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How much does it cost to research a used car?
By Product Expert | Posted in Finance Info, Tips and Info, Used Vehicles on Monday, July 20th, 2020 at 4:33 pm
Costs and Importance of a Vehicle History Report
An important part of buying a used car is performing the proper research. This is recommended because, though the vehicle may appear to be in top-tier quality, past incidents could result in problems soon after purchase.
Obtaining a Vehicle History Report is a great way to learn just what any particular vehicle has been through in its lifetime. But many potential researchers find themselves wondering, “how much does it cost to get a Vehicle History Report?”
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A Vehicle History Report typically costs between $10 and $40. However, car dealerships will often provide these reports for free. If the vehicle you’re considering is at a used car dealership, ask them if they can provide the report. If you’re shopping for the vehicle on the private market, you’ll likely have to pay for the report yourself.
If you are paying for the report yourself, the cost of the report also depends on which service you choose to utilize. The most well-known provider of Vehicle History Reports is Carfax, but their reports also tend to be the most expensive; a single Carfax report costs $39.99, while three reports can be had for $59.99, and six can be obtained for $99.99. As a buyer, you may find this cost to be justifiable, as Carfax reports set the benchmark for VHR quality.
Be sure to avoid these four common mistakes when buying a used car as well.
What can you learn from a Vehicle History Report?
A good Vehicle History Report lets the buyer know what services and repairs have been performed on a vehicle over its lifetime, as well as any incidents it’s been involved in. One particularly important detail a VHR can inform of is whether or not a vehicle was ever given a “branded” title; such a title is bestowed if a vehicle is declared a total loss by an insurance company due to some catastrophic event, and given a salvage title as a result.
It’s important to be aware of what your vehicle has been through, especially if you’re planning on driving to the moon.
What information do I need in order to obtain a Vehicle History Report?
A Vehicle History Report can be obtained using a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
