7 Things to Look for on a Vehicles History Report Before You Buy

Buying a used car can feel a lot like getting into a new relationship. Everything is exciting and new, with all the features you've been dreaming of. But here's where things get complicated. If you aren't asking the right questions beforehand, you could be in for a world of problems. The same goes for buying a used car. Just like a bad relationship, a car with a sketchy past can lead to heartbreak down the road.

That's why a vehicles history report is so important. It reveals what's really going in beneath the surface before you make the decision to commit to something new. In this guide, we'll break down 7 things to look for on a vehicles history report, so that you can drive off the lot with confidence, knowing that you made the right choice.

1. Accidents/Structural Damage

This should be one of the first things you look at when buying a used car. Whether it be severe structural damage or a minor fender bender, it's important to look over any accidents that the vehicle was involved. It's also important to consider the type of damage you're dealing with and assess whether that is something you can handle. Not all accidents are cause for concern, but they are worth looking into.

Interested in vehicles that you know you can trust? Check out our wide selection of Certified Pre-Owned Options! All of our CPO's come with a verified accident and damage history report that you can trust.

2. Title Status

A title's status shows whether the car is safe to register, sell, or finance. That said, always be sure to check the title status when looking at the vehicle history report. A problematic title can insure many long-term problems. Here are 4 titles to watch for:

• Clean Title - No Major Issues
• Salvage Title - A Total Loss
• Rebuilt/Reconstructed Title - Previously totaled but repaired; resale and insurance may be affected.
• Flood or Water-Damaged Title - Potential for long-term mechanical or electrical issues.

This is why it is important to shop at a dealer that you can trust. At Kernersville Dodge, all of our vehicles come with a clean, verified title. This ensures no surprises and no headaches.

3. Milage Consistency

Unlike our New Car Inventory, used cars come with milage reports to consider. Just like people's experiences show in their habits, a car's mileage tells its history. A vehicle with a higher mileage isn't always a bad thing. But it does help determine important factors such as wear and tear, remaining lifespan, and even future maintenance concerns.

When shopping with Kernersville Dodge, you can always expect consistency. That's why we have verified mileage records on all of our Pre-Owned Inventory.

4. Service & Maintenance History

A car that is well maintained tends to last longer and preform better. That's why when looking at the vehicle history repost, you'll want take a peek at the service history. Has the vehicle has regular oil changes and fluid checks? While this is not always cause for concern, always check for large gaps. Most importantly, check for any major repairs or replacements. This allows for peace of mind when choosing your next vehicle.

5. Number of Owners

Why does the number of owners matter? Well, fewer owners can mean many things. It's not always a bad thing. But multiple owners in a short period of time can indicate dissatisfaction with the car all together. And who knows. Depending on how soon the vehicle was traded in, you might notice a pattern. This small detail can save you thousands of dollars in the long run and therefore should not be overlooked.

6. Previous Use

This one is more important then people think it is, even if it looks good on the outside. How a vehicle was previously used can affect wear, reliability, and longevity. Certain uses can put more stress on a car then others. Maybe the previous owner used the vehicle as a taxi or food delivery service. And while the vehicle history doesn't explicitly disclose those details, it can hint at commercial or fleet use through the title type.

7. Recalls

Recalls are not the same as regular maintenance history. Recalls are issued by the manufacturer, identifying a safety defect or serious problem. Any open or unresolved recall is listed in the vehicles history report. Even previous recalls are documented to show that the vehicle is safe and up to date.

That's why all of our pre-owned cars and trucks are checked for open recalls and serviced as needed. Buyers can feel confident knowing that all our vehicles are safe and compliant with best industry standard practices.
 

CARFAX has recognized Kernersville Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM as a CARFAX Top Rated Dealer. We are dedicated to the overall satisfaction of our customers. You deserve to drive off the lot feeling confident in your purchase, and we are here to make that happen. Looking to Sell/Trade Your Car for something that's Carfax approved? See check out our Used Car Inventory right now.

We hope to see you soon!