10 points you should look for in a vehicle history report

For buying any used car, it is important to get a detailed vehicle history report. A vehicle history report is a vital document which reveals the entire history of a car. A vehicle history report makes you aware of critical information such as any accidents, recalls and the details of the current odometer reading. Vehicle history report is also known as VIN check, it helps you to get an idea of what to expect with a car when you go to buy. With Vehicle Check USA you can get the updated, detailed history report http://vehiclecheckusa.com/ on a single click.

For your information, we have explained the details of a vehicle history report below. These are the information you can find in a standard vehicle history report.

  • Information about Past ownership
  • Prior accidents
  • Flood or fire damage
  • Total loss/salvage history
  • Liens
  • Maintenance history
  • Recalls
  • Odometer reading
  • Failed emissions test
  • Stolen vehicle check

Contents of a vehicle history report

Every vehicle history report essentially gives you the life history of your selected car. Information in the vehicle history report can help you make a good decision for buying a used car. You should see the following information in a VIN check report.

Information about Past ownership 

It’s always helpful to know who owned your vehicle prior to you. A vehicle history report also gives you the information like where the previous person lived. If you notice that the car has passed through multiple owners’ hands, this could be a sign that the vehicle has problems.

Prior accidents

Based on the information on the nature of accidents and the number of collisions, you can decide the residual damage that a car may have. At the same time, if you get the information that the car you have chosen hasn’t been in any accidents, that’s good news. The Vehicle History report will also inform you if the car’s airbags have ever deployed.

Flood or fire damage

Remember, any Cars involved in fire or flooding may have sustained long-lasting damage to the engine. You need to check the car properly to see the nature of the damage and what repairs, if any, were made. For more details, you can check the link:http://vehiclecheckusa.com/blog/how-to-avoid-buying-a-flood-damaged-car/

Total loss/salvage history

Any cars declared a total loss or salvaged are obviously of questionable integrity. Don’t forget that a total loss of a car generally means the car is hazardous and it should be avoided. Any car with a salvage history may still be safe to drive. For more details, you can check the link- http://vehiclecheckusa.com/blog/5-things-you-should-know-about-a-salvage-title/

Liens

A lien on a private sale vehicle can be a big problem. Lien means that the seller doesn’t fully own the car. If there is a lien on the car you are purchasing, you won’t be able to obtain a loan for the purchase, transfer the title to your name, or register or insure the vehicle. In such circumstances, it’s generally best to have the owner get the lien released prior to you buying the car. For more details on a lien, please check the link-http://vehiclecheckusa.com/blog/how-to-buy-a-car-that-has-a-bank-lien-on-the-title/

Maintenance history

The information related to the maintenance history of a car helps you know what’s been repaired or replaced. The maintenance history information will help you budget for future maintenance. Also, the repair history can also help you during price negotiations.

Recalls

It’s always good to know if the car you’re considering buying has any recalls and if those repairs were made.

Odometer reading

Odometer reading will give you the information about how many miles the car has been driven. If the car you have chosen has high mileage, this may enable you to bargain for a lower price. Vehicle history report works as a warning if there is any odometer fraud in the used car you are considering. For more information on odometer fraud, please read our blog: http://vehiclecheckusa.com/blog/4-points-on-how-to-detect-the-odometer-fraud-in-a-used-car/

Failed emissions test

For those who are staying in an area that requires smog checks, and the car has failed such tests, this could mean costly repairs for you.

Stolen vehicle check

A car history report also alerts you to any potential problems that could point to the auto being stolen. If the car has ever been stolen, this will also show up on the vehicle history report.

Vehicle History Report | VIN Check | VehiclecheckUSA

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Every used car has a back-end story and some of them are nothing short of a nightmare. So, always look for the Vehicle History Report before purchasing a used car. It will help you know if a car has a clean history or hidden problems. We have data available for every used car sold post-1982.

 

List of 30 cheapest used cars to insure

Keeping in mind the high level of interest of our users, we have searched the entire range of used cars from the model year 2000-2010 and come up with a list of cars that are cheapest to insure.

Based on our research, the cheapest used cars that you can insure are Honda CR-V, Ford Taurus and Chrysler.

We looked at 30 popular used cars and ranked them on the basis of premium value and the detailed insurance data.

Here is the entire list of 30

         Used cars                                 Average annual premium

  1. Honda CR-V                                                                $1440
  2. Chrysler PT Cruiser                                                    $1440
  3. Ford Taurus                                                                 $1452
  4. Dodge Caravan                                                            $1464
  5. Toyota Tacoma                                                            $1464
  6. Toyota RAV4                                                                $1464
  7. Toyota Prius                                                                 $1488
  8. Dodge Grand Caravan                                                $1512
  9. Hyundai Santa Fe                                                        $1512
  10. Ford Escape                                                                  $1512
  11. Pontiac Grand Am                                                       $1512
  12. Ford Explorer                                                               $1512
  13. Honda Odyssey                                                            $1524
  14. Toyota Highlander                                                      $1524
  15. Saturn Vue                                                                    $1524
  16. Toyota Corolla                                                              $1524
  17. Volkswagen Jetta                                                         $1536
  18. Ford F-150                                                                    $1548
  19. Toyota Camry                                                               $1548
  20. Jeep liberty                                                                   $1560
  21. Honda Civic                                                                  $1572
  22. Lexus RX                                                                       $1596
  23. Chevrolet Tahoe                                                          $1608

used cars you can pick and get the cheapest insurance, from the model year 2000-2010.

Do you need comprehensive and collision insurance for a used car?

Yes, both comprehensive and collision insurance is important for used cars.

Both this insurance payout for damages to your car if it is stolen or if it’s damaged by any disaster.

Comprehensive and collision insurance covers your vehicle during problems like

  • Hail
  • Flood
  • Natural disasters
  • Fire
  • Vandalism and crashes with animals.

In the worst case, your car could be totalled by one of these problems.

Remember as a car gets older its value degrades with every passing year, which means the maximum payout for a stolen or totalled car declines as the car’s value reduces. Thus the need for both comprehensive and collision insurance goes down, too.

Here are some points which will help you make a judgment about whether it’s worth it to keep buying these coverage types for a used car:

  • Before going for insurance, always look for the current value of your selected used car. You can get the car value on the given link:http://vehiclecheckusa.com/services/car-value/
  • Once you get the insurance quote, subtract your collision/comprehensive deductible from the car’s value. This will help you to have an estimate for an insurance check if your car is stolen or totalled and you make a claim.
  • Look at what you would pay annually for collision and comprehensive. If the premium payments over the next several years come close to the potential insurance payout, it may not be worth it.

Cheap Car Insurance | Buying_used_car_from_dealer | VIN Check | VehiclecheckUSA

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Every used car has a back-end story and some of them are nothing short of a nightmare. So, always look for the Vehicle History Report before purchasing a used car. It will help you know if a car has a clean history or hidden problems. We have data available for every used car sold post-1982.

 

What is the best Insurance for a used car?

The entire process of purchasing a used car is totally different as compared to the process of purchasing a new car. Depending on the value of the car, the car insurance premiums may also get impacted.

In this blog, we will help you know the details of buying insurance for a used car. We will also help you with the names of some insurance companies that offer cheap car insurance policies.

Things you should know before buying a car insurance for your used car.

  • Do the proper car inspection
  • Get the used car insurance quotes
  • The cheapest insurance company for a used car
  • Different ways to save on car insurance

Car Inspection

It is vital to know the in and out of your chosen used car. Most individual sellers or authorized dealers allow you to take the car for a test drive. However, if a dealer disagrees for a test drive consider it as a danger sign.  There could be a possibility that there’s something wrong with your selected car which the seller doesn’t want you to know. Try taking the help of an expert for a car inspection. Even though you have evaluated the car thoroughly, taking a professional help can still help you in taking a better decision. Remember, look for a certified mechanic for a used car inspection.   

Things you need to get the car insurance quotes

Once the vehicle passes the inspection, your next step is to purchase the car insurance policy for the car you have selected.

If you are purchasing a car from a dealership, the dealer will most like to ask for the proof of insurance prior to driving the vehicle off the lot.

So, for a used car insurance, you need all the below-given details

  • Get the details of the date of birth of drivers using the vehicle
  • You need to have the driver’s license numbers of drivers using the vehicle
  • You also need to have the garaging address of vehicle (most likely your address)
  • All the previous Insurance history of drivers using the vehicle
  • Also, the driving history of drivers using the vehicle
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which will provide the vehicle’s vital information, including make/model

VIN Check

Vehicle Identification Numbers are especially important for used vehicles. You can see the entire history of the vehicle through VIN Check. Some of the important information which you get through VIN check is whether the vehicle is salvaged, or if it is previously totalled. Looking at its importance, every used car insurance company will ask for a VIN report and on the basis of details present in the report, they decide about the coverage. If a report shows that a vehicle has been salvaged, many companies deny the coverage totally.

Did you know?

Once you have decided the car you want to purchase, you can get the used car insurance quote just by using the VIN, you need not purchase the vehicle first to get the insurance quote.

Mostly all dealerships list the VIN on their website, providing an accurate estimate of used car insurance quote. If approached for insurance purchase, they give away the same quotes which you can use to retrieve the saved quote.

Once you activate the policy, the new insurance company will share the proof of insurance to you and to the car dealer you were purchasing. Once it is done, you can drive off the lot with your car.

Cheap insurance companies for a used car

Based on our research on the policies offered by top US companies, we came up with a few names where you can find cheap insurance coverage for a used car.

           Companies                                         6-month average cost (Premium)

  • Allstate                                                     $ 790
  • Farmers                                                   $ 680
  • Nationwide                                             $ 650
  • Geico                                                        $ 702
  • Progressive                                             $ 732
  • Liberty Mutual                                       $ 740
  • State Farm                                              $ 748

As you can see “Nationwide” and “Farmers” have the lowest premium on used car insurance. You can use this data as a baseline information for your further research of finding a reliable and cheap car insurance.

How to save on car insurance?

In addition to finding the best and lowest used car insurance rates, we’ve also outlined various important options that can be followed to keep your premium affordable.

  • Always get an estimate for the repairs at a local mechanic shop
  • Choose the cheapest long-term option.
  • Shop around and compare
  • Double check the discounts available to you, which could include:
  1.     Paperless discount
  2.     Good driver discount
  3.     Multi-policy discount
  4.     Payment by bank account
  5.     Paid in full discount (If paying the premium in one payment)
  6.     Multi-vehicle discount

Used Car Insurance | Buying_used_car_from_dealer | VIN Check | VehiclecheckUSA

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Every used car has a back-end story and some of them are nothing short of a nightmare. So, always look for the Vehicle History Report before purchasing a used car. It will help you know if a car has a clean history or hidden problems. We have data available for every used car sold post-1982.

 

What Is the Most Important Car Insurance Coverage

There are many different coverage plans available on car insurance. Do you know which car insurance coverage is more important for you?

The best car insurance is the one you need right at the time of loss. But, you never know what coverage that might be, as it can change per accident.  

We have listed some important points which you should consider when determining what coverage is important to you and what coverage can be discarded.

  • State’s Minimum Liability and Property Coverage
  • Property Damage
  • Comprehensive Coverage
  • Collision Coverage
  • Car Insurance Extras

State’s Minimum Liability and Property Coverage

Above all, you need to maintain a car insurance policy to keep yourself legally correct for driving. Hence the most important coverage has to be your state’s minimum liability and property damage. Remember, you can lose your driver’s license and may get heavily fined if caught driving without it. Getting into an accident without liability coverage can turn into the worst nightmare. As you could be facing enormous penalties, including bills from the damages you have caused.

The purpose of liability and property damage is to provide the protection to the other drivers on the road from the damages you cause.

Your car insurance policy probably lists liability as bodily injury 20/40. Here, 20 is the placeholder for how much will be paid out for medical expenses or any other suffering or pain per person and is valued at $20,000. Whereas, 40 is for how much will be paid out for medical expenses and sufferings per accident. It is valued at $40,000.

Property Damage

The property damage works towards providing the coverage for damage to other people’s property.

Like, if you hit any person’s car on the road or if you have damaged city property like guardrail or traffic sign, the property damage coverage of your insurance will cover all the damages done by you up to the limit you have set during the time of signing your policy. qIt is essential to have the coverage for protecting others property as well as medical expenses. This will prevent you from landing into a situation of sudden financial crisis, you can also be sued without it for all the damages.

Having a coverage which protects other people’s property and medical expenses is important for your own financial protection. Without it, you can be sued for the damages.

Other Important Coverages

Physical damage coverage will help you to protect your own property. This coverage will help you protect against the major expenses of car repairs due to any damage to the vehicle during an accident or some other outside factor which causes damage to your car.

Any damage other than a collision will fall under comprehensive coverage. It includes, but not limited to theft, glass damage, storm damage, vandalism, deer. However, a deductible usually applies. Any damage to your vehicle due to a collision will fall under collision coverage. The coverage will include all possibilities of a collision. It can be with another vehicle, a tree, mailbox, etc. Collision will pay out minus your deductible.

Car Insurance Extras

There are many other side policies provided by a car insurance. These options are available as an optional add-on policy coverages. Don’t ignore them!!

This extra insurance coverage covers various options like-

  1. Gap Insurance
  2. Rental Insurance
  3. Roadside Assistance
  4. Custom Equipment
  5. OEM Endorsement
  6. Minor Violation Forgiveness
  7. Accident Forgiveness

These insurance coverages are optional because you are more likely to be able to cover these expenses out of pocket if needed.

Every insurance policy can vary depending on the requirement of the driver. But, if you are opting for a minimum car coverage policy be prepared to pay from your own pocket in case an accident happens.

Car Insurance | Buying_used_car_from_dealer | VIN Check | VehiclecheckUSA

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Every used car has a back-end story and some of them are nothing short of a nightmare. So, always look for the Vehicle History Report before purchasing a used car. It will help you know if a car has a clean history or hidden problems. We have data available for every used car sold post-1982.

 

5 Ways to protect your car from flood water damage

A flood can damage a vehicle in any number of ways, from the mould, rust, foul interior smell and spoiling the upholstery to ruining the electronic wiring,  causing engine problems and destroying electronic devices.

All these damages make It crucial for a car owner to protect their car from the floods or any other water damage.

We have listed five points that will help you in protecting your car for any flood or water damage.

  • Seal everything
  • Go to high ground
  • Avoid driving through pools of water
  • Steer clear of other vehicles
  • Keep Revving

Seal Everything

For those who park their vehicle outside, try to seal your car tight when you see any storm is coming. Make sure to shut the doors and sunroof properly, also roll up the windows. Your car’s interior can damage if the water enters in anyways. Remember the chance of mold, bad odor increases with increase in moisture or if water gets in the car.

Before the storm hits your car, try to repair all the cracks in the windows. You can also seal them to prevent any further damage. Don’t forget even a minuscule crack can let moisture in and cause problems.

Go To High Ground

If you are heading towards the high ground and a storm hits on the way. Park your vehicle in high areas. It will help you avoid floods that could form easily in the low-lying places and it will also protect your car’s undercarriage which will later prevent the rust formation.

Avoid driving through waterlogging

Water Logging is very likely during and after storms. It is better not to drive through the waterlogged areas. Drive with full precautions and always be alert. If you do encounter areas with waterlogging, gauge how deep they are, If it appears deep that the water can reach to your car’s undercarriage or another vulnerable place don’t try to push through better look for an alternate route. In case, if you are left with no choice other than going through it, then keep a slow and steady speed while crossing. Don’t try to stop the car in such places as it could cause water to get inside your car.

Steer clear of other vehicles

During storm try not to over speed as this could lead you to divert from your projected trajectory. Driving near to large vehicles can be dangerous as they can create waves which will push water higher and cause it to enter your car.

Keep Revving

If you are stuck in a situation where you don’t have any other option, go through water but don’t forget to keep your car’s engine revving. This will prevent excess water sucking into the exhaust. 4-5 mph acceleration will safeguard your engine from the impact of the flood by producing the small wave.  

Flooded Car | Buying_used_car_from_dealer | VIN Check | VehiclecheckUSA

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Every used car has a back-end story and some of them are nothing short of a nightmare. So, always look for the Vehicle History Report before purchasing a used car. It will help you know if a car has a clean history or hidden problems. We have data available for every used car sold post-1982.

 

4 benefits of Buying a Used Car From the Dealer

If you are interested in buying a used car, you must have surely discovered that there are two major options for buying a used car–

  1. Private Seller / Craigslist
  2. Licensed Dealer

If you are at all apprehensive about approaching a private seller, you can always go to a licensed dealer for purchasing a used car.  In this article, we are listing all the advantages involved in finalizing the deal of a used car with a dealer:-          

  • Extra Options          
  • Reputation
  • Financing Benefits
  • Authentic paperwork

Extra Options

Many people opt for buying a used vehicle from a licensed dealer over a private seller because they can choose some extra options for the vehicle. Those extra options can be dealer-installed accessories such as aftermarket wheels or an upgraded sound system.

There are many other added features you get at a dealer which you wouldn’t normally get from a private seller. Like you can get an extended warranty to cover your car after the manufacturer warranty expires. Dealers also provide services like curb rash removed from the wheels, etc. You could also get various other promotions if purchasing a car from the dealer like free oil changes or tire rotations.

All these add-on features while purchasing a used car from a dealer make the whole process of buying even more exciting. However, if you are dealing with a private seller for purchasing a used car, you won’t get any such special offers.

Reputation

Another benefit of buying a used car from dealers is “Reputation”. You can select a dealer based on the reputation. Dealers with the good reputation try to offer the best customer services they can. They also take a few days after purchase responsibility of the vehicle. Like, if you have any problem with a car soon after you buy it, you can take the help of the dealer to fix it. They also sometimes have a cooling off period, so if you have second thoughts after the purchase, you could take a U-turn and turn it back in at the dealership.

On the contrary, with a  private seller, you end the deal the time you hand over the money and get the car. Private dealers just wash off their hands as the car is sold, and certainly, they can’t advise you about any mechanical help you need for your car.

Financing Benefits

The biggest benefit of buying a used car from the dealer is the financing option. Every dealer will offer a range of financing options, while a private seller won’t. If you’re buying a car from a private seller, you’ll have to secure your own financing. Also, many times it’s a little tricky to finance a car owned by a private seller. As many leading companies don’t trust a private seller to accurately value a car, but a licensed dealership usually offers a more accurate pricing.  

As a result, it can be hard to get the loan for a privately owned car, and in many cases, the interest rates are also high.

Authentic Paperwork

With dealers, you need not worry about any paperwork or document that needs to be filled out at the DMV. Most dealers provide you with the sales bill and any other documents that you might require to register the purchase. If purchasing a used car from the private seller, you need some time and patience to complete all this paperwork on your own.  

So, now since you have chosen from where you want to buy a used car, go ahead, choose the car you want to buy. We have a series of articles right here to help you make that choice. But make sure you check the vehicle history of the car you select. Remember, you should never buy a used car on spoken promises. The Vehicle History report will give you the entire history of your chosen used car.

Benefits_of_Buying_used_car_from_dealer | VIN Check | VehiclecheckUSA

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Every used car has a back-end story and some of them are nothing short of a nightmare. So, always look for the Vehicle History Report before purchasing a used car. It will help you know if a car has a clean history or hidden problems. We have data available for every used car sold post-1982.

 

7 Used Cars With Best Miles Per Gallon

If you are in the used car market with a tight budget and high hopes, the first thing which you should focus on is the maximization of a car’s fuel economy and minimization of its price.

Screening cars based on this criteria is not easy, so, we have come up with a list of 7 cars which will fit best in your requirements. Each and every used car mentioned in the list below offers an affordable rate and fuel economy ratings that top 40 miles per gallon. You can choose any car from the list and for sure you will end up with a great used vehicle at the same time it will also be within your budget.

  1. Ford Fusion Hybrid
  2. Honda Civic Hybrid
  3. Honda Insight
  4. Mazda3 Skyactiv
  5. Smart Fortwo
  6. Toyota Prius
  7. Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Ford Fusion Hybrid

Ford Fusion | Vehiclecheckusa | VIN Check

In the sedan family, the Ford Fusion Hybrid is one of the best ways to achieve 40 mpg on a limited budget. An old model from 2013 will cost you nearly about $8.887. The fuel economy of this vehicle is excellent. Some other benefits in the vehicle include a large interior which gives a comfortable ride. A long list of standard features such as rear parking sensors, dual power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and ford’s sync in-vehicle entertainment and communication system.

Honda Civic Hybrid

Honda Civic | Vehiclecheckusa | VIN Check

The Honda Civic Hybrid is a super reliable, highly compact car. This car is perfect for buyers who are on a shoestring budget, but interested in purchasing a fuel-efficient used car. The car has hybrid 4-cylinder powertrain, which returns an impressive 40 mpg in city/45 mpg hwy.

We also love the Civic Hybrid’s affordable pricing: A used 2015 model of Honda Civic Hybrid will cost you around $13,970. Above all, the Civic Hybrid has a futuristic interior that’s surprisingly roomy. In total it is a very good choice for anyone, both bachelors and families.

Honda Insight

Honda Insight | Vehiclecheckusa | VIN Check

Honda Insight is a second-generation hybrid-powered hatchback. It is the best option in terms of practicality, affordability and fuel economy. It has five doors and an amazingly roomy interior. This car is the best pick for drivers interested in a fuel efficient car that’s easy to drive every day.

You can get the 2011 model of this car easily for around $6,500.

Fuel economy of Honda Insight is totally wallet-friendly. It gives 41 mpg city/44 mpg hwy. Some other strong points which make this car land in our list is its cargo room, standard equipment and of course “Honda’s” reputation for long-term reliability.

Mazda3 Skyactiv

Mazda | Vehiclecheckusa | VIN Check

You can get a used Mazda3 Skyactive 2016 model for $13,998.It is one of the more expensive options if you check the entire list.  

But at the same time, it is worth considering in the list. This car has got an excellent handling, lovely interior and a long list of features and fuel economy that reaches as high as 40 mpg hwy.

Smart Fortwo

Smart Fortwo | Vehiclecheckusa | VIN Check

Smart Fortwo is not a good choice for those looking for a used car to accommodate the entire family. This car has the 2-seater interior.  It is bold, eye-catching and stylish. It can be the best option for single drivers or for couples. The car has fuel economy ratings of up to 41 mpg hwy. You can get the 2015 model of Smart Fortwo at $6,500. This car also has crash protection feature. The built-in cage around the driver makes it safe for long distance driving. Besides, it has good cargo space and the small hatchback features a standard automatic transmission.

Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius | Vehiclecheckusa | VIN Check

Toyota Prius has an excellent 48 mpg city/45 mpg hwy. You can buy the 2015 model at the price of $15,399. There are various other reasons which made us add Toyota Prius in our list like its excellent cargo volume. The car boasts of a roomy interior with good leg space in front seats and a large back seat.

Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Volkswagen Jetta | Vehiclecheckusa | VIN Check

The diesel-powered Volkswagen Jetta TDI is often one of the top choices for those hunting for excellent fuel economy. We especially like the 2005-2010 model, which offered 35 mpg city/43 mpg hwy,  even though the car is not a hybrid or plug-in hybrid drivetrain. The car has excellent German-car build quality, along with standard features such as keyless entry, power accessories, air conditioning, and cruise control. You can get the 2010 model of this car at $9,800.

Used Cars | Vehiclecheckusa | VIN Check

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Every used car has a back-end story and some of them are nothing short of a nightmare. So, always look for the Vehicle History Report before purchasing a used car. It will help you know if a car has a clean history or hidden problems. We have data available for every used car sold post-1982.

 

4 points on how to detect the odometer fraud in a used car

Odometer reading works as an influencing factor for used car buyers. Those simple numbers on an odometer can give you a good indication of several points that plays an important role in used car purchase–

  • It helps you to be aware of any upcoming maintenance and repairs
  • It will tell you, how well the vehicle was looked after
  • If the warranty is still applicable
  • The average life expectancy of a vehicle
  • Details of the car value

Some dealers roll back the odometer with the intention of defrauding a buyer. Rolling back of odometer reading gives an impression that the vehicle is less-used and there is more life left in it.

There are many tricks which dealers apply in rolling back the odometer reading. Especially those old cars where they had small plastic gears inside the odometer which can be disassembled and re-positioned to reduce the value significantly. Since the process of rolling back the reading was really easy a few decades ago, it was hard to decide whether the purchased vehicle has correct odometer reading or it’s false. The practice of disconnecting the speedometer cable and running it in reverse on a power drill to count the miles backwards was also common in previous years.

Looking at odometer fraud, manufacturers combated the problem by creating a safeguard in the odometer. Now, if the odometer numbers have tampered, it would be nearly impossible to straight line up the numbers again, making it visible that the odometer is rolled back.

Now the odometers have almost completely changed and manufacturers have moved to digital readouts. They are supposedly foolproof. Still, with advancement in technology and access to information is so easy that you can learn how to roll back digital odometers with a simple google search. All the tools required are readily available online or any auto part shop.

Detecting the frauds on the digital odometer is difficult, but we came up with some simple checks that can assist you in detecting a potential rollback.

  1. Analyze vehicle usage
  2. Check the vehicle’s condition
  3. Check all the documents
  4. Ask for a mechanic’s inspection

Analyze vehicle usage

Check the year of the vehicle and the current mileage. For example, on an average, if we look at the North American vehicles. They accumulate approximately 12,000 miles per year. If you see that the selected used vehicle has less than 1200 miles per year, it’s a sign of concern. Check it properly and ask the owner for the details.

Also, if the chosen used car appears to be a business vehicle and still the mileage is abnormal, it could be a sign of odometer tampering.

Check the vehicle’s condition

Not every vehicle that has low miles or a rough interior has a rolled-back odometer. It can also be a case of negligence towards the car’s interior, but if it is combined with other issues it may be a cause for concern.

Don’t forget to check for the abnormal wear on brake and the car’s gas pedal. You can easily catch the odometer fraud by looking at the rubber of the brake pedal. If a car is showing the mileage less than 60,000 miles an the rubber pad is nearly worn through, it can be a sign of the potential issue. However, if the car was driven predominantly in stop-and-go traffic, considering pedal wear only as an indicator of tampering will not be correct.

You can also check the vehicle mats and carpets. A brand new car’s mat and carpets are quite durable and it takes tens of thousands of miles before they show any wear and tear. Don’t forget to check the heel’s spot on the mat on the driver’s side. If you find any “heel spots” on the floor mat or carpet and the odometer reading is way too less, there is a chance of tampering. Check properly.

Also, check the tread depth of the tires. You can check it by inserting the penny into the spikes of the tire. Make sure to point Lincoln’s head downward. If you see the top of Lincoln’s head that means there are less than 2/32nds of an inch left in the tire’s trade. If a tire is worn down to 2/32nds and the odometer reading is less than 25,000 miles, it means there is a high chance of odometer tampering.  

Check all the documents

Always ask the seller for their maintenance records. Each receipt should have the details of the mileage. Follow all of the mileage records and track usage records properly. If there is an unusual gap in the mileage record, it can be because of odometer tampering or any other serious issue. You can also track the service history of a used car on the vehicle history report. Vehicle history report will also provide you with the details of odometer readings over time. You can easily compare the details on the documents and vehicle history report for accurate analysis. To get the instant vehicle history report, please click here http://vehiclecheckusa.com/vincheck/.

You should also ask for the original title certificate and compare the recorded mileage with current odometer reading. This comparison will help you to catch the irregularities quickly.

Ask for a mechanical inspection

It will be good to take an expert’s help during the used car’s inspection process. Try to go for an ASE certified mechanic. For more details on ASE certified mechanic please read the points “Get the car inspected” in our blog: 8 Things you should do before buying a used car

Odometer Fraud | Vehiclecheckusa | VIN Check

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Every used car has a back-end story and some of them are nothing short of a nightmare. So, always look for the Vehicle History Report before purchasing a used car. It will help you know if a car has a clean history or hidden problems. We have data available for every used car sold post-1982.

 

10 Benefits of Buying a Used Car

If you consider the financial impact, a car purchase is a major life decision. You are paying good, hard earned money for a car and need to make sure you are getting your money’s worth out of this major purchase. The first choice you want to make is, whether you want a brand new car or a pre-owned car.

A brand new car surely comes with a feel-good factor. It smells good and looks absolutely stunning. But, did you know? A brand new car depreciates right after the moment it leaves the showroom. According to auto facts and trends, a new car depreciates 10% right at the moment it leaves the lot and 20% right after a year on the streets.

Looking at the car value depreciation the used car market is always more active in the United States, as compared to a new car market.

There are a lot of good reasons to select a used car, most of which involves saving money. This range of reasons ranges from the low price of the car, cheaper insurance to less depreciation on used cars. If chosen with caution a used car can be a very profitable deal.

If you are struggling to decide between buying a used car and a new car, we can help you.

Scroll down to see 10 benefits of buying a used car, it will help you decide why a used car might be a good option for you–

  • Saves Money
  • Lower Sales Tax
  • Slower Depreciation
  • Payless for Insurance
  • No Exaggerated fees
  • Lower Customized Cost
  • Certified and thoroughly inspected
  • Warranties
  • Environment-friendly
  • Lower annual registration fees

Saves Money-

A used car’s price is nearly 50% less as compared to a new car of same make and model. You will be able to pay off the finances of a used car very easily, it will also save your per month financing fees. The U.S. statistics for car purchase shows that on an average a consumer switches cars in every six to seven years. If you are saving a good amount of money by purchasing a used car now, you could opt for a much better option for your next used car purchase.

If you are concerned about the safety issues of the used car you have your eyes on, don’t worry!!

You can get the authentic vehicle history report in detail on Vehicle Check USA. We provide you with some specific details by free VIN lookup. For a detailed report, you need to pay the minimum amount for the detailed report download. You can get the Vehicle History Report here:  http://vehiclecheckusa.com/vincheck/

Lower Sales Tax-

Researching the sales tax for your specific state and country is very important. Many times buyers land up in a situation where they are asked to pay a big amount for the state sale tax. However, a used car buyer need not worry, as most state taxes are charged on the newly purchased vehicles, not on used cars.

Slower Depreciation-

The bulk of depreciation in the used car has already occurred. Whereas, new cars decline 10% in their value right after the purchase. You can avoid such rapid depreciation on the cars by buying a slightly used car instead of going for a brand new vehicle.

There might be a problem finding a 1-year-old vehicle, but finding a 2-3-year-old car is not difficult at all. You can look for the odometer reading of the vehicle to be sure about its overall mileage and total distance travelled.

Remember, many used car dealers practice odometer fraud. Here is an article which will make you aware of various car scams and how you can avoid such scams while buying a used car

Payless for Insurance-

The cost of a used car is generally less because a used car’s worth is always less than that of a new one. As the market value of the used car is lower, the insurance level will always be lower compared to the new vehicles. You can also drop some of the less required coverages to drop the insurance premium even further.

No exaggerated fees-

Many times newly purchased vehicle has high hidden fees such as destination fees, shipping fees, dealer’s add-on charges like dealer preparation, advertising fees.

On the other hand, a used car generally don’t have such fees, and if they do, you can negotiate all that down. The max you can be charged beyond the final deal amount is for the documentation fees. Documentation fees are nothing more than a few hundred dollars.

Lower Customization Cost-

You are not bound to buy those expensive dealership add-ons if purchasing a used car. You can install whatever you like on your own or with the help of a local car mechanic. It will help you save a great amount of money.

Certified and thoroughly Inspected-

A certified used car gives a surety to the used car buyer that they are getting the high-quality vehicle. Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are inspected, refurbished, and certified by the manufacturer or other certifying authority. This detailed inspection assures that the vehicle is of high quality.

Warranties

You should always check the warranty for a used car which you have selected. Many times some used cars still have the part of their original warranty or the option of creating a new warranty. This extended manufacturer’s warranty provided factory trained technicians to repair your car with quality parts and speedy services.  

Good for the environment

If you care about the environment, this is another reason you could consider a used car. Used car reduces the carbon dioxide output into the environment, as more than a quarter of carbon dioxide produced by a vehicle in its entire lifetime is during manufacturing and initial shipment.

Even if we compare the used cars with hybrid cars, used cars impact less on the environment compared to newer hybrid vehicles. The battery used in hybrid vehicles have lithium, or lead and acid, or nickel metal hydride which adversely impact the environment when they are being mined, or purified to be used in batteries.

Lower Annual Registration Fees

Mostly, the rate of your annual registration fee is based on your car’s value and it’s model year.

Generally, the rate of your annual registration fee is higher in the first three years, it levels off with passing years, mostly after 5 years. By selecting a car which is at least three years older, you can avoid the new and annual registration fees.

VIN Check | Vehiclecheckusa | VIN Check

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Every used car has a back-end story and some of them are nothing short of a nightmare. So, always look for the Vehicle History Report before purchasing a used car. It will help you know if a car has a clean history or hidden problems. We have data available for every used car sold post-1982.

 

How To Decode Your Used Toyota Car’s VIN

Are you in the market to purchase a used car?

Have you chosen a car from the Toyota brand, and are now finding it hard to VIN look-up? Don’t worry!!

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) helps in bringing the surety in your purchase. It helps in providing the details related to the year, make, model, trim package, engine size and transmission type of any vehicle.

The first thing you need to have to check the specifications of your selected used car is VIN. VIN is a unique identification number for your car. Your Toyota’s VIN is of 17 digits, and it is printed in different locations of your car.

You can find the VIN either

  1. On a sticker or a metal tag which is located on your dashboard. You should be able to see the VIN through the windshield on the driver’s side, way down at the bottom
  2. On a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb
  3. On a sticker under the hood (actually stuck to the underside of the hood)
  4. Some other place where you can look for your vehicle identification number is vehicle’s window glass
  5. It can also be seen under the spare tire. Engine block or in the metal above the vehicle’s rear wheel, VIN is stamped on to it, at driver’s side

Remember, the insurance card and/or vehicle registration document will also have the Vehicle Identification Number.  

VIN Decoder

If you look at the VIN, first three digits in your vehicle identification number correspond to the make, model and manufacturer. Whereas, the fourth digit represents the safety features on the vehicles.

From the digit 5 to 8 you will find a vehicle’s trim level or series, engine, and transmission.

Ninth digit is also called as “Check Digit”. It is designed to verify the authenticity of the VIN and it’s determined using a mathematical formula which involves other numbers in the VIN.

10th digit represents the year when your particular Toyota model was introduced. The eleventh number helps in determining which factory assembled the vehicle.

The last six digits used in any Toyota vehicle are used to identify the vehicle internally.

Usually these digits are assumed to indicate when a vehicle was produced, however, this is not the case always.

For the 10th digit, these are the model years corresponding to the year of production:

A – 1980 OR 2010

B – 1981 OR 2011

C – 1982 OR 2012

D – 1983 OR 2013

E – 1984 OR 2014

F – 1985 OR 2015

G – 1986

H – 1987

I – Doesn’t exist. You’re looking at the number one.

J – 1988

K – 1989

L – 1990

M – 1991

N – 1992

O – Doesn’t exist. Zero or O letter are never used as the 10th digit.

P – 1993

Q – Doesn’t exist.

R – 1994

S – 1995

T – 1996

U – As letter U can be confused with “V” so, it doesn’t exist.

V – 1997

W – 1998

X – 1999

Y – 2000

1 – 2001

2 – 2002

3 – 2003

4 – 2004

5 – 2005

6 – 2006

7 – 2007

8 – 2008

9 – 2009

A – See beginning of the list

VIN Check | Vehiclecheckusa | VIN Check

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Every used car has a back-end story and some of them are nothing short of a nightmare. So, always look for the Vehicle History Report before purchasing a used car. It will help you know if a car has a clean history or hidden problems. We have data available for every used car sold post-1982.