Why Buy a Vehicle History Report?

Buying a used vehicle can be confusing. There are the usual issues of price, color and amenities to consider, but there are additional questions that involve the car’s history and condition. The best way to answer these questions is with a vehicle history report.

There are a couple of different agencies (car fax and auto check) that offer vehicle history reports. They have access to loads of data on used cars, and the price to access this data is typically very reasonable. The cost is usually less than $25. When you consider how much it would cost to be continuously repairing a shoddy used vehicle, 25 bucks seems like nothing at all.

And saving money is just one benefit of buying a vehicle history report. When you purchase one, you get loads of information about your car’s history. It’s kind of like the vehicle’s life story. The same way grandpa used to tell you about “The great flood of 1933″, you can find out if the vehicle you’re considering went through a similarly trying time. You’ll know if your vehicle went through a flood, a fire, or a significant hailstorm. You can learn if the odometer was rolled back, how many and what kind of accidents it’s been through, and whether it had functioned as a service car (a taxi, police vehicle, or rental car). When you know what you’re buying, you know what to expect.

Having a vehicle history report can also give you peace of mind and bargaining power. When you get one, you eliminate nagging questions in your mind. You no longer need to simply trust the seller’s word, and you don’t have to try to dig up dirt through a couple of test drives. You can take your vehicle history report with you to the bargaining table. The confidence you will gain through this knowledge will come through huge for you when you talk price.

The same is true for sellers, as well. If you are selling a car, spend a few bucks to buy a vehicle history report for it. This, coupled with some help from the Kelley Blue Book or NADA, will help you to set a fair price for your vehicle.

Having the report will also make you nearly un-surprise-able. You don’t run the risk of meeting a buyer who knows more about your car than you do. Also, as a seller, you can build A LOT of trust in your buyer if you present them a vehicle history report when they come shopping. When both buyer and seller are on the same page, sellers are more likely to get their asking price.