How to Search a Car's History
Car history reports are usually available for all used vehicles. This helps potential buyers be aware of the physical condition of the vehicle they are interested in before purchasing. Car history reports are sorted by cars' VIN numbers, which are 17 digit codes that serve as unique identifiers for cars. Everything from the car's physical damage and traffic reports to its number of owners can be found through its car history. Searching for car history can be easily done online as long as you have the car's VIN number.
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Instructions
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Obtain the car's VIN number. If the car you are interested in has an ad online, the VIN number may be listed. If it is not, contact the dealer and request the VIN number to obtain a car history report. The VIN number is usually located on the car's dashboard at the bottom of the window on the driver's side or in the driver's door panel.
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Access the official car facts report Web site. Click on the CARFAX Web site link in the Additional References section below. When the CARFAX Web site opens in your browser, you will see a blank data form where the car's VIN number belongs.
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Enter the VIN number on the Web site. Type the 17 digit VIN number into the blank data form provided. The VIN number will consist of both numbers and letters. Capitalize all letters in the VIN number. Once the VIN number is processed, the Web site will display how may reports are available for the vehicle.
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Choose the CARFAX subscription you desire to purchase. Click on the radio button next to the subscription you desire. A small dot will appear in the circle next to your subscription choice.
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Provide your personal information and credit card information. Scroll down the page and type the card holder's name into the blank data form and the billing address for the credit card. You will also be prompted to enter your e-mail address in to the designated blank data form. Enter the credit card number in the blank data forms at the bottom of the screen and select the expiration date by clicking on the drop down menus provided.
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Finalize your order. Scroll back to the top of the screen and double check the information you provided. Once you have reviewed your information, scroll back down to the bottom of the screen and click on the "Process My Order" action. The Web site will generate your confirmation number and display it on the following screen. The confirmation number will also be sent to the e-mail address you provided.
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Tips & Warnings
CARFAX is the leading car history report provider. If you are car shopping, you may want to purchase the unlimited reports plan for greater flexibility in bargain-hunting.
Make sure you enter a valid e-mail address when providing your personal information. This e-mail address will be your log-in name for future access. If no results are displayed for the VIN number you entered, check the VIN number and make sure you are entering it correctly. All VIN numbers are kept on file, therefore, there will be a report on the car no matter how minimal it is.
