VIN number check (the vehicle history report) is an absolute must when buying used cars. This is an easy way to avoid problem cars from the very beginning. Here we review VIN number check options that provide the most complete vehicle history information available today. Choose what suits your current needs most and protect your purchase or even life!
Still not sure you need a vehicle history report? Check out the cost of a lemon law attorney and auto insurance and think again!
If you want to have all the vital car history data for a really low price get a $7.49 car history report. These reports have all you need to make a safe, informed purchasing decision. Click here to get your car history report. If you want to get additional information on car maintenance or exclusive auction data, consider further options, but be ready to pay more.
If you want a strong brand behind the vehicle history report you should order a $29.99 vehicle history report from AutoCheck®.
You can also get $44.99 AutoCheck® Unlimited plan
which allows you to get vehicle history reports for unlimited VINs for 30 days.
CARFAX® is a longer established brand and, according to customer reports, it shows more maintenance records than AutoCheck (like oil or lube change). However, AutoCheck reports x2 more accidents because it has its own exclusive accident and auction database. The cost of a single report is $34.99, 5 reports cost $44.99.
Many used car buyers have heard about free VIN number check. However, the so-called free VIN number check is just a teaser that tells absolutely nothing about the vehicle’s problems. It only shows the number of records reported on a vehicle. Any used car will have records in the history database and a record can be just anything: a regular emission inspection, odometer reading, ownership change, a scratch received on a parking lot, or a major accident, theft, salt water damage and a salvage title. Just anything. You can’t know what a record means unless you get the full vehicle history report.
For stronger protection, it’s a good idea to get both AutoCheck and CARFAX reports. The reports are not identical, as you may find from the free VIN check. Having both will give you more complete car history data.
VIN number check is your first, but not last step towards the safe purchase.
If you are considering several cars, the number of candidates will considerably decrease after VIN number check.
If the vehicle checks out, your next step is car inspection. First, you should thoroughly inspect the car yourself.
Always inspect the car yourself first, ask a friend or partner to help if you are not confident about your own knowledge.
Your last step is pre-purchase inspection by a certified mechanic.
Hiring a reliable independent mechanic (needless to say, not the one recommended by the seller!)
is another must that may cost you about $200 and you want to pay just once.
Start searching for a mechanic or car inspection service well in advance, compare prices, ask what is included in the report.
Our used car inspection guide will help you discard obviously dangerous choices prior to the costly car inspection by an expert.
After that, it’s the mechanic’s job to dig deeper, lift the car to inspect the underneath, pay attention to
your test-driving notes, etc.