How to read a vehicle history report (and what it can't tell you)
A vehicle history report is one of the cheapest ways to avoid an expensive mistake. It will not tell you everything, but it can tell you a lot: whether the title is branded, whether accidents were reported, how many owners the car has had and whether the mileage adds up.
Where to get one
Many dealers show a report for each car, and some listings link to one. You can also run your own using the car's VIN. For an extra check on title and odometer problems, use a provider approved by the federal National Motor Vehicle Title Information System; a government site lists them.
What to look at, section by section
- Title history and brands. Look for words like salvage, rebuilt, flood, junk or lemon buyback. A branded title lowers value and can make a car harder to insure or resell. See salvage, rebuilt and flood titles.
- Accidents and damage. Check whether any were reported, and how severe. A minor report is not necessarily a problem; ask what was repaired and by whom.
- Odometer readings. Readings should rise steadily over time. A drop, or a long gap, can point to a rollback or an error.
- Number of owners and where it lived. Many owners in a short time can be a sign of a problem car. Where it lived matters too; salt in winter, or flooding in a region, can leave their mark.
- Service records. Regular oil changes and scheduled maintenance are a good sign, though not every shop reports.
- Open recalls. Check that any safety recalls have been repaired, which is free at a dealership for that brand.
What a report can't tell you
A report only includes what was reported. An accident that nobody filed an insurance claim for, or a repair done at a small shop, can be missing. A clean report is a good sign, not a guarantee. That is why a physical inspection by an independent mechanic matters.
Questions to ask the seller
- Can I see the full history report?
- Has the car been in an accident, and what was repaired?
- Do you have the service records?
- Why are you selling it?
- Is the title in your name, and is there a lien?
Use it with the rest of your checks
The report is one step in a process. Pair it with a careful look at the car, a test drive and a professional inspection. See the used car buying checklist and how to inspect a used car.
Common questions
Is a clean vehicle history report enough?
No. Reports show only what was reported. Always have an independent mechanic inspect the car as well.
What does a rebuilt title mean?
A car that was once declared a total loss and then repaired and passed an inspection to be driven again. Such cars can be worth much less and may be harder to insure.
Do I have to pay for a history report?
Some dealers provide one for free. Otherwise you can buy one using the VIN, and government sources offer limited free checks, such as for recalls.
Keep reading
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and prices change and differ by state; check with the right professional or your state agency before you act.