Buyer guide
How to Read a Vehicle History Report Before You Buy
A history report (AutoCheck or CARFAX) lists what has been reported about a car, by its VIN: titles, accidents, odometer readings, owners. Match the VIN first, then read six lines. A clean report is a good start, not the whole picture.
Step zero: Match the VIN
Ask for the report before you visit; most sellers can share it ahead of time. The government’s own title database, NMVTIS, lists approved report providers at vehiclehistory.gov. Then check it belongs to this car.
- On the dashThe 17 characters on the report match the VIN through the windshield, at the base of the driver's side of the dash.
- In the doorThey match the sticker in the driver's door jamb.
- If they don't matchAsk why before going any further.
The title
Shows whether the state ever branded the title.
In Nevada, the DMV explains titles, liens and brands at dmv.nv.gov/title.htm.
- Ask more if you seeSalvage, rebuilt, flood, fire, hail, junk, or lemon (manufacturer buyback).
- Good to knowA branded car can still be a good car. It's usually worth less and can be harder to insure and finance, so it's good to know up front.
Accidents and damage
Shows reported accidents and how bad they were.
- Ask more if you seeStructural or frame damage, airbags that went off, or the car was towed.
- Then askWhat was repaired, and by whom.
- Good to knowA minor fender bender that was fixed well is common and usually no concern.
The odometer
Shows each mileage reading over the years. The numbers should only go up, at a normal pace.
- Ask more if you seeA reading that goes down, "not actual mileage," "exceeds mechanical limits," or a long gap with no readings.
- ThenCompare the last reading with the dash.
Owners and use
Shows how many owners the car had, and how it was used: personal, lease, rental, fleet, taxi.
- Ask more if you seeSeveral owners in a short time, or the car sold at auction again and again.
- Good to knowRental and fleet cars can be fine; ask how it was maintained.
The score
AutoCheck gives a score and a range for similar cars (same year and type). It sums up the report in one number.
- Ask more ifThe score sits below the range.
- ThenRead the report line by line to see why.
Open recalls
Type the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It is free and takes a minute.
- Ask more ifA safety recall is open.
- Good to knowRecall repairs are free at a dealer for that brand. Ask whether it will be done before you buy.
What a history report can't tell you
It only shows what was reported. Repairs paid out of pocket, and everyday wear like brakes, tires or a transmission, don't appear on it. A clean report is a good start, not the whole picture. Two things fill the gap: the car itself, and a mechanic you trust.
- Look at the car itselfAsk if there's a written inspection showing what was checked, found and fixed. Then walk the car with the 25-Point checklist.
- A second opinion is normalMany buyers have their own mechanic look at a car before buying. It's a reasonable thing to ask about.
- Ask where the car came fromA trade-in, a lease return, an auction car or a one-owner car each tell a little about its past. There's no wrong answer; it's just useful to know.
- Ask for the paper trailService records, the number of keys, and the owner's manual. Gaps are normal on an older car; ask what was done.
How we do it at Authentico
Every car comes with its AutoCheck report and a one-page Pre-Trusted History Brief that explains it in plain words. You read both before you visit.
Questions people ask
What does a vehicle history report show?
What has been reported about a car, by its VIN: titles, accidents, odometer readings and owners. It doesn't show repairs paid out of pocket or everyday wear.
Does a clean history report mean the car is fine?
A clean report is a good start, not the whole picture. The car itself, and a mechanic you trust, fill in the rest.
Is a branded title always bad?
A branded car can still be a good car. It's usually worth less and can be harder to insure and finance, so it's good to know up front.
How do I check for open recalls?
Type the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It is free and takes a minute. Recall repairs are free at a dealer for that brand.
What if the VIN on the report doesn't match the car?
Check the dash, through the windshield on the driver's side, and the sticker in the driver's door jamb. If they don't match the report, ask why before going any further.
Is a former rental or fleet car a bad buy?
Rental and fleet cars can be fine. Ask how it was maintained, and look at the service records.
Official sources
- Check for recalls by VIN (NHTSA)nhtsa.gov
- National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, NMVTIS (U.S. Department of Justice)vehiclehistory.bja.ojp.gov
- Vehicle title and ownership (Nevada DMV)dmv.nv.gov
- Buying a used car from a dealer (FTC)consumer.ftc.gov
Free buyer’s worksheet
Know the car’s past before you buy it.
14 points in 5 stops, each with a box to check and what to ask, plus room for your notes. Print it or save it as a PDF, and take it with you.
Keep reading
The rest of the buyer guides.
How to Inspect a Used Car Before You Buy: The 25-Point Checklist
Read it →Start hereUsed Car Maintenance in Las Vegas: Your First 12 Months, Service by Service
Read it →SigningWhere Every Dollar Goes When You Buy a Used Car in Nevada
Read it →SigningThe Papers You Sign When You Buy a Used Car in Nevada
Read it →Start hereService Contracts and GAP, in Plain Words
Read it →What Reconditioning Should a Used Car Get Before It Is Sold?
See the checklist done on a real car.
Every car we sell has its 25 points on record. Come walk them with us at your Clarity Walkthrough.
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