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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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POLELANE Champion Author Ohio Posts:6,032 Points:681,570 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: May 4, 2010 3:32:21 PM Ignore POLELANE Report Abuse price; quality; speed of delivery;;;;pick one
gasokie Veteran Author Oklahoma Posts:481 Points:546,785 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Apr 30, 2010 2:08:13 PM Ignore gasokie Report Abuse Always buy your used car from a reliable (OH Wait--are there any?) dealer. I just bought the first used car I have had in 25 years. Now I remember why I always buy new.
Pete12 Champion Author Albany Posts:1,855 Points:771,790 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Apr 29, 2010 7:20:46 PM Ignore Pete12 Report Abuse That's why I don't buy used cars anymore!
OHMS Champion Author Orange County Posts:7,786 Points:873,885 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Apr 29, 2010 5:22:58 PM Ignore OHMS Report Abuse now he has four ads; and the wreck still hasn't sold. How do I get some new articles atop the list of NEWS?
OHMS Champion Author Orange County Posts:7,786 Points:873,885 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Apr 28, 2010 1:59:03 PM Ignore OHMS Report Abuse some local Craig's list sellers just keep raising the price every day or so until the car sells. works for gasoline stations too, I hear!
Vette1967 Champion Author Albany Posts:1,242 Points:292,375 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Apr 27, 2010 9:58:00 PM Ignore Vette1967 Report Abuse You got to cover all bases when buying a used car.
OHMS Champion Author Orange County Posts:7,786 Points:873,885 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Apr 27, 2010 11:45:20 AM Ignore OHMS Report Abuse I'll definitely try that at a fraction of the cost of the well advertised alternatives thanks for the informative article.
albert2008 Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:2,279 Points:492,285 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Apr 27, 2010 7:46:54 AM Ignore albert2008 Report Abuse sounds interesting
bladecutter All-Star Author Houston Posts:501 Points:135,300 Joined:Nov 2009	Message Posted: Apr 26, 2010 6:51:55 AM Ignore bladecutter Report Abuse Car faxes don't catch everything, sometimes if you offer to pay cash for repairs that will never be reported by the repair shop.
OHMS Champion Author Orange County Posts:7,786 Points:873,885 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Mar 23, 2010 2:50:49 PM Ignore OHMS Report Abuse as I said before; more info that lets me make a more intelligent choice seems like a good option for me
1006 Veteran Author Birmingham Posts:264 Points:581,240 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 7:18:17 PM Ignore 1006 Report Abuse who's next
1006 Veteran Author Birmingham Posts:264 Points:581,240 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 18, 2010 6:58:19 AM Ignore 1006 Report Abuse somebody's making a $ killing!
OHMS Champion Author Orange County Posts:7,786 Points:873,885 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Mar 18, 2010 1:18:56 AM Ignore OHMS Report Abuse more info lets me make a more intelligent choice; so good news for me.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:10,157 Points:592,775 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 17, 2010 9:53:00 PM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse still may not always bring up everything. For me, it's always best to have an independent set of eyes, ears and a few other senses look it over. IF the dealer has nothing to hide, then they won't object. If they do, take your business elsewhere.
Navychic09 Rookie Author Cleveland Posts:13 Points:1,690 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: Mar 17, 2010 3:11:07 PM Ignore Navychic09 Report Abuse Better safe than sorry
1006 Veteran Author Birmingham Posts:264 Points:581,240 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 17, 2010 6:42:45 AM Ignore 1006 Report Abuse good one skynet !!
skynet Champion Author California Posts:2,219 Points:410,130 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 7:20:29 PM Ignore skynet Report Abuse cap11787, Then they hand you a hand puppet of a fox and ask "Car fox?"
lodawg48 Champion Author Columbus Posts:9,279 Points:1,763,345 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 6:50:57 PM Ignore lodawg48 Report Abuse Car Fax does not report any damages from fleet vehicles. I have seen one in which the report said that no wrecks reported but the hood, front end fenders and driver's door has been repaired or replaced with new parts. You are better off examining the vehicle closely and taking it to a reputable mechanic.
1006 Veteran Author Birmingham Posts:264 Points:581,240 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 5:18:25 PM Ignore 1006 Report Abuse it will tell you about recalls & major damage reporting.
Blue48 Champion Author Illinois Posts:2,486 Points:632,865 Joined:Feb 2007	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 4:20:01 PM Ignore Blue48 Report Abuse I HAVE DONE THAT A COUPLE OF TIMES!!
cpl11787 All-Star Author Minnesota Posts:630 Points:123,275 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 3:40:41 PM Ignore cpl11787 Report Abuse ask the dealer they are supposed to give you a free carfax.
Bubba44612 Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,471 Points:878,350 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 2:42:59 PM Ignore Bubba44612 Report Abuse Car Fax doesn't tell the whole story. I've seen cars that said everything was fine only to find out it had been hit by deer more than once.
BEngr Champion Author Illinois Posts:1,523 Points:575,625 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 1:09:29 PM Ignore BEngr Report Abuse If the dealer wants to sell a vehicle, they should provide a copy of the Car Fax report free.
Jarod13 Champion Author Virginia Posts:2,741 Points:606,870 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 12:20:14 PM Ignore Jarod13 Report Abuse Even if a vehicle history report was included with the purchase of a vehicle, I'd still have my mechanic go over the vehicle from top to bottom. With reports of vehicles damaged in Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters being fixed and resold, along with vehicles involved in common, everyday accidents, that can possibly not be reported and included in a vehicle history report, every consumer should take a "buyer's be aware" approach when looking to purchase a used vehicle. Since the "lemon law" doesn't apply to used vehicles, consumers should do everything possible to protect themselves. If they don't, they shouldn't have a leg to stand on when trying to resolve a dispute over a vehicle that is bought "as is".
my2002m Champion Author Tulsa Posts:1,142 Points:663,015 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 11:37:18 AM Ignore my2002m Report Abuse They should be included with the purchase of the vehicle.
fedex09 All-Star Author Missouri Posts:605 Points:655,310 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 11:30:56 AM Ignore fedex09 Report Abuse Just another way to tack on more cost of the perchase.
Hunter114 Champion Author Chicago Posts:2,803 Points:452,770 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 11:25:55 AM Ignore Hunter114 Report Abuse There are still many hoops to jump to buy a car.
Lowell_MA Rookie Author Massachusetts Posts:64 Points:73,275 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 11:20:33 AM Ignore Lowell_MA Report Abuse This will be good for the dealers now they can buy the car report cheap and still charge $40- $50 for it to the customer. [Edited by: Lowell_MA at 3/16/2010 12:20:43 PM EST]
LostAgain2009 Veteran Author New Mexico Posts:465 Points:181,930 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 11:19:02 AM Ignore LostAgain2009 Report Abuse Who can afford to buy a car, new or used?
eddyp94 Champion Author Ontario Posts:3,976 Points:832,760 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 11:16:22 AM Ignore eddyp94 Report Abuse its should be mandatory when ever a used vehicle is sold....
VetteBlue Champion Author San Jose Posts:5,305 Points:1,086,635 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 11:16:07 AM Ignore VetteBlue Report Abuse That's why I only buy new and keep cars for a minimum of 10 years. Usually much longer. My 4Runner is a 1996.
Yonkers111 Champion Author Scranton Posts:6,214 Points:516,095 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 11:15:17 AM Ignore Yonkers111 Report Abuse They tell you nothing.
bobsalwaysmt Champion Author Long Island Posts:2,338 Points:151,565 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 11:14:27 AM Ignore bobsalwaysmt Report Abuse Nothing else new?
sg413 Champion Author California Posts:2,029 Points:448,910 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 11:14:24 AM Ignore sg413 Report Abuse Maybe they should have them for new cars too. This way you know what problems/recalls have been happening.
grandmacbc Champion Author Buffalo Posts:1,539 Points:499,305 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 11:13:43 AM Ignore grandmacbc Report Abuse Also buy from a reputable dealer who may also warrant used cars for a reasonable period. Then too you could buy from the little old lady in the neighborhood who is giving up driving!
stadlgi Champion Author Akron Posts:1,760 Points:1,180,015 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 11:05:24 AM Ignore stadlgi Report Abuse These reports can be helpful, but they don't always give the full picture. If you ask me, they should be free for the asking - even online when you throw in a VIN.
rasprout Champion Author Tacoma Posts:1,359 Points:350,935 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 11:02:39 AM Ignore rasprout Report Abuse The best bet in my mind is to use what you can get through the dealership as well as a mechanic. I have a friend who is at a dealership. I only shop through him and trust his judgement. He has actually warned me off a car that has been in a wreck, BUT it never hurts to verify with a neutral mechanic...
Kimmunicate All-Star Author San Francisco Posts:596 Points:136,930 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 10:22:15 AM Ignore Kimmunicate Report Abuse At least this is a cheaper option to Carfax
JediKnight Champion Author Wisconsin Posts:3,146 Points:1,494,400 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 10:16:51 AM Ignore JediKnight Report Abuse vizilo and SeerLV, Good points.... and maybe you should share any gathered info. with the mechanic to verify/confirm any "reported" damage. Yet, if it isn't in the report (which I suspect "normal" wear and tear isn't) then a Mechanic is your only way of knowing. Of coarse electronics might not be easily checked by a mechanic... but if you haven't already done your own check to see that "everything" that should be powered or working at least "appears" functional... you might just be wasting the mechanic's time. You could point out that certain indicators don't light properly (burned out/override) and/or there are certain "issues" you've noticed you want checked.
regasaz All-Star Author Phoenix Posts:972 Points:310,735 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 10:11:19 AM Ignore regasaz Report Abuse Concept sounds good but the NMVTIS being "a near complete govenment resource" is a little alarming. Seems our Government is now involved in most ALL phases of our daily living.
mackconsult Champion Author Portland Posts:1,116 Points:245,005 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 10:05:46 AM Ignore mackconsult Report Abuse become self reliant
letmathe Champion Author Chicago Posts:9,830 Points:2,250,120 Joined:May 2001	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 10:05:00 AM Ignore letmathe Report Abuse A mechanic's a must!
DrLyon Champion Author Michigan Posts:1,729 Points:217,220 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 10:02:05 AM Ignore DrLyon Report Abuse History of a car and mechanic check money well spent.
BEngr Champion Author Illinois Posts:1,523 Points:575,625 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 9:59:02 AM Ignore BEngr Report Abuse Please ask for the Car Fax report, if they don't give it to you move on!
bluenvoy Champion Author Nashville Posts:7,542 Points:1,060,890 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 9:58:23 AM Ignore bluenvoy Report Abuse That's something worth doing if you are buying a used vehicle.
SeerLV Champion Author Las Vegas Posts:3,301 Points:679,060 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 9:56:51 AM Ignore SeerLV Report Abuse Even a good mechanic can not tell everything just by looking. The history of a car can be very useful information.
vizilo Champion Author British Columbia Posts:1,752 Points:1,798,965 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 9:55:09 AM Ignore vizilo Report Abuse that's assuming your mechanic knows about electronics
yukonjack Champion Author Georgia Posts:4,226 Points:1,112,660 Joined:Oct 2004	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 9:55:09 AM Ignore yukonjack Report Abuse Just traded my 10 year old vehicle for a newer 5 year old vehicle. The carfax was clean, but this site might have been a better source. [Edited by: yukonjack at 3/16/2010 10:55:26 AM EST]
CLM06 Champion Author Tampa Posts:4,504 Points:1,076,615 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 9:52:53 AM Ignore CLM06 Report Abuse Even mechanics aren't right every time they can tell you it's OK to buy a used car and it could break down a week later. Had two mechanics disagree on a car one yes one no.
niceguytx Champion Author Houston Posts:8,771 Points:1,709,635 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 9:49:40 AM Ignore niceguytx Report Abuse Good info!