Automobile History
Welcome to Automobile History Info. This is a small site I put together for people who are planning to buy a used car. As a benefit of the Information Age, you can now get cheap and fast access to information on the automobile's history. You just need to know what information to look for and where to find it. That's the purpose of this page.
Chris Whitten, Webmaster
Before buying a used car
The importance of knowing the automobile history
Before making the final decision to purchase a used car, here's what the Federal Consumer Information Center and non-profit consumer information services recommend that you do:
- Check the sources
If you're buying from a private seller, check the name on the title and match it to the name on the seller's driver's license. Many individuals disguised as private sellers are actually unlicensed, unregulated "curbstoners" who may pass problem cars on to unsuspecting buyers.
Most states limit the number of cars that an individual can sell without a dealer's license or only allow the selling of one's personal car. Curbstoners are people who ignore these laws and sell multiple cars that frequently have hidden problems in their pasts -- problems that can affect both the safety and the value of these vehicles.
Before buying any used car, you should research the vehicle and the seller. Be wary of sales conducted from the side of the curb or a vacant lot. Often these vehicles are sold by con men posing as private individual sellers.
- Don't buy "someone else's problems"
Review the automobile history report carefully and ask for service records from the person selling the vehicle. An automobile history report can identify major problems including past accidents, flood damage, and odometer discrepancies.
Before you buy the car, you should also get it checked out by a trusted mechanic. Do this before you give the seller any money.
Used automobile buying checklist
- Determine your needs and wants first, make a list, and prioritize.
- Establish a budget and determine the class of vehicles that fit it.
- Narrow selection by makes and models and learn all you can about them.
- Research dealerships and sellers.
- Know the fair market value and vehicle history of any vehicle you're considering.
- Obtain Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) and automobile history reports.
- Take test drives and have cars checked by a mechanic.
- Ask questions, and consider all loan options.
- If you feel hesitant, walk away. There's always another deal.
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How to obtain an automobile history report:
You may be able to request an automobile history report from your local DMV office. Or, you can easily obtain one online through a reputable private company such as Experian. Their prices are very reasonable. It costs about $20 for one report or $25 for unlimited reports. Plus, you get usually get a free lemon check (a more limited version of the check).
To request the history report you will need your automobile's vehicle identification number, or VIN. It's a 17-digit number that you can usually find by looking on the left side of the dashboard towards the windshield. If it's not there, it may be on the inside of the driver's side door where it latches when closed. If it's not there, and your car was made before 1981, you may not have a VIN, and unfortunately, you may not be able to obtain an automobile history report.
Good luck!
Chris Whitten
AutomobileHistory.info Webmaster
