When you buy a pre-owned vehicle, you want to know that the car will hold up for several more years of use. If you do not learn the history of a vehicle, you may purchase a car with several defects.
Auto dealers are not required to provide a vehicle history report. According to U.S. News and World Report, reputable dealers should provide a copy of the vehicle history. This demonstrates that sellers stand behind their cars and are not selling a vehicle that they know has problems.
What should you look for in the history report?
The vehicle history report includes the key information about a car. One important detail is whether the car was part of a collision. Vehicles may sustain structural damage during a crash. If the damage was not properly repaired, a car may not be safe to drive.
Additionally, the vehicle history usually explains the kind of service a car has received. The report may not include every oil change, but it should include major services, such as brake repairs.
Are there red flags in the history report?
As you examine the history report, you should look for signs that the vehicle may not be safe. The report typically includes manufacturer recalls. If the car received the necessary updates, the service dates should appear on the report.
You should also carefully examine the title history for a car. If a salvage company owned the vehicle at one point, this may be a sign that the car had serious issues in the past.
If a used car salesman does not offer you a copy of the vehicle history, you may ask to see one. If the staff refuses to provide it, you may want to look elsewhere. Refusing to provide a copy of the vehicle history may be a sign that a dealership is not being ethical.