How to Get a Vehicle Report

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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(6 Ratings)

You put a lot of your hard-earned money into the purchase of a car. In the past, buying a used car was done blindly. Nowadays you can purchase vehicle history reports that tell you if the car has been reported stolen, reported as a lemon, has had any flood and fire damage or unfixed recalls, if the odometer has been changed or if the vehicle has been in a major accident.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Find a website from which you can purchase vehicle history reports.
Step 2

Locate your vehicle identification number or VIN on the dashboard on the driver's side of the car. There you will find a small strip of metal with an imprint of seventeen numbers and letters. This is the VIN, the unique ID, for your automobile.
Step 3

Enter your VIN in the space provided on the website. When you enter your VIN, some sites will tell you basic information for free, such as how many records are found on the vehicle and if there are any open recalls on the car.
Step 4

Purchase the vehicle history report by clicking the purchase link and putting in your personal and credit card information.
Step 5

Receive your vehicle history report online. You can retrieve it from your screen and print it out if you would like a hard copy.

Tips & Warnings

You may also be able to find your VIN at the place on the door where it latches when it's closed (the door post), your insurance card, registration or on your vehicle's title.
If your car is older than 1981 the VIN number will have 11 to 17 numbers and letters. If it is newer than 1981 it will have 17.

Resources

Comments

quietnshy09 said

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on 7/31/2009 I just want to know how i can get just one history without a credit card. I dont have one and need a history report for my 2004 dodge durango!! I have had nothen but problems with it since i got it. Dodge keeps telling me to bring it in, they take my money, then after a day or 2 tell me to come get it and there's nothing wrong with it!! Ive had it. I need a report NOW but dont have a credit card! Can anyone help me??

thwayitis said

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on 1/6/2008 Alrady knew this. nt too hard to figure out. tell me how a leasing company can total a car, then it can become retitled, and there is no evidence that the car has any major damage???