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.

Tag: Vehicle History Reports

How to Read a Vehicle History Report?