Vehicle history report | Clement Pre-Owned, MO
Vehicle History Report Explained by Clement Pre-Owned Experts
Vehicle history report serves as an invaluable tool by consolidating essential information about your car's history into a single, comprehensive document. This not only saves you time and money but also aids in preserving your vehicle’s value. At Clement Pre-Owned, we provide free vehicle history reports for every used car in our inventory. Keep reading to find out what's on a vehicle history report, what's not included, when you really need one, and how much it'll set you back.
What's on a vehicle history report?
Vehicle history reports function like X-rays for a car, revealing vital information that can significantly impact your decision to buy or sell. From major accidents to mileage, multiple owners, and structural issues, here's a closer look at the key insights that they provide:
Ownership story:
This section details when the car was initially purchased, specifying whether it was used for personal purposes, leased, or utilized commercially (potentially as an Uber vehicle). It provides information on the duration of ownership, the states where it was registered, estimated annual mileage, and the last reported odometer reading.
Title information:
This section indicates whether the car holds a clear title or carries designations such as salvage, junk, rebuilt, fire, flood, hail, or lemon. Additionally, it scrutinizes for any signs of odometer tampering.
What is a branded title on a used car?
Additional details:
The vehicle history reports also provide pertinent information regarding whether a car was reported as a total loss, the existence of any structural damage, instances of airbag deployments, details on accidents/damage, and information about any manufacturer recalls.
Detailed service record:
This is essentially the car's diary, documenting its visits to the mechanic. From routine oil changes to significant repairs, this section unveils the maintenance and repairs performed, particularly if the car received special treatment at a dealership.
Essential car care: car maintenance services
Where does the information in a report come from?
Clement Pre-Owned offers complimentary Carfax reports, which stand out as the most accurate in the industry. The stellar reputation of Carfax is built upon its extensive network of sources, drawing from over 100,000 outlets to compile a thorough history of a car. This diverse range of sources includes:
- Police departments and law enforcement agencies (for theft or accidents),
- Insurance companies,
- Car auctions,
- Car dealerships,
- Rental companies,
- Service and repair businesses,
- Provincial inspection stations,
- Automakers.
What's not on a car report?
While vehicle history reports are comprehensive, they do not provide details on the overall condition, wear and tear, or specific mechanical issues of the automobile. Additionally, the reports won't reveal the identity of previous owners or insights into their driving habits.
When do you need a car history?
Whether you're buying or selling a used vehicle, a vehicle history report is invaluable. For buyers, it helps identify hidden issues, such as flooding or salvage labels. For sellers, presenting a report to potential buyers can alleviate concerns about the vehicle's history, facilitating a smoother selling process. Now, let's dive into the red flags to spot in a used car's history.
Warning signs in a vehicle’s history:
Multiple owners:
A relatively young car with numerous owners may signal underlying issues. Multiple owners also make it challenging to trace the vehicle's maintenance history.
Failure in emission tests:
Emission test failures often point to significant engine or mechanical problems. If the CARFAX report notes failed emission tests, request proof of subsequent test passes.
Use as a rental car:
Rental cars endure more wear and tear due to frequent use. If the report mentions rental or fleet car usage, consider getting the vehicle inspected by a mechanic.
Damages due to water, fire, or hail:
While hail damage is typically external, water and fire damage are more severe and challenging to rectify.
Intervals between registrations:
Significant time gaps between registrations suggest periods of inactivity for the vehicle.
Accident history:
If the report highlights a major accident or multiple accidents, it's advisable to steer clear of such a vehicle.
No proper maintenance history:
The absence of regular maintenance records implies neglect or reliance on small repair shops for maintenance.
Mention of salvage or insurance loss:
Terms like "salvage," "rebuilt," or "insurance loss" in the CARFAX report indicate that the vehicle was once damaged beyond repair.
Unattended recalls or updates:
Outstanding recalls need your attention and should be addressed promptly.
Too many repairs or a major repair:
Frequent repairs may indicate structural defects, and a recent major repair could be linked to an accident.
A stolen vehicle:
A history of being stolen may mean that expensive parts have been replaced by thieves.
Faulty odometer reading:
Discrepancies between the CARFAX report and the dashboard odometer reading could suggest illegal tampering.
How much is a vehicle history report?
Vehicle history reports usually range from $25 to $45. However, at Clement Pre-Owned, we take it a step further by providing complimentary Carfax reports with every used vehicle we offer. Free Carfax reports empowers our customers to make informed decisions, guaranteeing a smooth and trustworthy car-buying experience. Explore our inventory of over 1000 used and new cars at Clement Pre-Owned and feel confident in the quality of your next car purchase with a comprehensive vehicle history report.
