Understanding Vehicle History Reports

When shopping for a used car, it’s important to do your research before making a purchase. The vehicle history report is one of the most important things to look at. This report provides valuable information about the car’s past that can alert you to any issues or problems. At Empire Pre-Owned in Swansea, MA, we provide vehicle history reports for all our used cars so buyers can make informed decisions and are happy to guide you through what they mean and how you can view them to buy with confidence.

A vehicle history report is a document that provides information on a used car’s history using the vehicle identification number (VIN). It will show things like:

• Number of previous owners
• Odometer readings
• Maintenance and repair records
• Title information
• Accident history

Providers like CARFAX and others generate vehicle history reports by compiling information from multiple sources, including state titling agencies, police reports, repair shops, and more. Checking a used car’s vehicle history report is important because it can reveal issues in the car’s past. For example, it can show:

• If the car has been in any accidents
• If the odometer has been rolled back
• How many previous owners it has had
• If it has any outstanding recalls
• If it was ever reported as stolen

Knowing this information allows you to decide better about purchasing the used vehicle. You’ll have peace of mind knowing about any red flags or problems ahead of time.

When you receive a vehicle history report, start by looking for the basics like number of owners, odometer readings, and accident history. Ensure the report has information dating back to when the car was new, without any gaps. Also, look out for any major repairs, flood damage, or other issues. If you see red flags, you may want to walk away or get a second opinion from a trusted mechanic.

At Empire Pre-Owned, we’re happy to go over any vehicle history report with you and answer any questions. We want car buyers to feel confident before driving home in their next used car. Understanding the vehicle history report is a key part of that. Contact us to get started today.