How do I Check the History of Pre-Owned Vehicles?

Car shopping can be a fun activity. You find that special pre-owned car and fall in love. You must have it. But before you finalize the deal, you must ask yourself "what am I really buying here?" What's the history of this vehicle? Has it been in a bad wreck? Has it been serviced regularly and on time? Is the odometer accurate? Does the vehicle have a clean title? These are all critical questions that should be answered before finalizing any deal.

Instructions

1

Locate and write down the vehicle's VIN, or vehicle identification number. This will be used to track the vehicle's history. This number is like a fingerprint for a car. It's a 17-character sequence containing both numbers and letters. You can usually locate the car's VIN where the windshield meets the dash. It's also stamped throughout the vehicle's frame, engine, as well as other major parts. Another common place to check is on the end of your passenger side door when the door is open.

2

Visit Carfax.com, enter your vehicle's VIN and click "Get the Carfax!" button. You will be asked to register for either a one-time vehicle check or membership. Typically, memberships are designed for car dealers. If you're just buying a single vehicle, your best bet is to select the one-time option. After registering, the website will provide you with information about the vehicle's history.

3

Use the information that Carfax.com provides and make an informed decision as to whether this vehicle is fit for your purchase.