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Vehicle history reports

GasBuddy Blog -- For those who are looking to purchase a used car anytime in the future, one thing always comes to mind- vehicle history reports. While these reports may provide you with a sense of security, they don't always reveal everything in a vehicle's past history.

We've been taught to ask for a vehicle history report, even pay upwards of $40 to find out where a car has been, if its a lemon, if its been wrecked, etc. But there's no substitute from having a neutral mechanic check it over. The last thing you want to find out is that the used car you just purchased has been in a massive wreck, leaving the question of structural integrity in the air.

I have a new avenue for folks who are sick of paying big bucks for little in additional...

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Submitted Mar 15, 2010 By: PD

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RocketmanC99 Champion Author Missouri Posts:1,263 Points:440,180 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:56:21 AM Ignore RocketmanC99 Report Abuse Kind of makes you feel sorry for used car salesmen.
Wizrd03 Champion Author Illinois Posts:3,203 Points:657,530 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:55:09 AM Ignore Wizrd03 Report Abuse Another avenue to help the consumer make an informed decision.
Goatroper Champion Author Dallas Posts:2,046 Points:413,165 Joined:Apr 2004	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:54:45 AM Ignore Goatroper Report Abuse So what type of recourse do you have if you find out that your car was involved in a wreck? Is the seller under obligation to disclose this?
JuliusRex Veteran Author Orlando Posts:385 Points:122,225 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:53:05 AM Ignore JuliusRex Report Abuse I like that hybridaholic, not just old but "olde".
murushi Champion Author Ontario Posts:3,056 Points:600,905 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:52:41 AM Ignore murushi Report Abuse I wonder if Canada has a similar database...
jd2009 Champion Author Honolulu Posts:1,785 Points:557,565 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:51:57 AM Ignore jd2009 Report Abuse very good information
murushi Champion Author Ontario Posts:3,056 Points:600,905 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:51:32 AM Ignore murushi Report Abuse LOVE the picture in the article - lemon on wheels. :-)
bluebird1 Champion Author Toronto Posts:10,708 Points:2,143,270 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:49:33 AM Ignore bluebird1 Report Abuse Very good advice & interesting that the US now has a gov't run history site. My current commuter car I bought used from a new car dealer (supposedly more honest & safer but not this time) & found out when someone rear-ended me in minor way that still undercarriage damage from a front-end accident. I'm in Ont. with 2 diff. routes for consumer action but none helped. We have a vehicle registration pkg as part of transactions but not helpful. Also checking Car Proof & another such service had no record. Also, dealers supposedly have UCDA history service that dealer states nothing on. However, dealer thru some front-end warranty service must have determined problem & didn't tell me. 3 diff. mechanics worked on it & alignment could barely be brought to spec. with the issue (& alignment was done 3 times). They actually used such services as CarProof to deflect blame from themselves. So not only have a good mechanic look it over but make sure someone with autobody knowledge does to. A run of the mill mechanical mechanic likely would not have seen the remnants left on my car. As for Sivart, what's the complaint...you choose to read based on headings/paragraphs so choose ones you want - I'm also interested in car related items. I haven't seen even one related to gas...remember Oil doesn't seem to relate to gas prices anymore.
fightbigoil71 Champion Author Milwaukee Posts:2,770 Points:591,110 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:48:46 AM Ignore fightbigoil71 Report Abuse Thanks - I appreciate the advice
paoli8 Champion Author Philadelphia Posts:2,962 Points:927,685 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:48:38 AM Ignore paoli8 Report Abuse Great information!
JXQW All-Star Author Kansas City Posts:838 Points:310,195 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:48:03 AM Ignore JXQW Report Abuse if an accident occurred without witness and report, it is easily hidden. This probably happened a lot.
DAK1960 Champion Author Illinois Posts:1,917 Points:402,185 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:46:51 AM Ignore DAK1960 Report Abuse this is a great article and makes a lot of sense
KillChain Champion Author Albuquerque Posts:2,244 Points:599,800 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:44:32 AM Ignore KillChain Report Abuse Its a good service, if you do it....don't use dealers history report. Do your own homework.
minnesotagirl Champion Author Milwaukee Posts:1,157 Points:284,115 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:44:28 AM Ignore minnesotagirl Report Abuse Great info. I have bookmarked that site
TommyTraveler Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:3,676 Points:719,005 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:43:54 AM Ignore TommyTraveler Report Abuse My last two cars I bought where 1 year old with factory warranty left on them. Better to buy a 1-2 yearold car then be ate alive with the depreciation of $6-10,000 hit.
suzyq2007 Champion Author Dallas Posts:2,794 Points:776,200 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:42:38 AM Ignore suzyq2007 Report Abuse this sounds like a very smart move.
CPapi Veteran Author Chicago Posts:349 Points:83,850 Joined:Nov 2009	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:40:53 AM Ignore CPapi Report Abuse No wonder i've seen so many damn Carfax commercials lately
BillHeatherL Champion Author Alberta Posts:2,761 Points:980,085 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:38:52 AM Ignore BillHeatherL Report Abuse hope the new system works better than carfax
hybridaholic Champion Author Wisconsin Posts:3,328 Points:589,885 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:38:46 AM Ignore hybridaholic Report Abuse Time to move onto another article, this ones olde.
mooneagle Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:3,795 Points:780,190 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:38:38 AM Ignore mooneagle Report Abuse read this yesterday
goalie1950 Champion Author Phoenix Posts:1,605 Points:322,400 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:34:36 AM Ignore goalie1950 Report Abuse Used cars: buyers beware
sivart Champion Author Arkansas Posts:11,905 Points:2,101,030 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:33:58 AM Ignore sivart Report Abuse This is the 5th article I read today and only one had anything to do with gas prices!!!
ModelWarships Champion Author Missouri Posts:1,881 Points:454,065 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:33:09 AM Ignore ModelWarships Report Abuse even the history report doesn't tell the whole story. Sometime wreck damage is not turned in and doesn't show.
racerdj Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:4,900 Points:1,078,010 Joined:Jun 2003	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:33:02 AM Ignore racerdj Report Abuse A very important item not to be overlooked.
Gassed01 Champion Author Toronto Posts:1,741 Points:848,050 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:29:23 AM Ignore Gassed01 Report Abuse Do your homework when buying used, espcially from an individual.
danthemanvan Champion Author Montgomery Posts:6,415 Points:1,295,090 Joined:Nov 2006	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:26:00 AM Ignore danthemanvan Report Abuse doesn't apply to the Prius!
Italianman All-Star Author Twin Cities Posts:936 Points:317,175 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:25:58 AM Ignore Italianman Report Abuse There are an awful lot of things hidden on used car lots; vehicles that have flood damage, accidents, etc.
techque Champion Author St. Louis Posts:3,872 Points:1,521,540 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:25:52 AM Ignore techque Report Abuse The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) is a near complete government resource for those looking into a new vehicle to ensure better chances of protecting yourself against salvaged or vehicles declared a total loss. I would highly suggest checking it out, even if not in the market for a new car, to see what you can learn for future experiences. NMVTIS also provides links to multi-state vehicle search records for as little as $4.95 for a complete report- a lot better pricing than other companies who use the extra money to market their services.
Jeeputtputt All-Star Author Cincinnati Posts:693 Points:177,945 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:24:55 AM Ignore Jeeputtputt Report Abuse Don't let your mechanic talk to the seller!!!!!!!If they are not professional liars, they learn as soon as the car is for sale..I've used Car-fax (little help), but how do we get in contact with NMVTIS ?
wild3bill All-Star Author New York Posts:900 Points:1,037,300 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:22:21 AM Ignore wild3bill Report Abuse I had a car rear ended by run away acceleration(old guy hit gas instead of brake). We both had Allstate. An Allstate Preferred shop said they would fix the car.I wanted it totaled. Repair was poor.Bent parts that should have been replaced were poorly straightened.Leaks were never fixed. Allstate waranteed the repair I didn't want. I was sick of bringing the car to the shop for another day leave it first thing,they keep it over night. Until the body shop went out of business!!! I got a carfax on my own car, withno mention of this accident!I got a notice about a class action law suit about the secret loss of value of cars repaired in this situation
Duallyman Veteran Author Columbus Posts:461 Points:119,920 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:21:56 AM Ignore Duallyman Report Abuse Just buy a new toyota and it will last the rest of your life. LOL
AC-302 Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:14,839 Points:1,943,685 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:21:10 AM Ignore AC-302 Report Abuse Especially in our modern times of 24 month leases, used cars can be a good deal. But it is true that you have to have it checked over, and it's a good idea to talk to the previous owner.
kfinto Veteran Author Texas Posts:401 Points:1,149,390 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:18:51 AM Ignore kfinto Report Abuse The best thing to do is buy new and drive the car until the wheels fall off.
SpruceGuse2 Champion Author Michigan Posts:4,873 Points:1,488,690 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:18:41 AM Ignore SpruceGuse2 Report Abuse I have never bought a used vehicle and will not in the future. I will continue to know my history with my car and any problems I come up with are covered by the extended warrantee.
misterray Champion Author Oregon Posts:2,116 Points:522,890 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:18:28 AM Ignore misterray Report Abuse I've always found those Car Fax reports to be a waste of my money.
THEDodgeman Champion Author Denver Posts:3,053 Points:969,190 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:18:23 AM Ignore THEDodgeman Report Abuse car fax
CharlieC08 Champion Author Colorado Posts:3,807 Points:647,245 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:18:06 AM Ignore CharlieC08 Report Abuse New cars have a lot of bugs too.
AnObserver Champion Author New Jersey Posts:4,270 Points:1,417,895 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:16:54 AM Ignore AnObserver Report Abuse "But there's no substitute from having a neutral mechanic check it over." TRUE - all sorts of things can happen to a vehicle that never get reported
roadrunnerMO Champion Author Kansas Posts:3,421 Points:731,345 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:15:35 AM Ignore roadrunnerMO Report Abuse Look that used car over closely. Should always expect some problems which will develop shortly based on amount of mileage on the vehicle.
throttle Champion Author Maryland Posts:7,852 Points:1,651,180 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:15:24 AM Ignore throttle Report Abuse Always get an up-to-date inspection.
threewheeler Champion Author Seattle Posts:2,299 Points:282,790 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:12:54 AM Ignore threewheeler Report Abuse They are called "used" cars for a reason.
RootbeerFan Sophomore Author Illinois Posts:219 Points:598,195 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:12:29 AM Ignore RootbeerFan Report Abuse Better off with the neutral mechanic. History reports are not always accurate or up-to-date.
ndhoanggia All-Star Author New York Posts:696 Points:215,505 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:12:25 AM Ignore ndhoanggia Report Abuse Everyone should have a good mechanic as a friend.
craigsf38 Champion Author Rochester Posts:1,279 Points:546,890 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:12:16 AM Ignore craigsf38 Report Abuse I got tired of buying someone else's problems.
debbiedl Veteran Author Akron Posts:335 Points:191,500 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:11:59 AM Ignore debbiedl Report Abuse Better than carfax
Duallyman Veteran Author Columbus Posts:461 Points:119,920 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:09:48 AM Ignore Duallyman Report Abuse I don't like buying used cars anyway.
MightyDude Champion Author Minnesota Posts:5,330 Points:1,671,320 Joined:Mar 2003	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:09:30 AM Ignore MightyDude Report Abuse Interesting article. Just remember: "Buyer Beware" [Edited by: MightyDude at 3/16/2010 9:11:47 AM EST]
Joeski1 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:3,816 Points:761,430 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:09:14 AM Ignore Joeski1 Report Abuse horses cost quite a bit of money to maintain. stable, hay, feed, grooming, vet fees, plus major league daily cleaning... cars may be just a wee bit cheaper... but not as much fun as Mr. Ed
DJRIO Champion Author Miami Posts:2,470 Points:454,575 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:08:23 AM Ignore DJRIO Report Abuse aint that truth
BartBuzz Champion Author Atlanta Posts:3,918 Points:806,010 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:07:47 AM Ignore BartBuzz Report Abuse They are called "used" cars for a reason.
turbodog Champion Author Mississippi Posts:1,803 Points:387,150 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:07:39 AM Ignore turbodog Report Abuse good information
gagal31525 Veteran Author Georgia Posts:423 Points:368,645 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:07:36 AM Ignore gagal31525 Report Abuse I would do it if I were looking to buy a used car. Well worth the headaches it will save you in the long run.