Are you looking for a new car? As you walk around the car lot at the dealership, you may come across it – the perfect vehicle. The mileage is not too much, the price is just right and it is cheap to insure.
The thoughts of buying and driving off cross your mind. Even though the vehicle may seem great, make sure you get a vehicle history report. A lot of new car buyers tend to overlook this important step when buying a car.
It is the only way you can be sure of the vehicle you are buying. Getting a report lets you know about the vehicle history with details such as accidents involved. In this post, we will share how to get a free vehicle history report.
Request the seller for the vehicle history report
Regardless of whether you purchase from an individual or a dealership, request them to provide the vehicle history report. Usually, dealerships are well-positioned to provide one.
Chances are they may never have bought the vehicle if they never got the report in the first place. Just send them an email requesting them for the report. If they refuse, that is a red flag.
However, if it is worth exploring, you can request them for the VIN and get a free report yourself.
Get a free vehicle history report from VinPit
With VinPit, you can do a VIN lookup to get your free vehicle history report. Although it is among the new kids on the block, you hardly ignore its free, thorough vehicle history report.
Before investing thousands purchasing a vehicle, do a thorough vehicle history check. This will save you a considerable amount of money down the road. Also, if you can afford it get the vehicle inspected by a professional who can spot improper parts and poor repairs.
How to get a free vehicle history report using VinPit
To get a vehicle history report, VinPit requires the use of VIN. With this, the website lets you get a comprehensive report about the vehicle in question. Follow the simple steps below.
Step 1: Get the VIN of the vehicle you wish to receive its report. It is found on the driver’s side of the dashboard where it meets the windshield. Also, you can find it on the driver’s door where it latches when closed.
Step 2: Next, visit the VinPit website and provide the VIN in the search bar and click the Start Search button. It will take several seconds as the platform gathers information about the vehicle.
Step 3: Once the search is complete, you will receive a complete vehicle history. With this report, you will know everything you need to know about the vehicle you are interested in.
Why get a vehicle history report?
With a vehicle history report, you get to know a lot about a vehicle. The report provides details about the car from its owners to maintenance history and recorded damages. It is the only way you can know if the vehicle has a clean history.
Information you get in the vehicle report
1. Damage report
VinPit lets you know if the vehicle you are looking at has had any damages from floods, hail or fire. Damage from flood or fire raises considerable concerns ranging from safety to electrical problems. A quick lookup using a VIN decoder will save you a lot.
2. Accident report
On VinPit, all the data is gathered from law enforcement agencies, motor vehicle departments and insurance companies. This way, you are sure to know if the vehicle in question was involved in an accident.
3. Title history
In this section, you will know how the vehicle has been used in its lifetime. It can have several titles. For example, if a car insurance company writes off a car and gets repaired, the vehicle is known as salvage.
Also, a vehicle that was registered as a taxi or police vehicle can have too much tear and wear. Such a vehicle will also get a title.
4. Ownership details
A vehicle history report indicates details like the first time a vehicle was purchased. Also, it will document any subsequent transactions. If you are buying a car from the first owner, it is likely going to be of good value.
5. Mileage
In its lifetime, the mileage of a vehicle will be recorded several times. Usually, this occurs in state registries, when cars change hands, some service appoints and state inspections.
When the current vehicle mileage of a vehicle is less compared to what the report indicates that is a red flag.
6. Service records
In most mechanic shops, they track vehicle maintenance. So, a vehicle history report is going to reveal service details like where and when the vehicle was serviced. It is a sure way of showing the lifetime maintenance of the car.
7. Inspection details
Most DMV agencies require periodic tests and inspection on vehicles. The details are important in showing if the vehicle meets regulation such as emission standards.
Conclusion
The best way you can protect yourself when buying a car is by getting the vehicle history report. Also, as a precaution, besides the report you get from the seller, you can get your own vehicle history report.