How to Check a Used Automobile's History

A vehicle history report provides information about a used car that the dealer may be unaware of or is unwilling to share. Unscrupulous sellers often change features that will display the true state of a car, such as the odometer, and many customers buy wrecked or well-worn automobiles unknowingly. A vehicle history report can help customers avoid purchasing a vehicle that is neither durable nor safe. You can obtain automobile reports free or for a fee depending on the provider.

Instructions

1

Write down the car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You can find this between the dashboard and the windshield, on the driver's side of the car.

2

Order a report from a website offering automobile check services. You can obtain this record free online from the website for your state's motor vehicle department. Other sites such as Carfax and Autocheck.com offer free basic information but require a fee for in-depth reports.

3

Enter the VIN in the appropriate field. Double-check your entry to ensure that you have entered the characters correctly, then submit the number. The site will return all the reports it has available for the VIN.

4

Submit the VIN at a different website. It is always best to confirm the information you have received with another source because some sites may not possess complete information about a car.

5

Print the reports if possible. Use the reports, as well as a vehicle inspection from a mechanic, to determine whether to buy the used car or not.