If you’ve shopped for a used car, you’ve likely heard about CARFAX and other vehicle history report providers. Many reputable used car dealerships offer free history reports as a selling point, and for good reasons. The reports give car buyers the inside scoop on a vehicle’s ownership, accidents, repairs, and other vital information. That knowledge delivers peace of mind and buying confidence.
Vehicle histories are so essential for used car buying that the FTC recommends getting a history report for every candidate. However, even the best vehicle history report isn’t a substitute for a hands-on checkover. Always drive any used car that interests you first. A test drive helps determine if the car is a good fit and can reveal potential issues. If the vehicle is still running, inspect it thoroughly.
Why Vehicle History Reports Matter
Car prices continue to climb while many paychecks see little, if any, increase. That disparity is why many savvy car buyers choose used cars over new ones. Price tags are lower, payments are more manageable, and the selection is wide. Because these vehicles are previously owned, buyers often don’t have enough information to make a smart choice. Vehicle history reports fill that knowledge gap.
The compiled data from federal, state, and local organizations, repair shops, and car auctions is invaluable. Car buyers gain access to maintenance and service records, accident reports, and other critical data. They can review past owners, registrations, mileage verifications, and more to make informed decisions.
Key Components of The Best Vehicle History Reports
The best vehicle history reports feature data from the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) and other sources. While report providers vary in the amount and type of information supplied, a few key components are necessary. No single source or component on a report can reveal the entire history of a vehicle—it takes a compilation of essential data like this:
Ownership History
Does who owned a car before you make a difference? It doesn’t matter who owned it as much as it matters how they owned it. A vehicle ownership history can reveal if a vehicle has been bought and sold several times in a short period. While a car frequently changing hands isn’t necessarily a problem, car buyers should be wary and do their homework.
Accident and Repair History
A complete ownership history makes getting vehicle information from the DMV, car auctions, insurance companies, and other resources easier. The combined data from these sources can reveal accidents, major repairs, and mechanical issues. Knowing how a car has been damaged and how it was repaired is vital for selecting a safe, reliable vehicle.
Mileage Verification
A well-maintained used car with high mileage can be a better value than a poorly maintained vehicle with lower mileage. That difference is why knowing the correct mileage and service history is critical. Unfortunately, the mileage on some used cars has been falsified. A vehicle history report provides accurate mileage numbers even when the odometer reading is wrong.
Service Records
Automakers assign a service schedule to every vehicle that, if followed, will ensure many years of service. A typical maintenance schedule will include specific services every 7,500 or 10,000 miles or at least yearly. Vehicle service records list all reported maintenance services chronologically to provide a big-picture view of a vehicle’s condition.
Recall Information
Manufacturer recalls are issued when an automaker discovers flaws in a car after it’s sold. The recall could be for a minor, easily fixed issue or a significant problem that could make the car unsafe. A vehicle history report features up-to-date recalls to warn car buyers of potential problems.
Salvage Titles
A car’s history report will indicate if the vehicle has a salvage title. Salvage titles are assigned to vehicles that insurance companies consider a total loss. Salvaged vehicles are deeply discounted, but if the car wasn’t repaired correctly, you’re not getting any kind of deal. Plus, you could be endangering yourself, occupants, and other drivers. The best advice is to steer clear of any used car with a salvage title.
It’s important to note that while vehicle reports from recommended vendors are usually accurate, mistakes can occur. Errors are rare, but can have a significant impact on the used car buying experience. Check with your vendor of choice to learn their policy for reports with errors.
How to Get a Vehicle History Report
The NMVTIS website offers a basic history report that includes salvage information, title research, and odometer verification. NMVTIS reports aren’t very detailed but are an excellent resource for weeding out used car candidates. The site also features NMVTIS-approved vendors for a more comprehensive history.
Reputable Resources for The Best Vehicle History Reports
Getting a report from NMVTIS-recommended providers is simple: enter the VIN or other identifying information and purchase your report. Here are some approved vendors for vehicle service records and other critical information.
AutoCheck features data for previous owners, recalls, titling, and other key components of a vehicle’s history. The company is well-regarded and partners with reputable organizations like edmunds, KBB, and JD Power.
Every car listed on its website comes with a free CARFAX report. Used car companies may also provide free CARFAX reports with their listings. To get your own copy, head to the vendor site for a range of options.
VinAudit reports offer detailed information about accidents, maintenance, owners, and other essential data. The vendor also features information from the NMVTIS database and offers various options.
VINsmart is the only vendor featuring vehicle valuations from J.D. Power and Blackbook. The history reports cover title history, accidents, recalls, and even vehicle trim specifications.
The most common way to get a vehicle’s history is using the 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN). However, some websites, like AutoCheck and Carfax, allow you to get a vehicle history report by license plate.
Car Time Supercenter: Keeping Tucson Moving Since 1984
If you want to save time and money, Car Time Supercenter features free CARFAX reports for every vehicle. You’ll find a wide selection of used cars and trucks, hometown service, and the information you need to find a reliable vehicle you’ll love.
There are good reasons people will buy their next used car in Tucson from Car Time Supercenter. But I think we are one of the most trusted used car dealerships mainly because we treat everyone like family. My family has provided quality, dependable local used cars to Tucson customers since 1984, and I’m proud to be a part of our continued success.
Like many family-owned businesses, I grew up going to work with my dad. Falling in love with cars was natural because of my father’s passion, and eventually, I came to love the car business just like him. I officially joined the Car Time Supercenter team in 2012, starting in the finance department. Over the past decade, I’ve learned the used car business and how to treat customers from my family and industry resources.
Today, I oversee marketing, social media, inventory, and reconditioning, so I play an essential role in delivering local Tucson used car buyers the best experience possible. I also help our family business keep up with the times while providing old-fashioned customer service. From attending NADA classes to becoming Allstate certified for back-end products, I continue to learn and add skills to serve our customers better.
