8 Methods to Test a Automobile’s Historical past

When shopping for a used automobile, getting an ordinary automobile historical past report is a crucial first step, however it might not inform the entire story. Typically experiences omit details about a automobile’s historical past, so you might wish to dig deeper.

For a extra thorough investigation, think about these eight further methods of uncovering a automobile’s previous.

A pre-purchase inspection by a professional mechanic is important for detecting hidden harm or mechanical issues.

• A dealership or personal vendor might say the automobile has already been inspected, however insist on taking it to a third-party, impartial mechanic of your selection. The one exception is perhaps if you happen to purchase a licensed pre-owned (CPO) automobile, which is inspected and comes with a manufacturer-backed guarantee. You possibly can all the time ask for a replica of a CPO automobile’s inspection report.

• The price of a used-car inspection is normally a number of hundred {dollars}, an upfront price that would prevent 1000’s of {dollars} in future repairs.

A automobile identification quantity (VIN) is the distinctive 17-character code assigned to each automobile. It may be discovered on a automobile’s registration or the motive force’s facet dashboard. You have to the VIN to get a automobile historical past report in addition to a free VIN test.

• Use the VinCheck Search supplied by the Nationwide Insurance coverage Crime Bureau (NICB), a not-for-profit that fights insurance coverage fraud and crime. For free of charge, this software searches insurance coverage data to see if a automobile has been reported stolen and by no means recovered. It additionally detects whether or not an insurance coverage firm has declared a automobile to be a complete loss.

• Different companies promote free VIN checks, however be cautious. Some are scams, so it’s greatest to stay with respected sources, just like the NICB. Additionally, bear in mind {that a} VIN test shouldn’t be a full automobile historical past report.

Car historical past experiences do present previous titling info, reminiscent of modifications in possession. And they need to point out whether or not a automobile has a clear or branded title — indicating issues reminiscent of flood harm.

Nevertheless, a automobile’s title historical past will not be full and correct, both deliberately or as a result of titling variations by state. Listed here are some methods to confirm title info that you’ve got.

• Use the Nationwide Motor Car Title Data System (NMVTIS) as a useful resource. The NMVTIS maintains the one central database in the USA that consolidates particular info from state motorcar titling businesses, insurance coverage carriers, auto recyclers, junk and salvage yards. You should buy an NMVTIS-approved automobile historical past report, which is shorter than different kinds of historical past experiences and focuses particularly on indicators of fraud and theft, reminiscent of discrepancies in odometer readings or hidden automobile harm ^[0]

  Nationwide Motor Car Title Data System. For Customers. Accessed Feb 11, 2025.

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• Contact the Division of Motor Automobiles (DMV). State DMVs might have further info of their automobile title data, so think about accessing and verifying state title data the place the automobile was registered. The NMVTIS has an inventory explaining request DMV automobile data by state.

Reviewing service and upkeep data can assist confirm how effectively a automobile was cared for, so ask the earlier proprietor or dealership for these data, if doable. Additionally, use different sources.

• Test with producer service facilities. If the earlier proprietor primarily used the service heart at a franchised dealership (e.g. Toyota, Honda, Ford), any dealership of the identical model might have entry to the automobile’s service historical past.  

• Contact impartial mechanic outlets. The service data you acquire might present work was finished by an impartial store. You possibly can contact that enterprise to see if they are going to share their perspective concerning the automobile.

Automobile harm that was lined by insurance coverage, or reported to police, ought to present up on a automobile historical past report. Nevertheless, the extent of element will differ, and you might wish to study extra.

• Ask for accident particulars. If doable, ask the earlier proprietor or automobile seller what precisely occurred to the automobile. 

• Request documentation of repairs finished. This can provide you an concept of injury severity. It could additionally present the title of the physique store that dealt with repairs, so you may observe up. Inquire about any guarantee on repairs.

• Search for undisclosed harm. When you’ve got the automobile inspected, ask them to search for indicators of injury that may not have been reported to insurance coverage or the police.

Flood-damaged automobiles usually seem on the used market after main storms or hurricanes. They might be despatched to a distinct a part of the nation, the place flood harm isn’t high of thoughts for automobile patrons.

• Test for indicators of moisture, mildew or rust. Look below carpets, contained in the trunk, beneath seats, inside door panels and below the dashboard.

• Use a mechanic skilled to detect water harm. Ask if they’ve gear to examine in hard-to-reach areas.

• Be alert to warning indicators. A musty scent or new upholstery in an older automobile generally is a crimson flag.

Odometer fraud entails rolling again the mileage on a automobile to make it seem newer and fewer used. The Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) estimates that greater than 450,000 autos are offered yearly with false odometer readings ^[0]

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• Evaluate numerous mileage data. Search for discrepancies between the odometer, service data, oil change sticker and title historical past. 

• Search for indicators of odometer tampering. Have a mechanic assess whether or not the odometer studying is sensible for the quantity of wear and tear and tear all through the automobile. 

When a automobile producer or the NHTSA determines a sure automobile mannequin has a safety-related defect, a recall is issued to restore the issue. It’s as much as the automobile’s proprietor to return the automobile for the restore, which they might not all the time do.

• Go to the NHTSA’s recall web site. Enter the automobile’s VIN to search out any unresolved remembers. You possibly can normally discover particulars about open remembers on the automobile producer’s web site.

• Deal with open remembers earlier than shopping for. Every now and then, remembers are made with out the flexibility to get repairs straight away. To keep away from this case, ask the dealership or vendor to make the restore before you purchase the automobile. Alternatively, you may test with the producer to make sure repairs will be made instantly after you buy the automobile.

It’s possible you’ll not need or must take all of those steps, however you may pursue people who make sense for the automobile you’re fascinated with. Going the additional mile in your analysis can prevent from expensive surprises down the street.