How to Understand a Vehicle History Report

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A vehicle history report is an important tool for anyone in the market for a pre-owned SUV, truck, minivan, or car. This report provides potential buyers with vital information about a vehicle’s past, such as its accident history, service records, and ownership changes. Below, we explain what’s included in this report and how to choose the best vehicle history report.

What’s Included with a Vehicle History Report?

A comprehensive history report provides potential buyers with detailed information about the car’s identity and past. This includes the make and model of the car, its VIN (vehicle identification number), odometer reading, and title information. It will also include any accident or damage reports filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Finally, it will list any service records associated with the car, such as oil changes or major repairs.

A vehicle history report can help you get answers to your questions, including:

  • How many owners has the vehicle had?
  • Has the car been involved in a serious accident?
  • Does the vehicle have a salvage title? If so, when did the damage occur?
  • What is the vehicle’s mileage?
  • Has a vehicle been stolen?
  • Has the vehicle been serviced regularly as recommended by the manufacturer?

How Do I Get a Report?

You can purchase a vehicle history report from websites like CARFAX or AutoCheck. These services offer various levels of detail depending on your needs and budget. AutoCheck offers three levels of reports ranging from basic to premium; CARFAX offers just one basic report that includes all the necessary information you need to make an informed decision when purchasing a pre-owned vehicle.

Which Vehicle History Report Should I Choose?

The best vehicle history report depends on your desired information and how much detail you want. If you want basic details about the car’s past owners and service records, then either AutoCheck’s basic or CARFAX’s single-level reports should suffice. However, if you’re looking for more detailed information about accident histories or NHTSA reports, it may be worth investing in AutoCheck’s premium package for more thorough coverage.

Understanding an automobile’s past is essential when shopping for a used car, including the information in a vehicle history report. A comprehensive report provides potential buyers with vital information about a vehicle’s past that they can use to make an informed decision before purchasing.

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