The greatest concern when buying a used car is the car’s history. Several questions come to mind. Who were the previous owners, what were the previous breakdowns, damages, and potential accidents? Finding answers to these questions reassures us and helps guide our choices. This is where a document called vehicle history reports comes into play.
What is a car history report?
The car history report is a very important document when buying a used car from a dealership. Whether for the seller or the buyer, the car history report establishes a necessary basis of trust for the transaction. Thus, the document provides essential information about the health of the used car.
Key elements to check in the car history report
The existence of the vehicle’s or car’s history report is a good thing in itself if it contains the necessary key elements to appreciate and have an overall view of the vehicle’s condition. Thus, when consulting such a document, we recommend paying particular attention to the following elements:
- Title of ownership: This section informs us about the legal status of the car. It informs us about the identity of past owners. It also indicates if the vehicle has been salvaged or declared a total loss by an insurance company.
- Odometer reading: An accurate odometer reading allows us to appreciate the depreciation of the vehicle. A low mileage is most recommended.
- Accident history: This part informs us if the vehicle has been in an accident in the past. This allows us to assess potential unseen damages and risks in the future. Here we note that a vehicle involved in an accident should undergo a rigorous inspection during repairs.
- Checking for salvage title: A salvage title is issued when a vehicle has been declared a total loss by an insurance company, usually due to severe damages caused by an accident, flood, or other events.
- Identifying recalls: For technical reasons, manufacturers may recall car models. This usually happens if the manufacturer notices major manufacturing defects after commercialization. If so, the car should be taken out of circulation to protect drivers. This is a very important section.
In conclusion, we can conclude that the car history report is a document of primary importance. In addition to the numerous information it provides, it also allows you to know if you are buying the vehicle at the right price considering its history. This is a document that could even help you negotiate the price of the car properly.
