding recall, it is important to have the issue addressed before you purchase the car. Otherwise, you may be liable for the cost of repairs or replacements down the line.
Vehicle Title Information
Checking the title information, including the state where the title was issued, is important because it can provide insight into the vehicle’s ownership history and potential issues that may affect its value or reliability.
The state where the title was issued can provide important information about the vehicle’s history. For example, if the car was previously registered in a state with stricter emissions standards, it may have undergone additional inspections or maintenance to meet those standards. Additionally, if the car was previously registered in a state with a history of flooding or natural disasters, it may have sustained damage that could affect its reliability or safety.
Title Status History and Title Brands
This refers to the legal ownership history of a vehicle, including any title brands that have been assigned to it. Title brands are labels that are assigned to a vehicle’s title to indicate its condition, history, or other important information. Examples of title brands include “salvage,” “flood,” or “reconstructed.”
Title status history and title brands are important when buying a used car because they can provide important information about the vehicle’s history and potential issues that may affect its value or reliability. For example, a car with a salvage title may have been severely damaged and rebuilt, which could affect its safety and reliability.
Similarly, a car with a flood title may have sustained water damage, which can cause a wide range of issues such as mold growth, corrosion, and electrical problems. Other title brands such as “reconstructed” or “rebuilt” can also indicate that the car has undergone significant repairs or modifications.
Checking the title status history and title brands of a vehicle can help you identify potential issues and make an informed purchase decision. It can also help you verify the seller’s claims about the vehicle’s condition and history, and ensure that you are buying a safe and reliable car.
Odometer Readings
The mileage of a vehicle can be an indication of how much wear and tear the car has experienced and can help you estimate its remaining lifespan. Additionally, discrepancies in the reported mileage can be a sign of odometer tampering, which is illegal and can be a red flag for potential issues with the vehicle.
Odometer tampering can be difficult to detect, but checking the mileage against the vehicle’s maintenance and service records can help you identify potential discrepancies. Additionally, you can look for signs of wear and tear on the car, such as worn seats or a faded steering wheel, which may be inconsistent with the reported mileage.
Theft and Accident Records
Checking the theft and accident records of a used car is important when buying a vehicle because it can provide important information about the car’s history and potential issues that may affect its safety, reliability, and value.
Accident records can reveal if the car has been involved in any major accidents or collisions, and the extent of the damage it sustained. This information can help you assess the overall condition of the car and identify any potential safety or reliability issues that may have resulted from the accident. It can also affect the car’s resale value and insurance costs.
Similarly, checking theft records can help you identify if the car has been reported stolen or recovered, and whether there are any outstanding theft or lien issues associated with the car. This information can help you avoid buying a stolen car and ensure that the car has a clear title.
Ownership Cost
Approximate calculation of the expenses associated with owning and operating a vehicle over a specific period. This estimate takes into account various factors such as the vehicle’s purchase price, depreciation, fuel consumption, insurance premiums, maintenance and repair costs, taxes, financing charges (if applicable), and other related expenses.
Lien and Loan Records
Lien and loan records are vital aspects of a vehicle’s financial history, holding significant importance for both buyers and sellers. A lien signifies a legal claim due to unpaid debt, affecting ownership rights. Lien records reveal outstanding obligations that could impact ownership transfers. Loan records detail vehicle financing, lender information, and loan status, providing insights into a vehicle’s financial past. Buyers must be cautious of inheriting liens, and sellers need to settle outstanding loans before transferring ownership. Ultimately, understanding lien and loan records is essential to prevent legal and financial complications in vehicle transactions.
Sales Records
This can help you verify the ownership history of the vehicle, including how many times it has changed hands and whether it has been sold multiple times in a short period. This can be an indication of potential issues with the vehicle that may not be apparent from a simple inspection or test drive.
Types of Used Car Fraud Revealed by Vehicle History Reports
In the intricate world of used car transactions, transparency is your strongest armor against potential fraud. Vehicle History Reports (VHRs) stand as a formidable tool in uncovering the hidden truths behind a used car’s past. These reports shed light on a range of fraudulent activities that can otherwise remain concealed, enabling buyers to make informed decisions and sellers to present their vehicles with integrity. In this guide, we’ll explore the various types of used car fraud that can be unveiled by Vehicle History Reports, demonstrating how these reports play a pivotal role in maintaining trust and authenticity within the automotive market.
Salvage Title Fraud
A salvage title, typically assigned to vehicles that have been declared total losses by insurance companies due to extensive damage, can often be hidden or misrepresented by unscrupulous sellers. Vehicle History Reports promptly reveal if a vehicle carries a salvage title, providing buyers with a red flag that indicates the potential for significant past damage. Salvage title fraud is exposed by VHRs, allowing buyers to steer clear of vehicles that might have undergone major repairs without proper disclosure.
Odometer Rollback Scams
Odometer rollback fraud involves altering a vehicle’s mileage to make it appear less used than it actually is. This deceitful practice inflates the vehicle’s value and can mislead buyers into overpaying for a car with more wear and tear than indicated. Vehicle History Reports play a pivotal role in unearthing odometer discrepancies by documenting past mileage readings and revealing any inconsistencies in the reported data, ultimately safeguarding buyers from unknowingly falling victim to this type of fraud.
Title Washing Deceptions
Title washing involves transferring a vehicle’s title from one state to another with lenient title laws to “wash” away branding information such as salvage or flood damage. This manipulation can mislead buyers into thinking the car has a clean history when, in fact, it doesn’t. Vehicle History Reports disclose the history of a vehicle’s title, highlighting any title transfers or discrepancies, and exposing the efforts to conceal its true history.
Stolen Vehicle Concealment
Uncovering whether a vehicle has been reported stolen is a critical aspect of a Vehicle History Report. Stolen vehicle concealment is a type of fraud that attempts to disguise the true identity of a car through illegal means. VHRs reveal any instances of theft reports, ensuring that buyers can avoid becoming unwitting accomplices to this type of crime.
Undisclosed Accident Damage
Accidents can leave lasting effects on a vehicle’s performance and value. Unscrupulous sellers may attempt to conceal accident history to attract buyers. Vehicle History Reports detail any reported accidents, enabling buyers to assess the extent of the damage and make informed decisions about the car’s suitability.
Lemon Law Buyback Suppression
Lemon law buyback fraud involves selling vehicles that were previously repurchased by manufacturers due to repeated defects or malfunctions. These cars are then repaired and resold, often without disclosing their lemon history. Vehicle History Reports expose lemon law buybacks, providing transparency about a car’s problematic past.
Flood Damage Suppression
Flood-damaged cars can suffer from severe mechanical issues and corrosion. Dishonest sellers may attempt to hide flood damage to make a sale. VHRs reveal if a vehicle has been reported as flood-damaged, ensuring that buyers can avoid potentially unsafe and unreliable vehicles.
Rental or Fleet Vehicle Concealment
Some sellers might attempt to mask a vehicle’s previous life as a rental or fleet vehicle to make it seem more appealing. Vehicle History Reports divulge the history of a vehicle’s usage, indicating whether it was previously used as a rental, lease, or fleet vehicle.
How to Run a VinCheckPro Vehicle History Report for Free?
VehiclePro.com car report can be obtained free of charge by simply entering the vehicle’s license plate or VIN number. This simple step can help you avoid potential safety issues as well as costly maintenance and repair. Make sure any car you buy is safe, reliable, and worthy of every single dollar of its price.
Looking for Other Free Vehicle Information Sources?
There are several reliable sources where you can obtain free vehicle information. These sources provide valuable details about a vehicle’s history, specifications, and more. Here are some prominent ones:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): NHTSA provides a free Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) lookup tool that offers information about recalls, complaints, and safety issues associated with a specific vehicle. | |
National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS): NMVTIS is a government database that offers information about a vehicle’s title history, salvage history, and odometer readings. It can be accessed through authorized providers. Some of these providers are offering limited versions of their vehicle reports for free. | |
AutoCheck Free VIN Check: AutoCheck, a part of Experian, provides a limited version of their vehicle history report for free. This report includes basic information about a vehicle’s history. | |
Carfax: While Carfax primarily offers paid vehicle history reports, they occasionally provide free information through their “myCarfax” service, including service history and recall information. |