Buying a used car, however, is always paired with a good economic decision and risks. You may sometimes question whether the selected vehicle has some hidden problems that you are unaware of. Here, a VIN report comes into play. With just a VIN, you will unlock all information about the history of the vehicle and prevent costly surprises later on.
Below, we look at how a car report by VIN will save you money and give you peace of mind when purchasing used cars.
A VIN report is a pretty informative report that represents total information regarding past events about a car. This 17-character VIN on every vehicle acts like a fingerprint and retains all the key information from the time the car was manufactured to date. A VIN report typically includes:
By pulling a VIN report, you gain access to a treasure trove of data that helps you make an informed decision before finalizing a purchase.
Getting stuck with hidden damage in a purchased used car is one of the biggest concerns for many used car buyers. The VIN report may detail any accidents and their repair history, thus helping you avoid being in a situation where your vehicle has some underlying problems. A car that has been involved in an unfortunate major accident and wrongly repaired will lead to expensive mechanical problems in the future.
You may also want to check out the VIN report to ensure that it does not have major repairs or other staying problems that one cannot notice when test-driving the car.
Fraudulent sellers deceive buyers by rolling back odometers or selling cars with altered titles. The information that pertains to the mileage of the car and title discrepancies in a VIN report helps you find a mismatch in their story, which could be fraudulent.
For instance, if the report does show a pattern of mileage inconsistent with what is displayed on the odometer, it is a surefire sign that the seller may be trying to pass off a car with tampered mileage. Here are some of the top scams you may become a victim of, thus saving your wallet of thousands for repairs and resale value.
Not all used cars are correctly valued. A seller may raise the price based on the look of the car alone but disregard a few critical issues that lower its actual value. With a VIN report, you will be aware and thus negotiate for a fair price.
If a car has been in many repairs, has frequent mechanical problems, or was even sold multiple times to different owners, its market value will fall short. With this knowledge from the VIN report, you will have the confidence to negotiate a price that accurately reflects the condition of the car.
A VIN report also provides insight into active recalls the car might have. The recalls might range from minor problems to serious issues affecting the safety of the vehicle. Buying a car with active recalls might lead to accidents or costly repairs in the future. Verifying the report nurtures assurance that the car upholds a status of being updated concerning its safety and recall repairs, saving you from the havoc and future repair costs.
Although it may seem like an extra step in which, it is a waste, the VIN report is an investment intended to save thousands of dollars in finances. Having information on the accident history, title status of the car, its odometer reading, and more, you will be avoiding expensive mistakes and feel sure of your purchase.
Otherwise, the next time you consider buying a used car, don't let this important step slip away. A car report by VIN enables you to dodge some unwanted surprises with vehicles and arrive at a well-informed decision in an economical manner. After all, this tiny investment could extricate you from some big budgetary headaches and ensure you drove off with a good reliable car worth your bucks.
