Buying a vehicle—whether from a new or used car dealership—is a significant investment for most people. As such, it's essential to do research and perform due diligence before driving off with one. Should you opt to get a pre-owned car, get a vehicle history report before making a final decision. If you’ve never seen one before, here’s what you need to know. 

What Is a Vehicle History Report?

All used vehicles come with a history report. It contains detailed information about a specific car based on its vehicle identification number (VIN). Some of the details include:

• Previous Ownership: The report lists all the past owners of the used car based on public records and available data. Sometimes, it also includes information regarding the car's usage.  

• Accidents & Damage: If the car was involved in an accident or was damaged by hail, flooding, or fire, this will be mentioned in the report.

• Title & Liens: A comprehensive title history shows the roadworthiness of a vehicle. A clean title indicates that the car had no reported problems or extensive damage, unlike those with salvage titles. The report also details existing liens or outstanding loans on the title.

• Service History: Not all used cars have well-documented service histories. This is especially true if a vehicle's previous owner took it to repair shops that didn’t submit data regularly. However, the report will still display some of the extensive repairs and maintenance work done on the car. 

• Odometer Reading: Vehicles have their odometer reading taken at different points to show actual mileage. If the figure appears lower than reported, consider this a red flag.

Why Is It Useful When Buying a Used Car?

A vehicle history report gives you more information about the used car you're planning to purchase. While it has limitations, including the lack of data or inaccuracies, it arms you with enough info to make an informed decision. While it can serve as a comprehensive guide, don't make a final decision solely based on the report. You should also opt for an inspection from a licensed, third-party mechanic to identify hidden issues.

How Do You Obtain a Vehicle History Report?

Most used car dealerships offer a copy of these reports, as they have regular subscriptions to well-known providers like Carfax® and AutoCheck®. You can also purchase one from a trustworthy report provider.

Vehicle history reports come in handy when looking at used or certified pre-owned cars. It also pays to buy from a reputable used car dealership. When you’re ready to make a purchase, contact Paniagua Auto Mall. Located in Dalton, GA, they carry an impressive selection of quality pre-owned vehicles, including used trucks, from top brands. Call (706) 529-1919 or visit them online to learn more about this North Georgia-based business.