Why Checking a Vehicle’s History Is Crucial Before Purchase

Checking a car's history before buying is a mandatory step for anyone planning to buy a used vehicle in the United States. This check allows you to find out whether the car was involved in an accident, how many owners it had, whether the mileage was twisted, and whether there are any encumbrances (for example, bank liens or thefts). For just $20-$40, you get a detailed picture of the car's past and can avoid huge financial and legal risks.

Not checking the VIN is like buying a house without looking inside. According to statistics, every third buyer of a used car in the United States faces hidden problems that are not visible during a visual inspection. This may include involvement in an accident, legal restrictions, high mileage, or serious technical damage. Without a Carfax or AutoCheck report, you are literally playing roulette. Checking the VIN takes a few minutes, but can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of nerves.

What is a VIN report and which services to use?

VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique identification code consisting of 17 characters (numbers and letters). Each car has its own VIN, and it is the key to the complete history of the vehicle: from the first sale to accidents, mileage, scrapping, or theft.

Checking the VIN is a mandatory step before buying a car, especially a used one. This way, you can avoid hidden problems, such as:

• involvement in an accident or serious damage;
• twisted mileage;
• removal of a car from the register after a total loss (salvage title);
• pledges, debts or lawsuits;
• facts of theft or forgery of documents.
   

The most popular VIN checking services in the USA:

What is included in the VIN report?

Here is a list of the main data you can get:

1. Number of owners

The report will show you how many times the car has changed hands, in which states it happened, and how long each owner has owned the vehicle. Important nuances:

• If a car has changed 3-4 owners in a few years, this is an alarming signal.
• One owner throughout the entire period of operation is a plus for the buyer.
• You can also see the type of owner: individual, company, rental, taxi, etc.

2. Accident History

This block describes all recorded accidents, indicating:

• Date and location of the accident;
• Type of damage (front, side, roof, total);
• Whether the airbags were deployed;
• Whether the car was evacuated or repaired;
• Damage assessment (sometimes the amount of insurance compensation).

If it is indicated that the car had structural damage (body or frame), you should think about its safety.

3. Odometer Readings

The report displays the mileage in different periods of time:

• During sales;
• During technical inspections;
• After visiting a service station;
• During registration or insurance.

If the mileage “jumps” or there is a decrease, the odometer is likely to be manipulated (twisted), which affects the price and life of the car.

4. Lien, Title Issues

The VIN report will show whether the car has a lien:

• A lien in a bank or credit institution (Lien);
• Restrictions on sale due to a court injunction;
• “Salvage” or “Rebuilt” title - if the car was written off after an accident but restored.

If the title is marked as “Salvage” or “Flood”, the car may have serious hidden damage. This status reduces the market price by 30-50%.

5. Type of use

Some VIN reports indicate how the car was used:

• Private;
• Commercial (delivery service, company transport);
• Taxi;
• Rental;
• Police or government.

Cars from fleets (taxi, rental, corporate) usually have high mileage and intensive use, even if they look good.

6. Service & Maintenance Records

It indicates whether the car has undergone regular maintenance and what work was performed:

• Oil and filters changed;
• Repair of brakes, steering, engine;
• Replacement of tires, battery, shock absorbers;
• Recommended maintenance from the manufacturer (for example, 30K, 60K, 90K miles).

A complete service history is a big plus and a sign of a caring owner.

7. Results of technical inspections and environmental tests

Some states (for example, California) require a Smog Check or emissions test. In the VIN report you will see:

• The date of the last inspection;
• The result (passed/failed);
• Type of inspection (environmental, safety).

8. Other details:

• Dates of registrations in different states;
• Region or climate zone of the car's operation (important for the condition of the body);
• Recalls: whether there are active repair campaigns from the manufacturer;
• Information on theft: whether the car is wanted or has been returned.

Real cases: what can go wrong?

1. Case: buying a car with a twisted mileage. Hannah from Los Angeles bought a 2015 Toyota Camry for $12,000. The seller claimed that the mileage was only 48,000 miles. The car looked good, drove smoothly. But 3 months later, at the service station, the mechanic noticed the brake discs were worn out and said that the car had clearly been driven more. An AutoCheck check showed that the real mileage was 127,000 miles. Mileage fraud is a scam, but it was impossible to prove the seller's guilt. Hannah lost over $4,000 on the subsequent sale of the car.

2. Case: Buying a car after a serious accident. Sergio bought a 2018 Ford Focus with a clean title. The seller said that the car was only “slightly damaged with a bumper”. After 6 months, the car started to skid in the rain. The diagnostics revealed that the frame was bent, the car had been restored after a serious accident. The VIN report from Carfax said total loss, salvage title, but Sergio didn't check it. In the end, he was unable to sell the car without reducing the price by 60%.

3. Case study: a car in repossession. Michael bought a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica from a private seller through Craigslist. The seller provided all the documents, the car looked perfect. But the DMV refused to register it: the car was encumbered by a bank that had not yet received full payment on the loan. Michael lost more than $17,000 and is now suing, but the chances of getting a refund are low.

How to check the VIN code and what is important in it?

Here is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to check the VIN.

Where can I find the VIN number?

First of all, you need to physically find the VIN on the car or in the documents. In most cases, it is located:

• Under the windshield on the driver's side is the most common place where the VIN is embossed on a metal plate.
• In the driver's doorway, on a sticker with the car's technical characteristics.
• In the registration documents or insurance policy: it is often indicated there along with the make and model.
• The VIN can also be found in the technical passport (title) or leasing agreement.

It is important that the VIN code matches in all documents and on the car itself. If there are any discrepancies, this is a reason for immediate verification.

Step 2. Check the VIN online

Once you have found the VIN, use one of the trusted services:

• Carfax — detailed paid report, user-friendly interface, cost from $39.
• AutoCheck — is an alternative to Carfax, more affordable (from $25), often used by dealers.
• VINCheck від NICB is a free basic service from the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

These services check cars against databases of insurance companies, auctions, police, service centers, and banks.

Step 3. What to look for in the inspection results?

After receiving the report, carefully analyze all sections. In particular:

• Salvage title means that the car was written off after a serious accident, flood, or fire. Such cars are restored and sold cheaper, but they carry risks.
  
   
• Total loss - the car was recognized by the insurance company as a total loss.
  
   
• Multiple owners in a short period - frequent change of owners in a short period of time may indicate problems with the car.
  
   
• Mileage inconsistency - if the mileage increases or decreases non-linearly in different years, this may indicate a twisted odometer.
  
   
• Auction history — участь у страховому чи salvage-аукціоні часто означає, що авто було пошкоджене.

If at least one “red flag” is found, be sure to contact a mechanic for a full diagnosis or consider another car option.

Example of VIN decoding

Let's look at a typical VIN:

 1HGCM82633A123456

Here's how its elements are decoded:

1HG - country and manufacturer (1 = USA, HG = Honda);

CM826 - model and body type (Accord, 4-door sedan);

33 - series or transmission code;

A - engine or type of security system;

123456 - unique serial number of the car.

This structure is the same for all cars manufactured after 1981. Although the full decoding is best done by a service, you can identify the basic elements yourself.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I buy a car without checking the VIN?

Yes, but it is very risky. You can buy a stolen or accidental car without guarantees.

2. How much does the check cost?

Carfax - $39.99, AutoCheck - $24.99, VINCheck - free.

3. What information is in the free VINCheck?

Only data on theft or total loss.

4. What is a salvage title?

This means that the car was seriously damaged and written off by the insurance company.

5. Can I legally register a salvage title?

In most states, yes, after restoration and inspection. But this car has a lower value.

6. Is it obvious that the car was used as a taxi?

Yes. The report will indicate the type of use: commercial, rental, taxi.

7. What if the seller refuses to provide the VIN?

Do not buy! This is a red flag.

8. Can the VIN code be faked?

Yes, it is possible physically. Therefore, check the VIN on the body and in the documents.

9. Which car is safer to buy?

With one owner, without accidents, with regular maintenance.

10. How long does it take to check the VIN?

5-10 minutes.

Conclusion

Buying a used car in the United States without checking the VIN is too big a risk that can cost you thousands of dollars, time, nerves, and even safety. A car may have a serious past: hidden accidents, twisted mileage, encumbrances, salvage status, or even be stolen. And all this is not always visible to the naked eye.

Services such as Carfax, AutoCheck, or VINCheck allow you to get a complete picture of a car in a matter of minutes and avoid fraud or financial traps. Remember: a good car is never too cheap. If the price is 20-30% lower than the market price, this is the first signal to check the history thoroughly.

Investing $20-40 in a report is a pittance compared to the possible repair costs or loss of money. Always check the VIN in several places: on the body, in documents, and in the insurance policy. If something doesn't add up, don't be afraid to ask questions or withdraw from the deal.

Prevention is always cheaper than consequences.

 A reasonable car inspection is the norm for a responsible buyer in the United States. Keep yourself out of trouble and let your every purchase be safe and successful.