How to Check a Car's History

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Buying a used car in today's rough economic times can be a smart move, but there are often concerns about the car's history. Often owners or dealers do not readily disclose items such as previous repairs, weather damage or car finance history. In order to protect yourself when purchasing a used automobile, use these steps to check a car's history.

Steps

1. 1
   Research used cars online and in person at local dealers. Many local dealers can provide you with a car history report at their location.

   
   
2. 2
   When considering vehicles from different dealers, use an online resource to check the car's history. You can often obtain several car history reports for one low price.
   • Check each site that you are considering purchasing the report from to determine the exact services offered. Most offer more than simply the car's finance history. They offer other services such as repair records, number of owners and whether the vehicle has been exposed to weather hazards such as floods.
   • Check the site for the sources from which they receive their information to be sure that it is valid. Many of these sites obtain information from valid sources such as police and fire departments, collision repair shops, motor vehicle registration facilities and auto auctions, all of which are valid resources. If the sources are not reliable, do not use the site.
3. 3
   Using the car's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) or Registration Number, go to the online site you have chosen and enter number. Check the displayed report for car finance history and other data that you wish to use in your decision.
   • The VIN or Registration Number is generally found on the dashboard or on the driver's side of the vehicle. It is also included on insurance cards and the vehicle's registration card.
4. 4
   Print out a copy of each report and take to the dealer with you to assist in obtaining the best value for your money.

   
   

Tips

• Remember that car history records do not obtain all history of the vehicle. Research each one to determine which areas they cover.
• Check the car's history before taking it on a test drive. Although a car may seem desirable, its history may tell a different story.
• Pay close attention when test-driving a new car. Things like a musty smell could indicate that the car was involved in some type of flooding. Low mileage with a lot of wear on the inside may indicate that the odometer has been tampered with.
• Always try to examine a car in the daylight, especially when buying from an individual. In bad weather such as rain, dents and scratches can be easily overlooked.
• Hold registration certificate up to the light and check for watermark to ensure that it is a legal document.
• Check locks on the vehicle. If they are different, question the owner. It could indicate a stolen car.

Warnings

• Never purchase a used car without checking its history.
• Never buy a vehicle if the owner does not have title to the vehicle. This could indicate that it is stolen.

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