How to Check a Used Car's History Before Buying
A vehicle history report is one of the cheapest ways to avoid an expensive mistake. Here's how to check a car's past before you buy.
Every car has a story written in its VIN. Before you get attached to a used car, pull its history — it takes minutes and can save you from a hidden wreck, flood car, or odometer fraud.
Find the VIN
The 17-character Vehicle Identification Number is on the driver's-side dashboard (visible through the windshield), inside the driver's door jamb, and on the title. Confirm all three match before you go further — a mismatch is a serious red flag.
Run a history report
Services like Carfax and AutoCheck compile a report from the VIN. The federal NMVTIS database (through approved providers) is a lower-cost option that pulls title and brand data from state DMVs. A report typically shows:
- Title history and any "branded" titles (salvage, rebuilt, flood, lemon).
- Reported accidents and damage.
- Odometer readings over time — the way you catch rollback.
- Number of previous owners and states registered.
- Service and registration records where available.
What to watch for
- Any salvage, rebuilt, or flood brand — proceed only if disclosed and priced accordingly.
- Odometer readings that drop or stall over time.
- A long list of owners in a short span.
- Registration in flood-prone regions after a major storm.
History report isn't everything
Not every accident or repair gets reported, so a clean report doesn't replace a physical inspection or a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic. Use it as your first filter — then inspect.
Found a car you like? Browse local listings, then run the VIN before you visit.