Free Used Car History Reports

Finding No Cost Information on PreOwned Autos

Every used car buyer understands the importance of finding out the history of a pre-owned vehicle prior to purchasing it. The used car's history, among other things, helps car buyers determine whether the car is really a deal or a dud.

Before running out to order a CARFAX used car history report, there are ways the average car buyer can obtain useful preliminary information for free. Armed with a computer and a mouse, car shoppers can pre-screen potential cars for the following information.

Pre-Owned Car Reliability and Safety Rating

Safety and reliability is another important factor to consider when purchasing a used car. Consumers can visit the free CARFAX Safety and Reliability Rating service. This free car history service provides detailed safety reports compiled by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Highway Loss Data Institute.

Additionally, consumers can review the reliability ratings reports generated from J.D. Power and Associates, Identifix and Intellichoice. The information provided in the free CARFAX Safety and Reliability Rating service is comprehensive and helps consumers to make educated decisions when it comes to deciding the type of vehicle to buy.

Determine a Used Car's Fuel Efficiency Rating

It doesn't make sense to invest in a car that's a known gas guzzler. With rising gas prices and the shrinking dollar the astute car buyer must get an idea as to how much driving the car will cost.

By visiting the US government's website FuelEconomy.gov, potential used car buyers can not only rule out gas-guzzling vehicles, they can narrow the vehicle search to cars that fall within a specified fuel efficiency rating.

Vehicle Specific Information

Once a car buyer has narrowed the playing field by selecting a few models that meet the fuel efficiency and safety/reliability requirements, it's time to get vehicle specific information. After shopping around and choosing a used car to purchase, the buyer must obtain the vehicle identification number (VIN).

By contacting the Department of Motor Vehicles, the buyer can find out the name of the legal owner and number of liens and judgments, if any, on the vehicle. This basic information is extremely important when buying a car from a private party. It's best to make sure the seller is the legal owner of the car and has the right to sell it.

To avoid purchasing a known lemon, car buyers can obtain free car history information by inserting the VIN number in the National Insurance Crime Bureau website, VinCheck to see if the car was either stolen, suffered flood damage or was listed as insurance company salvage. If the used car does not pass the test, look for something better.

The last bit of free car history information buyers should check is the CARFAX record check. While the service does not provide detailed information as to the specifics of each record, it does provide the consumer with a record count. If there are 30 or 40 records against a particular vehicle, it should be cause for suspicion.

CARFAX History Report

After ruling out a host of potential problems by accessing the above services, a potential car buyer can then order a CARFAX car history report to make sure the car is worth buying. Car buyers who perform due diligence by utilizing the freely available services purchase fewer CARFAX reports than they would if they had not done their homework.