Car History Check Before Buying a Used Vehicle
Car Fax and Auto Check by Experian VIN Reports Compared
Nov 13, 2009
Before buying a used car, it’s certainly a good idea to check the vehicle’s history before finalizing the purchase. Buying a car is a big investment. The price of a history report is minuscule compared to the price of a used car. So what type of information is listed on a vehicle history report? Is there much of a difference between various car reporting agencies?
Information Reported on a Car History Check
There are some differences between car reporting agencies, including the price of the report. There is also a lot of information that’s the same from one agency to the next. Before comparing reporting companies, it’s best to know what information is basically the same. The following is a list of the information that’s similar from each agency.
- Structural /Frame damage
- Accident damage report
- Number of previous owners
- Last reported odometer reading
- Title problems (salvage, fire, flood, hail, lemon)
- Odometer rollback
- Prior police, taxi or fleet usage
Car Fax vs. Experian’s Auto Check
It’s important to understand that just because a vehicle was in a repair facility for repairs or the vehicle was in an accident, doesn’t mean that it’s reported. Many repair facilities may not report to Car Fax or Auto Check when a car’s repaired.A vehicle history report from Auto Check cost less than Car Fax, but Car Fax gives the consumer more information.
Informational data that Car Fax provides beyond Auto Check
- Service records
- Safety & reliability ratings
- Consumer ratings
- Warranty information
- Recall information
Informational data that Auto Check provides beyond Car Fax
- Twice as many accidents reported
- Exclusive auction annouced datat
Where to Find the Vehicle Identification Number or VIN
The only information needed to run a vehicle history report is the vehicle identification number, or VIN abbreviated. The VIN can be found in two places on the vehicle. The first place is on a tag that’s affixed to the inside drivers door jam. The VIN is located on the very top portion of the tag.
The VIN can also be found on a metal plate on the dashboard, on the driver’s side next to the windshield. The vehicle identification number can also be found on the vehicle title (pink slip) as well as the registration. Repair facility repair orders and the owners manual will often have the VIN listed as well.
The bottom line is that both reporting agencies, Car Fax and Auto Check have the majority of the information that’s needed to help ensure a sound investment. Before purchasing a used vehicle, find out what the car’s worth to make sure of the investment value. Don’t rely on the vehicle history report to give accurate information on repairs. Ask the seller for maintenance and repair history.
Sources:
autocheck.com
carfax.com
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