7 ways to get a good deal on a used car

Do you want to buy a used car? It’s a good decision to opt for a used car over a new one. A new car depreciates nearly about 10% the moment it leaves the lot and another 20% within the first year of its purchase. It’s a fact that after three years of car purchase, the average car is worth only 60% of the original purchase price.

This fact may be slightly depressing for a new car owner, but a great relief for used car buyers.

If you are buying a 1-3 years old car, you might get a car under the manufacturer’s warranty and it may also offer you many more years of good services unless it is been abused. According to research, the average life of a vehicle on the road was found to be nearly 11.5 years.

Also, consider the size of the used car market- about 40 million used car changes hands each year and the average vehicle will likely have three owners in its lifetime.

We have listed some important points, if followed will help you to get a good deal on a used car —

  • Research
  • Test Drive
  • Private Sellers
  • Dealers
  • Certified Pre-owned
  • Check for discontinued, slow-selling vehicle
  • Know your priority

Research

So, the first way to be sure about getting a good deal is through research.

Here are some of our articles which might help you in your search process–

  1. 8 Surprising Facts You Should Know Before Buying A Used Car
  2. 8 Things You Should Do Before Buying A Used Car
  3. Which Car Is Right For Me?
  4. How To Buy A Used Car?

Market research helps you better understand the functions and features of a car. Do everything to know about your chosen vehicle before physical examination and final deal.

Researching what make and model you’re interested in and knowing the exact value of the car in your area will help you negotiate better. It is always beneficial to be informed before making the final purchase, to avoid buyers’ remorse.

Test Drive

Once you are sure about the car you are buying and are also satisfied with its cost, it’s time to physically examine the car. Test drive the selected car. A test drive will help in checking whether all the statements made by the seller regarding the car’s condition are true or not. After the test drive look for vehicle history report. Vehicle history report makes you aware of any possible hidden costs. A vehicle history report will give you the details of odometer readings, ownership history, service history, title information, reports of accidents. It will also make you aware of the junk or flood damage to the car.

To get a detailed vehicle history report click here: http://vehiclecheckusa.com/vincheck/

Private sellers

Remember, private sellers usually charge extra 10% in the final price quote which is even higher than what a dealer’s final price, check carefully. Mostly private sellers are not professional salespersons, and not everyone is good at haggling.

There are chances of getting a good deal with the private sellers if you have properly researched the car make and model you are looking for.

Some private sellers want to get rid of their vehicle as soon as they can as they might be moving to another city, or, having purchased a new car and need more space in the driveway.

Make sure to sign the title/pink slip before you hand the money to a private seller.  

For more information on buying a car from the private seller check this link: http://vehiclecheckusa.com/blog/how-to-buy-a-used-car-from-a-private-seller/

Dealers

There are many advantages if buying from a dealer.

  • The very first advantage is the varied choice. It is much easier to shop for a car when you have a whole range in front of you.
  • Dealers usually perform a basic service and inspection of a car which gives it a clean and attractive look. In case if you are purchasing from an established dealer, it has a reputation to uphold. Plus, they are also governed by FTC (Federal Trade Commission) as well as state and local regulations.
  • In many instances, dealers also offer some sort of warranty. It may be as low as 30 days but still, such warranties give a sense of relief to a buyer. As a buyer, you should always ask how warranties will be honoured.

Certified Pre-owned (CPO)

All certified pre-owned cars are thoroughly inspected. They are cosmetically sound and if any maintenance issue occurs it is addressed immediately. Certified pre-owned cars are unlikely to have shredded interiors, bashed fenders or missing trim.

Usually, CPO is offered by most luxury car brands like Mercedes- Benz, Lexus, Lincoln. Some mainstream like Nissan, Chevrolet also have such programs. By their nature, CPO cars are sold through dealers only.

If you are purchasing a CPO car, always check for its inspection report. An inspection report will list all of the areas checked and any recalls on the model. Also, check details like tire tread depth, the thickness of the brake pads. CPO cars usually have very less wear and tear.  

Check for discontinued, slow-selling vehicles

You should not ignore discontinued or slow-selling cars from your car purchase list. It’s good to buy a used car that’s been discontinued or slow-selling in the market. You can get a heavy discount on these cars.

If you are sure what you want and how much it is worth, you have reached the halfway process. Check the day value of the selected car to be sure about its cost also never forget to check the Vehicle History Report of a car.

You can check the daily value of car here: http://vehiclecheckusa.com/services/car-value/

Car Deal | 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 Tips For Buying A Car Online

Online shopping through the internet makes the entire purchase process very convenient. It is best for the buyers who cringe at the thought of visiting a car dealership to buy a car. At the same time, online buying can be very risky if not done cautiously. The biggest trouble with online buying is that you are buying something sight unseen.

If you are buying a small appliance or a handy gadget, it’s not difficult to trust an online portal, but buying a car is a major expense. You will spend thousands of dollars on a single car purchase, hence you should get the best possible deal.

We came up with some important points which will help you get a better deal while purchasing a used car online.  Don’t end up buying a metal disaster, read the points below for an informed decision:

  • Find the right car for you
  • Determine the price you want to pay
  • Get financing squared away
  • Check local inventory
  • Contact dealership, get the price quotes
  • Online price haggle
  • Trade-in and Financing
  • Sign and drive at the dealer

Find the right car for you

It is always recommended to do the market research before deciding one final car. Many people already use the internet to research for a car which best fits their requirement. It’s good to have a list of things you are looking for in a car. Based on your priority list you can finally decide what type of car you want, what all make, model and option you can look into a car.

You can also get the daily value of your car online. Here is the link which will help you provide the details related to the day value of a car http://vehiclecheckusa.com/services/car-value/.

Utilizing different online tools, you can search for a car based on your budget, lifestyle, fuel economy, size, space, seating and even the cost of ownership. However, for the test drive, you still need to visit the local dealer.

Determine the price you want to pay

For a good deal, try to research the vehicle’s manufacturer suggested retail price, price a dealership has quoted for the car, the invoice price, or what the manufacturer has taken from the dealer for a car. There are tools available which will aggregate the recent transactions to show the average price recently paid for the car.

Never forget asking which fees and options are included in the car’s price when buying a car. Make sure that the price quote which you got is not withholding fees like the document fee, destination charges, or any other option, add-ons for the make and model of the car on the dealer’s lot.

Get financing squared away

Remember not to take the dealer’s financing offers at face value when purchasing a car. Fancy advertisements are meant to attract you. Check the local bank, use the comparison tools for the best deal and apply online for a pre-approval. When you are getting the financing, always focus on the annual percentage rate or the APR. Never select a financing based solely on the monthly payment.

Check local inventory

At times when there are fewer cars of your desired make or model available on the market, there is less of a chance that you will get a good deal. At that point, it is better to check the local dealer websites separately for a better comparison.

Always check the VIN of the car you have considered buying. On the website, you will find the VIN next to each car in the listing on the dealership website. If you don’t see a vehicle identification number on the website, chances are that the vehicle is not really on the list. Also, check the real pictures of the vehicle on the lot. If it is not available on the website ask for it.

Contact dealership and get the price quotes

Once you have completed your online car search contact the dealership for an online price quote. Different dealerships follow different processes like filling out a website contact form or contacting through email. You just need to follow these simple steps to reach out the dealership. Try to be very specific about the make, model and options for the vehicle you have considered. Also, try to ask several dealerships for their best price offer. Once you have enough responses, compare them with the prices you have researched. This comparison will help you take a final decision.

Online price haggle

There might be a case in which none of the price quotes you receive falls within your range between the market value and the invoice price. In such case, you can again approach the dealers for their best price.

Always ask about any extra fee that will need to be paid over and above the price quote. There could be certain items, that if included in the price quote, can be negotiated. Customer service fees, Options and add-ons are two such items.

For better negotiation, you can take the better deal quote from one dealer and share it with another. It will help you get competing bids.

Trade-in and financing

Once you have agreed on a price, now is the time to negotiate the trade-in and financing.

You can directly ask the dealer for the best offer for your trade. After that, look for rebates and financing incentives. Remember that a dealer can offer you anything better, so, don’t forget to ask.

Sign and drive at the dealer

As a final stage, you need to visit the dealership for finalizing the bill of sale. Once you sign all the required financing paperwork, you are ready to pick up your keys and ride the vehicle.

Used Car online | 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.

 

Top 3 ways to finance your car

Once you’ve found that perfect car and the VIN report also shows a green signal, another big decision which comes up is how you’re going to pay for it. If you have enough cash for down payment, it will save you lots of money on interest charges. But, if you have limited savings, it is good not to block the amount in a car purchase. You can always opt for the various financing options for buying your favourite used car. Taking out a loan prevents you from the burden of paying a big sum of money all at once. However, it surely adds on another payment to your monthly financial routine.

The higher the interest rate, the more expensive the loan will be. That’s why it’s essential to approach the financing carefully.

We came up with certain points that will help you know how to finance a used car without compromising your bottom line.

  • How to finance a used car: Dealer vs. Bank Financing
  • Choosing the loan terms
  • Finalizing the loan

How to Finance a Used Car: Dealer vs. Bank Financing

Often, while purchasing a used car you may find a few different financing options available.

Dealership offer 

The first option which you will get for financing during used car purchase is through the dealership. There are some advantages associated with this financing. Like, for starters, it’s convenient, you can get the car financed and you can drive it home the same day.

Whereas, if you opt for a bank or credit union to process your application for an auto loan, it might take a few days or maybe a week.

Hence, it is recommended to speak to a bank before finalizing the used car purchase deal. Bank people will help you determine your eligibility for a car loan. If you have good relationships with the manager, or you have approached a local bank where you have been a member in the good standing for past few years, there is a chance that your bank might offer you a better interest rate compared to any car dealership. Taking prior information about financing options also helps you have an idea, So, when you go to the dealership, you should have a set budget in your mind. You can negotiate based on that and you won’t be as easily swayed by a car salesman to buy a more expensive vehicle.

A financing deal from a dealership may be less stringent than any traditional lender in terms of credit approval, easy access to a loan especially for the buyers with the lower credit scores.

For those who have a better credit rating, taking the loan for a used car through a bank or union will be the best option.

Do the comparison, it might take some time, but comparing the rates in different banks will help you ensure that you’re getting the best deal possible. You can also check your credit history before initiating the process. It will help you have an idea about your loan approval and the rates you can expect.

If you have decided to get the financing outside of the dealership, be prepared to provide the proof of funding to the dealer.

You need to give the bank cheque to the dealer before you can drive the car off the lot.

Choosing the Loan Terms

Now, since you have finalized where you will get the loan from, all you need is to work out the actual details of the loan. That means how much money you will pay on the down payment, what will be the duration of your loan term, the interest rate of the loan and the amount of your monthly instalment.

You don’t necessarily need to make the down payment when buying a used car, but certainly, it will help. For any loan, the more money you put down during the down payment, the less you have to depend on finance.  

A bigger down payment may also help you get the lowest interest rate. Usually, 10 per cent of the actual amount is good to put down for the down payment. But, based on an individual’s finances, it can be less or more. Consider every point while deciding about the time duration you want to take to pay off the loan. Longer loan term means small instalment per month, and a smaller loan term will cut down the total amount of interest paid, but at the same time, you’re also going to be looking at a large payment.

Review your monthly budget properly and based on that, decide the best loan term for yourself.

Finalizing the Loan

After you have been approved for a loan and you’ve negotiated all its terms and conditions, the final step is to sign the final document.

Carefully review the documents and be sure about the amount you’re financing. Also, check the terms of the loan and the total cost of borrowing. Your dealer should be able to provide you with a complete loan plan, schedule, breakdown payment, interest, fee and financing charges.

Car Finance | 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.

 

Everything You Need To Know Before Buying A Car At Auction

Auctions are the fastest of fast tracks. If you are bidding in a car auction you should know exactly what you want. A clear understanding of your requirement for a car will help you recognize a car’s strength and faults, it will help you know the exact worth of a car, and will ensure that you stop bidding after the price crosses the amount the car is worth to you. Majorly auctions attract people because there are rare cars to be had that are not found anywhere else.

With full knowledge and awareness, a car purchased during auction can be a good deal, as in an auction you avoid dealer markups or overly ambitious owners.

Government Auctions

Government auctions are held on request of government officials when they get rid of 30 to 40 police cruisers and want to sell all of them.

Mostly, the cars up for sale during government auctions are in good condition. Still, knowing the vehicle history of the car before purchase is necessary. In such auctions, all vehicles have known histories. Information on how they were maintained, used and fixed, details of mileage is virtually always honest.

It will help you know what you are actually getting. Since you don’t get to drive the car before you bid on it, it is essential for a buyer to have sharp, trained, cynical, suspicious eye during bidding.

Usually, there is a high competition at government auctions. Taxi companies turn up with the intention of buying the cruisers for expanding their fleets. Whereas, the government employees try to purchase the car they have used for years.

Public Auctions

Over the years the quality of cars in public auctions has grown shadier. You should only consider buying a car from the public auction if you are exceptional in mechanical inclination and training. If you can’t fix a car avoid purchasing it from public auction.

Compared to government auctions the cars in public auction offer worst trade-ins or very rough repos.

Cars in public auctions are those that wouldn’t sell at wholesale dealer auctions. It’s common to find cars with odometer fraud or flood-damaged cars in public auctions.

To be sure about the quality of a car, always check the vehicle history report before final deal. Here, you can check the vehicle history report on a single click.

We came up with some interesting tips that will help you in making your auction car buying experience enjoyable.

  • Don’t bluff yourself
  • Use your eyes
  • Don’t believe in everything you see
  • Don’t Let the Superficial Scare You
  • Check the VIN
  • Pull the Dipsticks
  • Know Car Values Before You Bid
  • Check “As Is” condition
  • Observe Other Bidders
  • Don’t Get Caught Up in the Bidding

Don’t bluff yourself

Don’t make false promises to yourself. If you are not able to fix the mechanical challenges that may arise in the future, accept it. Don’t bring an unnecessary expense home.

Use Your Eyes

Cars at auctions are purely sold on visual inspection. So, keep your eyes open and look for any signs of repair on the vehicle, scored brake discs, an uneven stance, and many other details. Wherever needed, use your nose, hands, and legs to inspect the cars. If a car smells musty, the carpet is wet or you find water stains on seats or in interior fabric, run away!!

Don’t Believe in Everything You See

Nothing is as good as it looks. Most cars up for sale in auctions are polished and painted to look attractive. It is advised not to go purely by the looks. Check the vehicle properly!!

Don’t Let the Superficial Scare You

Mostly in government auctions, a mechanically sound vehicle is weather painted so it attracts the buyer in its function as well as look. Many times to hide the dent a sticker is placed.  As a buyer check each and everything which looks suspicious.

Check the VIN

For any car you are considering, write down the vehicle identification number. VIN can be seen at the base of windshield, door and trunk lid stickers. If the number doesn’t match, it might be a red sign. This can happen if a car has had a major accident and been rebuilt. You can check the VIN at  http://vehiclecheckusa.com/vincheck/ on a single click.  

Pull the Dipsticks

If you pull out the oil or transmission fluid dipstick of a well-maintained car the lubricant should be clean and clear.  

Know Car Values Before You Bid

For any used car purchase, it’s essential to look for car value. The general idea about the worth of used cars will bring surety in your decision. You can get the car value at  http://vehiclecheckusa.com/services/car-value/.  Also, take your time to research the local prices. Remember, if you don’t know about car values, don’t try and fake it.

Check “As Is” condition

Vehicles sold in an auction are always in “as is” condition. “As Is” means no, warranties, guarantees or any legal recourse. So, always bid keeping these points in mind.

Observe Other Bidders

Observing other bidders is important. Take your time, go to a few auctions before actually participating in one yourself. Some bidders are active in every lot, they do it only to pump up the price. So, get to know the players well.

Don’t Get Caught Up in the Bidding

Remember, don’t get stuck on one vehicle. As a buyer, you should always be ready to walk away.

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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 avoid scams while buying a used car

It’s exciting to find a used car which perfectly fits your requirements and your pocket. However, if the decision is not taken with caution, it can bring a lot of stress. It’s necessary for you as a buyer to know what exactly you are getting.

It’s a fact that buying a used car can save you a lot of money, but that’s not always the case. Whether you’re dealing with a dealership or a private party, you are at risk of being scammed. These scams can be totally avoided by doing market research before final purchase. For your benefit, we have listed used car scams in this single article.

So, next time you enter the market to buy a used car, be confident and sure about your purchase.

Types of used car purchase scams

  • Title Washing
  • Curbstoning
  • Odometer Fraud
  • Escrow Scams
  • Fake Certified Used Car
  • Low ball Price Scams
  • Open Recall Scams
  • Warranty Scams
  • Stolen Deposit
  • VIN Cloning

Title Washing

Title washing is a practice of washing off the salvage title of a used car. A salvage title of a used car means that the vehicle has gone through serious car wrecks or natural disasters like floods, hurricane. Salvage title doesn’t mean a strict no to the purchase, but as a buyer, you should know in detail what you are buying. Many dealers practice title washing to quote a high price for the vehicle. For more details on a salvage title, read our detailed blog post here

Curbstoning

It’s a scam in which a car dealer will present himself as a private seller. Dealers usually do this to avoid state regulations and national regulations related to buying and selling cars.

The best way to get rid of curbstoning is by checking the seller’s driver license. If the name on the driving license matches with the car documents it means you are safe.

Odometer Fraud

Odometer fraud is very common in the used cars market. An odometer fraud occurs when someone tempers the vehicle’s odometer reading. This entire practice is done to lower the total mileage of a vehicle. Remember, it’s not difficult to manipulate any meter, and digital meter manipulation is the easiest one.  

Always try to get vehicle maintenance records for the used car you’re considering, and try to match up the recordings to the actual current odometer reading.

Escrow Scams

You are pulled into an escrow scam if you are directed to pay the money into an escrow account. Once you pay the amount the seller and the car disappear.

Perhaps the best way to avoid this scam is to meet the seller at least two to three times. If you are buying from a dealership, check online and ask others about its reputation. If it is a private seller, do all dealing face to face, including the payment.

If in the case face to face payment is not at all possible, try to use a secure payment method.

Fake Certified Used Car

Certified used cars sell at a higher price than uncertified cars. Some unscrupulous dealers try to sell their used cars at a higher price by falsely claiming that a car is certified.

Mere awareness can protect you from this scam. Understand that certified used cars come only from the franchised dealers.

So, if you want a certified car always visit a franchised dealership.

Lowball Price Scams

It’s an easy trick to trap the customer by quoting an extremely low price and tempting them to visit the shop for final inspection. But, when you actually check in the shop the price is not exactly the same as conveyed on the call. However, now the dealer will consider you as a potential buyer and will try to convince you to the best of his ability.

The best way to get rid of lowball price scam is to do a prior research about the car value. You can also do the car value evaluation at Vehicle Check USA. It helps in assuring the actual price of the vehicle you are looking for buying.

Open Recall Scams

Unless it’s a serious safety issue, dealers are legally allowed to sell the vehicle with open recalls. That’s why, it’s your responsibility to check the vehicle history report of your selected used car before final purchase, and if you find any open recall in the vehicle history report you can negotiate accordingly with the dealer.

Warranty Scams

Don’t blindly trust a dealer. Many private sellers also advertise their used cars as still having active factory warranties. This might be true in some cases but often times, warranties have been voided due to issues like modifications in the car, accidents, commercial use, etc.

To be sure, try to contact the manufacturer and find out if that specific vehicle still comes under warranty, also, ask for any other additional specific warranty.

Stolen Deposit

Many sellers make the false promise, they take the deposit and run away.

That’s why it is advisable to handle monetary transactions face to face and all at once. If the seller is forcing you to a deposit, it might be time to think again.

VIN Cloning

In clear words, vin cloning is nothing but purchasing a stolen car. The entire process of VIN cloning involves taking the vehicle identification number from another vehicle and attaching it to the stolen vehicle.

You can prevent yourself from VIN cloning fraud by looking for matching registration and title information.

Apart from being aware of the types of car fraud in the market, the best way to be informed about the used cars is by checking the VIN and generating the detailed vehicle history report. The detailed vehicle history report will help you know the details of your used car on a single click in no time. 

 

Car 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.

 

How to Buy a Car That Has a Bank Lien On The Title

Buying a pre-financed used car can be a pain, that’s why it is essential to have a VIN look up before you go for the final purchase. This article will help you know about the details of the term “lien” on a used vehicle.

Following are the points that you need to know related to a lien on a car–

What is a lien?

How to check the lien

Proof of Insurance

Is selling a car with a lien illegal?

Buying a used car? Don’t forget to check the Vehicle History Report

 

What is Lien

If you have selected a used car to purchase and the vehicle history report shows lien in the details, don’t get shocked. The lien is the amount of money that should be paid to the bank to release the car for sale. It is the total amount of money, which a person owes on anything they have financed. The term Lien can be stated as an amount that the bank still needs to release the car for sale.

Here is a condition which will help you better understand the details of “lien”,  let’s say you have chosen a vehicle which the seller still owes $13,000 and yet the asking price is$14,500. To come out of the hurdle, you need to take out a loan to pay off the lien. Make sure to choose a loan that is sufficient to cover the lien. You can apply for the loan either in a bank branch or online. Generally, the standard APR (rate of interest you will incur while having the loan) will be 5% or less. If it exceeds, please check with other banks for a better deal. Bad credit can lead you to pay a higher APR. Once the loan is approved your bank will then work with you to pay off the bank that holds the lien of the car that you wanted to buy.

How to check for liens

You can check the lien in these ways:

  • Ask the seller for a copy of the lien release document.
  • View the vehicle title for lien details
  • Get a vehicle history report on Vehicle Check USA.

Proof of Insurance

You must have the proof of insurance before the final completion of the entire purchase process gets over. You can get the detailed idea of car insurance at Vehicle Check USA. You can also look at USAA insurance plans for your car purchase.   

Is selling a car with a lien illegal?

No, As long as the sale allows you to pay off the loan and transfer the title to the new owner, it is not illegal to sell the vehicle with a lien on it. .

However, many states make it illegal to sell a vehicle without a title. In case you have lost the title, getting a replacement is not that difficult.

Remember,  a car will be considered stolen if you don’t have a title because you didn’t pay off your loan. Avoid getting in such legal troubles!!   

Buying a used car? Don’t forget to check the Vehicle History Report

If you are looking for a used car purchase and you don’t want to get cheated with a lien or any other title like salvage, rebuilt etc., just get a vehicle history report. A vehicle history report will confirm the details of the car and it will reassure you that you chose the right car…

Lien 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.

 

Points to be checked in a Vehicle History Report

No matter how you buy a used car – through a dealer or from the market, it’s always a good idea to get a vehicle history report. A detailed vehicle history report will reveal the entire information about a car’s past.

A vehicle history report not only includes critical information such as any accidents related records, recalls or the current odometer reading. but it also gives details like structural damage, frame damage, theft information, service history, warranty information, lien check, title information etc.  

Getting a vehicle history report through a VIN check up can give you an idea of what to expect from a car when you buy it. You’ll have to pay a minimal amount to get the detailed vehicle history report. Whereas, you can get a  free vehicle history report for a brief history of your selected car.

Below scroll down to get an in-depth explanation of the points that you should check in a standard vehicle history report and understand before finalizing a selected used car.

Points included in a vehicle history report

A vehicle history report essentially gives you the life history of a vehicle but, knowing what specific things you should look for in the vehicle history report can help you make a better car buying decision.

A standard vehicle history report will provide you following information-

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

 

Past ownership information:

It’s always beneficial to know who owned your vehicle prior to you and which state it belongs to. Industry reports say that an average car in its lifetime changes hands 3 times. If the details show that the car has passed through multiple owners, this could be a sign that the car has some problems.

Prior accidents:

Knowing about the nature of the accidents and the number of collisions could sway you against buying a car that may have residual damage. On the other side, if you find that the car you have selected hasn’t been in an accident, that’s a green signal for your purchase. You will also get the information about whether the car’s airbags have ever deployed.

Flood or fire damage:

If we look at the reports, more than half of the flood-damaged cars re-enter the used car markets. So, getting complete information related to flood damage before purchasing a car is essential. Cars which have gone through flood damage or fire may have sustained long-lasting damage to the engine. Check the report carefully to know the nature of the damage and what repair work was done to rectify the damages. To know more about the flood-damaged car check this article – How To Avoid Buying A Flood-Damaged Car

Total loss/salvage history:

Any vehicles declared a total loss or salvage falls into a high-risk category. A car marked as a total loss generally means the car dangerous to drive and it shouldn’t be purchased. Salvage history can still be safe to drive. A detailed vehicle history report will help you check the extent of the damage and if the salvaged vehicle has been repaired. Any vehicle with salvage title needs to be carefully inspected prior to buying. To know more about salvage titles check this article – 5 Things You Should Know Abou A Salvage Title 

Liens:

A lien on a private sale vehicle is a real problem. However, it shouldn’t appear on a VIN check if you are buying from a reputable auto dealer. Lien actually means that the seller doesn’t own the car fully. It is difficult to get financing for a vehicle which falls under lien. To buy a lien title car, it’s best to have the owner get the lien released first, and only then you should start the buying process. Once the owner has released the lien you can initiate the purchasing process like transferring the title to your name, registration or insurance.

Maintenance history:

Previous service history of a car makes you aware of the repairs and fixes your car has gone through. With service history in hand, you can plan and budget your future expenses related to car services and maintenance. Information about service history makes you confident during the negotiation process. For instance, if the car needs some repair in the battery or new tires, you might be able to negotiate for a lower price by giving a reference to service history.

Recalls:

It’s always good to know if the car you have chosen for purchasing has any recall and whether or not those repairs were made.

Odometer reading:

Odometer reading tells you about the total miles a car has been driven. You can match the mileage of the car through a vehicle history report. It will also alert you about the tampered odometer reading.

Failed emissions test:

Vehicle history report will show you the reports related to the failed emission test. If the area you live in require smog check and the report indicates failed emission test, this could mean costly repairs for you.

Stolen vehicle check:

Theft information on the vehicle history report alerts you to any potential problems. A report will also give you the information if the car has been stolen and returned.  

Importance of Vehicle History Report

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While there are free vehicle reports available online, they give very basic information. For a detailed report which covers all the essential points for purchasing a used vehicle, you’ll have to pay a small fee. There are many online websites where the process of VIN look-up takes only a few seconds. Vehicle Check USA is one such website, they provide a detailed vehicle history report on a single click.

Getting a Vehicle history report is well worth the effort, as it makes you aware of the history of a car that you are considering for purchase. It helps you troubles down the line as discovering the faults in a car after purchase can affect your pocket in a great deal.

 

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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.

 

 

8 Things you should do before buying a used car

Purchasing a used car can be a smart financial move.  But at the same time impulse can lead you towards buying a lemon. That’s why it’s essential to arm yourself with knowledge and resources so that it will help you to take an informed decision.

Considering the importance of market research before purchasing a used car. We came up with these eight points that you need to do before buying a car.

  • Know your priority
  • Set the budget
  • Check your finances
  • Get Vehicle History Report
  • Go for a test drive
  • Get the car inspected
  • Be prepared to walk away
  • Check for the warranty

Know your priority

Before anything else, take some time out to think what actually you want.

Based on your priority list out every point you have in your mind related to the car purchase. Like–

  • Why do you need a car?
  • Your requirements from a car
  • How many people does it need to seat?  
  • Would you like it to be small or large?
  • Must have features you are looking for in your car?

Once you have completed the entire priority list, do a market research to get an idea about the range of cars that fits well in your criteria. Walking into the dealership just to browse the full range of cars on offer can prevent you from finding the best deals because you are risking getting cornered into a sale by the first hard selling salesperson who notices your lack of preparation. Don’t forget to check the classified ads and brochures on cars from different dealerships, before you decide on a dealer. It will help you to have a better idea of what is available and what should you pay for the similar vehicle in your area.

Set the budget

After entire market research and making a priority list, set the budget. Don’t get influenced by a salesperson.  It’s their job to persuade you to extend your budget for the vehicle you are looking for.

Setting a price range for yourself can also help you narrow down your search and negotiate a price you are truly comfortable with. Talk to the seller with full confidence, be firm with your budget range, but don’t share your target price initially. Let the seller quote a price, then come up with your expected rate. These buyer tactics will give you more negotiation power. A used car budget shouldn’t just include funds for the car, you should also plan your expenditure for an inspection and any other small repairs that may be necessary.

Check your financing options

If you are not planning to pay fully in cash for the car, consider financing options beyond the dealership. Also, look for an auto loan through a credit union, for example. Get the rate quotes from a few places, and talk to each potential lender about the types of cars and price range you are working with.

Go for a test drive

A test drive is perhaps the most important part of buying a used car.  It helps you know how the car actually drives. Make sure to test the car in a variety of situations, including on the highway and up and down hills. Turn off the music and listen for rattles or squeaks. A longer test drive can help assure you that the car is comfortable to sit in for longer periods. In case if the car looks a little off to you or uncomfortable, you still have the time to walk away.

Get the car inspected

Getting the vehicle inspected by a trustworthy mechanic brings satisfaction and feel good factor. Take mechanical inspection as a very serious process of used car buying. You can do the basic inspection of your car,  but a mechanic will help you identify the technical faults. You can get the mechanical inspection done by a professional known mechanic or you can also look for an ASE certified mechanic. You can trust the quality check of ASE certified mechanics as they all belong to an organization which tests and verifies the knowledge and abilities of mechanics.

Be prepared to walk away

Never enter a dealer’s shop with the intent of purchasing the car on that same day. Sometimes,  too much eagerness can put you in a position where you will accept an offer you’re not truly comfortable with or you settle for something that may cause more problems down the road. No matter how good the deal seems, look around in different shops. This will help you to avoid getting pressured into buying a vehicle that may not be the right match for you.

Check for the warranty

Many used cars that are only a couple of years old, or those with low mileage could still be covered by a warranty. If the car you selected falls in such category, don’t forget to get the warranty transferred to your name.

Used Car Feature | 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.