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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:7,148 Points:828,370 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: May 4, 2010 3:32:21 PM Ignore POLELANE Report Abuse price; quality; speed of delivery;;;;pick one
gasokie Champion Author Oklahoma Posts:2,307 Points:961,555 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:3,602 Points:1,245,480 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:10,797 Points:1,250,520 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:10,797 Points:1,250,520 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:3,654 Points:815,950 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:10,797 Points:1,250,520 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:5,005 Points:1,019,210 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Apr 27, 2010 7:46:54 AM Ignore albert2008 Report Abuse sounds interesting
bladecutter Champion Author Houston Posts:2,492 Points:517,175 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:10,797 Points:1,250,520 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 All-Star Author Birmingham Posts:930 Points:1,028,490 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 19, 2010 7:18:17 PM Ignore 1006 Report Abuse who's next
1006 All-Star Author Birmingham Posts:930 Points:1,028,490 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:10,797 Points:1,250,520 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:15,266 Points:1,142,300 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 All-Star Author Birmingham Posts:930 Points:1,028,490 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 17, 2010 6:42:45 AM Ignore 1006 Report Abuse good one skynet !!
skynet Champion Author California Posts:2,841 Points:667,560 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:12,070 Points:2,313,400 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 All-Star Author Birmingham Posts:930 Points:1,028,490 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:4,965 Points:1,173,195 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:5,183 Points:1,421,070 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:4,268 Points:1,116,205 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:3,470 Points:1,049,730 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:3,782 Points:1,205,555 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:626 Points:686,380 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:5,535 Points:992,935 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:65 Points:88,295 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]
Tutootin Champion Author Toronto Posts:7,761 Points:2,612,480 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 11:20:11 AM Ignore Tutootin Report Abuse DustyHorse, I agree with most of the posts here. Considering how long you intend to keep the car, having a trusted mechanic is a very small investment for peace of mind.
LostAgain2009 Champion Author New Mexico Posts:1,426 Points:448,065 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:6,753 Points:1,381,885 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:7,695 Points:1,543,010 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:7,437 Points:720,240 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:3,419 Points:205,565 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:450,160 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:4,264 Points:999,155 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:2,071 Points:1,293,560 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:2,610 Points:833,955 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 Champion Author San Francisco Posts:1,068 Points:371,420 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:4,564 Points:1,834,945 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 Champion Author Phoenix Posts:3,661 Points:842,010 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:3,698 Points:704,185 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 10:05:46 AM Ignore mackconsult Report Abuse become self reliant
letmathe Champion Author Chicago Posts:12,421 Points:2,731,190 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:4,449 Points:753,135 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:4,268 Points:1,116,205 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:11,563 Points:1,501,265 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:3,930 Points:807,825 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:4,463 Points:2,337,945 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:5,123 Points:1,466,625 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:6,841 Points:1,496,065 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.