How to Read a Vehicle History Report Before You Buy

When buying a used car, one of the smartest steps you can take is reading the vehicle history report. Think of it as the car’s permanent record—it tells the story behind the odometer, paint job, and even what may not be visible to the naked eye.

But if you’re not sure how to make sense of all the sections, don’t worry. This guide will walk you through how to read a vehicle history report like a pro, so you can make an informed decision before you buy.

What Is a Vehicle History Report?

A vehicle history report (VHR) provides detailed information about a car’s past. These reports come from services like:

• Carfax
• AutoCheck
• VINCheck
• NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System)

You’ll typically need the car’s 17-digit VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to generate a report. Many reputable dealerships provide one for free.

What to Look for in a Vehicle History Report

Here’s a breakdown of the most important sections—and what they mean for your purchase:

1. Title History

This section tells you what kind of title the car has held and whether it has ever been declared a total loss, flood-damaged, or salvaged.

Look for:

• Clean Title — Great! No major issues.
• Salvage Title — Means the car was declared a total loss. Be cautious.
• Rebuilt Title — Salvage car repaired and passed inspection. Still risky.
• Lien Records — If the car still has a loan against it, the seller may not legally be able to sell it yet.

2. Accident & Damage Reports

Shows whether the vehicle was ever involved in a crash, fire, flood, or vandalism incident.

Red flags:

• Multiple accidents
• Airbag deployment
• Structural or frame damage
• Damage repaired without proper documentation

Tip: Minor fender-benders aren’t always a deal-breaker, but structural or repeated accidents should give you pause.

3. Service and Maintenance Records

Many reports will show a timeline of oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other maintenance items.

What to look for:

• Consistent service intervals (every 5,000–10,000 miles)
• Dealer or shop names listed (a sign of reliable upkeep)
• Timing belt or transmission work on high-mileage cars

A well-documented maintenance history is a great sign of a responsible previous owner.

4. Ownership History

This section tells you:

• How many owners the car has had
• Whether it was used as a personal, rental, lease, taxi, or fleet vehicle
• Estimated miles per year (helps identify heavy use)

One-owner vehicles with regular maintenance are typically more desirable.
Multiple owners in a short time? That’s worth investigating further.

5. Odometer Readings

Every time the car is registered or serviced, mileage is recorded. A report will show these numbers in sequence.

Watch for:

• Odometer rollbacks or inconsistencies
• Big jumps in mileage in a short time
• Suspiciously low mileage for an older car

Tampering with an odometer is illegal, but it still happens—so pay attention to the data.

6. Recalls and Safety Issues

Some reports list open recalls that haven’t been addressed. Recalls aren’t always deal-breakers, but you’ll want them fixed before buying or driving.

Tip: You can also check any VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

7. Use Type (Personal vs. Commercial)

Vehicles used as rental cars, taxis, or fleet vehicles usually have higher wear and tear, even if they look good.

Private-use vehicles tend to be better maintained and gently driven.

✅ How to Use the Report in Your Buying Decision

Once you’ve reviewed the vehicle history report:

• Compare it to the asking price
• Bring it with you for a pre-purchase inspection
• Ask the seller about anything suspicious
• Walk away if there are major red flags

Remember: A clean report doesn’t guarantee a perfect car, but it does give you a big advantage.

Final Thoughts

Reading a vehicle history report is one of the most important steps in buying a used car. It helps you avoid surprises, negotiate better, and choose a car that fits your needs with confidence.

At Clock Tower Auto Mall, We Say Yes When Others Say No, Transparency Comes Standard

Every vehicle we sell comes with a free history report, so you always know exactly what you’re getting—no guesswork, no pressure.

Stop by or check out our inventory online. We’re here to help you shop smarter.