How to Read a Vehicle History Report?
Everything You Need to Know About Vehicle History Reports
After all that contemplation and going back and forth, you finally got your eyes on a used car, but before you get all excited to finalize the paperwork, hold your horses, as there’s one super important thing you still need to consider before bringing those wheels home. What’s that? Asking and going over the vehicle’s history report. Wondering what that is? Think of it as the vehicle’s life story. It’s got all the details about the car’s past, whether it’s been in an accident, how many owners it’s had, the kind of maintenance and services it’s had in its lifetime, and more. A clean vehicle history report offers the confidence to invest in a reliable, safe vehicle with nothing sketchy that may give you issues in the long run. But, how are you supposed to read this report? I’ll walk you through the key sections of a vehicle history report and explain how you can read between the lines to know exactly what you’re getting into, empowering you to make the best decision for your needs.
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What’s Included in a Vehicle History Report? And, How to Read it?
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
First up on the list is the VIN, which is like a Social Security number, but for a car. Every vehicle has a unique VIN, and you need it in the first place to run a vehicle history report. Depending on the vehicle’s make and model, the VIN can be found on the dashboard near the windshield or the side door frame of the driver’s seat. - Odometer Readings
The odometer basically tells you the total miles the car has been driven. It helps verify the car’s mileage, which is a key factor in deciding its selling price. The odometer reading is also important because it tells you the accurate mileage of the car, so you know it hasn’t been adjusted. - Ownership History
If you’re wondering how many people have owned the car before you, this is the section that gives you that information. If a vehicle has had multiple owners, it could be a red flag to you, and you may need to revisit your decision to buy it. - Service and Maintenance History
This section tells you how exactly the vehicle has been taken care of. If the car has been regularly maintained with oil changes, tire rotations, brake checks, battery inspection, etc., that’s good news! But if not, it could mean you’re inviting additional service costs for the future. - Accidents and Damages
Of anything important to keep in mind while buying a used car, one of the most important is knowing about any major accidents the vehicle has been through. Having accidents in the past doesn’t necessarily have to be a dealbreaker. Look for the intensity and structural damage. The key is to know what kind of accident it had and if the damage was fixed properly. - Vehicle Use History
This section reveals how the vehicle was used—whether it was a personal car, a rental, a company fleet vehicle, or even a taxi. Why does this matter? Because different types of use mean different levels of wear and tear. For example, a rental vehicle might have been driven by many different people and seen heavier use, often under more demanding conditions. On the other hand, a personal vehicle is usually better maintained and driven more gently. Knowing how the car was used gives you insight into how hard it’s been worked, and that directly affects the health of its powertrain, transmission, electrical systems, and more.
How Can I Get a Vehicle History Report?
Getting a vehicle history report is no big deal; in fact, it’s the easiest thing you’ll have to do when out for car shopping. You can get the report:
By asking for it from the dealership: If you’re buying the car from a dealership, simply ask the dealership for a copy of the report.
By asking the seller: If you’re purchasing directly/privately from someone, you ask for a copy of their report.
By getting the report yourself: Remember, I told you earlier all you need to dig into a car’s life story is the VIN, so request it and use it to get the vehicle report from CARFAX Canada.
Find Cars with Vehicle History Reports at Cars.ca
Now that you know how to read vehicle history reports, take on the next step and go car shopping with Cars.ca, your very own ad-free marketplace. At our user-friendly site, you can easily find listings that include detailed vehicle history reports so that you can make confident, informed decisions every time, while staying in the know that you’re investing in something reliable and safe. So why wait? Explore our widest used inventory at Cars.ca and ask for the available vehicle history reports to find your perfect match.
