Protect You Investment With A Used Car History

Last Updated (Wednesday, 31 December 1969 15:59) Written by Mick Buick Saturday, 28 November 2009 00:11

Twenty years ago buying a used car was a risky venture. Although the salesman or owner of the vehicle could say that there had been no damage to the vehicle, there were no guarantees. Now you are able to get a used car history that shows any major repairs or damage that the car may have suffered.

Twenty years ago buying a used car was a risky venture. Although the salesman or owner of the vehicle could say that there had been no damage to the vehicle, there were no guarantees. Now you are able to get a used car history that shows any major repairs or damage that the car may have suffered.

The car history is a tool that lest a potential purchaser know in a factual way what repairs have been made to a vehicle. The odometer reading is reported to the system each time a repair is made to the vehicle. Thus, you can easily tell if a vehicle has an accurate odometer reading. Additionally, body repairs or damage will be reported so that you automatically know if a vehicle has been in an accident.

While it is possible to get some of the reports free, if you are investing in a more expensive vehicle, the thirty to fifty dollars extra for the report with more detail may save you a trip to the mechanic which could cost hundreds of dollars.

After you find the vehicle you are interested in buying, take it for a test drive. Then order your car history report. You may be offered a copy from the dealer; however, you can easily order one for yourself. When reviewing a report be sure that it is no older than a couple of days.

To order the report you will need the VIN number to request a history of the vehicle. This number can be found on the dash or the driver's side door panel. The car history will let you know how many owners the vehicle has had and how long they have owned the car. If you see the word lease or fleet on the report, it may have been part of a motor pool and not have had the best of care taken when driven.

Check the report for flood damage. After Katrina, cars were sent all over the U. S. To be resold. The car history should make a note if there has been flood damage.

You should not trust a car history that is offered by the car dealer, but should order your own copy. It is possible that the dealer has doctored the report that he gives you and you will never know unless you get your own report. Verify that the VIN number of the vehicle matches the VIN number that is printed on the report. Do not use titles or registration numbers, but the actual number you have copied from the vehicle.

In addition to the car history, it is important to check with the National Insurance Crime Bureau. They will check the VIN number at no charge to ensure that the vehicle has not been reported stolen.

By using a car history, you have a much better chance of getting a vehicle that will serve you well. You will at least know of any major damage that may have occurred before you bought the vehicle.