How to Use Vehicle History Reports

There are currently databases maintained and accessible to the public on the history of vehicles by VIN numbers. A number of sources of these reports will provide them to potential purchasers free of charge. You will get a detailed history of accidents, repairs and insurance based total losses. Know if you are going to purchase a problem or are going to make a savvy investment.

Instructions

1. Locate a company that will provide you a complete vehicle history report. Many companies online offer this service free in the interest of the consumer. The only information required to obtain a vehicle history report is the VIN of the vehicle. Of course, they do hope that you will purchase a car from them because they have already screened the cars on their lot by the same method you are employing. Even if you don't buy their car, they will still provide you with the report.

2. Find out the past uses of the vehicle by examining the report. The report will tell you if the car ever served as a taxi, rental car or fleet car. You will also find out about any accidents that the car has been involved in. If the vehicle was ever stolen, that will show up as well. The life of the car will show up, listing whether it has ever been flooded, had water damage, fire damage, rolled or leased.

3. Understand what kind of major work that the car has had performed on it by the history report. The report will tell you if the car was ever involved in a salvage situation, or has ever been rebuilt. Totaled cars that have been rebuilt end up sold from a dealer's lot to customers that have no idea the car is a rebuild from a totaled.

4. Take your vehicle history report with you when you go to negotiate to purchase a used car. Knowing all the information about a car before the negotiation begins gives you an upper hand in the proceedings. You will also have an opportunity to determine if the sales person is being honest with you or trying to pull a fast one on you. Be prepared before you buy.