How Not to Buy a Lemon Vehicle with a Vehicle History Report

Buying a second-hand car is a good way of saving on costs, although it is a risky business. If not researched well, you may acquire what is called a ‘lemon’, a vehicle with latent defects that end up becoming costly undertakings and a source of frustration. In this case, trying to gain access to as much information about the history of the vehicle as possible is indispensable in guarding against any bad surprises at the time of the purchase.

One of the biggest tools at your disposal is a free vehicle history report. Services like VINinspect provide detailed facts about a car’s history, which can be invaluable in helping you avoid costly and regrettable mistakes. It’s always wise to check VIN free before making any decisions, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the vehicle’s past.

The Top Reasons a Vehicle Historical Record is So Relevant

The history report is a compilation from similar sources that provide details on the background of the vehicle. That particular detailed report can reveal some very critical information that would not just come out through test drives and casual observations. Getting to know the history of a car helps you assess its real value and possibly identify future problems.

For instance, a history report can answer whether the car has been in accidents, has flood damage, or is salvaged. It may even show odometer reading discrepancies, which are a good giveaway in case of resetting, and put some light on the previous ownership and maintenance history. And this is all valuable information for deciding whether a used car will be a sound investment or could turn into a money sink.

How to Obtain a Free Vehicle History Report

The procedure for obtaining a vehicle history report is very similar to getting a Vehicle Identification Number—it is a unique 17-character code that is assigned to each vehicle. Most typically, the VIN can be found on the dashboard near the windshield, on the driver’s side door frame, or even on main documents, like the registration or insurance card.

By inputting the VIN number, you are able to easily access the history of the vehicle on a very good website. There are also services that provide basic, and in some cases detailed, reports. But even a basic report can really let you in on the important things that help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the Data

Carefully read the data to follow; if you get a vehicle history report, look for any signs of past accidents that would make the car’s structure and safety features relatively weak. Be wary of those with salvage or rebuilt titles because they could have passed through considerable repairs after incurring heavy damage.

Check to see if, through its history, the odometer readings have been consistently recorded for any possibility of mileage rollback. Looking upon the maintenance record will give you an estimate about the owners and their consciousness regarding the care of the vehicle. Regular servicing works as an excellent indicator in this regard. Another thing to note is how many owners the car has had. If it has had numerous owners, there is likely a problem that the owners could not fix, and therefore keep selling.

Additional Methods of Protection

However, all of this is great, but buying a history report for a vehicle is no substitute for some other steps one should go through when buying a used car. Be sure to take the vehicle for a thorough test drive. Spend a lot of time noticing how it handles, accelerates, and brakes. Notice any irregular noises and warning lights in the dashboard.

Consider having a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection. A trained eye can often identify problems that you might not notice, perhaps: hidden mechanical problems; signs that prior damage wasn’t disclosed or reported.

If purchasing from a private party, mainly verify the seller’s credentials. Ensure the person selling you the car is the legal owner and that all the pertinent paperwork is in order. Any deal that sounds too good to be true probably is, either through a scam or stolen vehicle.

Understanding Lemon Laws

Understand the various lemon laws that your state has in place, set to protect the consumer in such instances of poor purchases of vehicles. Though there are differences in several states’ lemon laws, most will offer some type of legal protection if you buy a vehicle that is possessed with some major defects that had not been disclosed by the seller. Knowing your rights can help you take appropriate action if you do happen to encounter serious problems after the purchase.

Factors Contributing To Vehicle Recalls

See if there are any outstanding recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer will issue a recall when a safety-related defect is detected inside one of their vehicle models. You could get this information from either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website or from the vehicle history report. Ensuring that recall repairs are done will be important for your safety.

Financing and Insurance Issues

First, keep in mind how the car’s history might affect financing and insurance rates before purchasing it. Most lenders will not finance any vehicle that has a salvage title or significant damage history. The same goes with insurance companies; they may increase the premium amounts or even refuse to cover your vehicle. These are things you will want to know so you do not have to deal with an automobile that has unexpected expenses.

Price Negotiation

Use the information in the vehicle history report as a reason to haggle hard and please your price. If the car has minor problems or an imperfect history, you might want to request a reduced price that would compensate for probable repairs well into the future. Be prepared to walk away if a seller is unwilling to address your concerns or adjust accordingly for the price of the car. 

Conclusion 

Buying a used vehicle does not have to be a gamble. With free vehicle history reports and some further precautions, it is easy to lower the odds of getting a lemon. Your research and due diligence will enable you to make that confident decision and ensure that your investment is not only good, but your new car will be able to stay with you for several years running reliably.