It seems like everyone is in the car market today, and they aren’t making a beeline toward the new car sales like they used to. In the past few years, pre-owned vehicles have become the way to go for those looking for another car, with sales going up each quarter.
As someone looking for a used vehicle for yourself, it’s not hard to see why that’s the case. You get to save thousands of dollars to get your hands on a gently used car. What’s not to love?
Unfortunately, there’s quite a bit not to love if you don’t take your time while shopping around. A quick overlook could result in a serious mistake…and no mistake is as important as this one step you do not what to skip.
What is this important step? This article tells you what it is, as well as why it’s such a big deal when buying used cars. Read on to learn more about it!
What You Must Remember When Shopping for Pre-Owned Vehicles
There are many things that you’ll want to keep in mind when looking for a used vehicle, such as searching for the best price in the area or finding the car, truck, or SUV that fits you and your family’s needs. While these things (and many others) are important, there’s one step that you should keep in mind before you sign the dotted line.
That step is to…remember the VIN number!
Now, after that huge buildup and suspense, you may feel like that was a bit of a letdown. After all, what’s so special about a line of letters and numbers on the front of your windshield?
The answer: a lot more than what you think. The VIN number is the personal identity of a particular vehicle. We’re not just talking about the make or the model, but the actual identity for a specific car, truck, or another object of road travel.
Think of it as being similar to a social security number. Everyone has one, and each one helps to identify a specific individual.
And just like a social security number can outline your important information like your credit score, lending history, bank information, and savings and investments, the VIN gives a detailed history of everything attached to that car from when it was created up until the present day.
Because of this, you can learn practically everything there is to know about that vehicle’s information – and you’ll want to know all that you can to make sure you’re getting the best buy. Here are a few crucial things you’ll want to find out through the VIN number of your potential new ride.
1. See How Often the Vehicle Has Changed Hands
One of the first things you’ll want to discover is how many owners the car in question has gone through. Each pre-owned vehicle is guaranteed to have at least one previous owner, but how many can give you an idea of how the vehicle has been treated and where it’s been?
In general, the more owners have had access to the car, the more wear and tear the car is likely to have experienced. You can paint a better picture of what to expect from the overall state of the vehicle, including how it runs on the road and how likely you’ll be needing repairs in the near future.
By tracking the number of owners the vehicle has had, you can likely gather information on where the vehicle resided as well, which can give you even more information about its condition. For example, cars from colder regions may have slight corrosion underneath from icy road conditions, while other regions out west may expose the vehicle to rough terrains.
2. You Can Find Out Its Original Production Details
Although most people may not be all that amused with the original specs of their car, it’s still an important thing to know about when you’re buying a used one. This goes doubly true for car enthusiasts.
A used car may have been around for many years, and in that time it could have gone through some changes as the previous owners got a hold of it. This can make finding any parts or going to the dealer a challenge if you don’t know what your car needs.
The VIN number can help you look up all of the original production details for the vehicle, so you know what you need when you need it. You’ll be able to handle your needs a lot easier.
3. You Learn How Many Accidents the Vehicle Has Been In
This may be the most important reason to have your VIN number checked. Used cars are sold largely based on their aesthetic; most sellers know this and make sure they look their best for any potential buyers.
The problem with this is that things aren’t what they seem. A used vehicle can look good, but it may have been in one – or several – accidents in the past. If you didn’t know what to look for, you could be about to purchase a misfortune waiting to happen.
That can all be avoided by researching the accident history through the VIN number. Each accident that a specific car gets into is recorded by insurance claims and kept on permanent record and connected to the VIN. With this information, you can make an informed decision on how safe a vehicle is, and whether or not you should buy it.
4. You Can Prevent Theft
This last part is all about being a good samaritan – and about keeping you on the right side of the law. It’s a sad thing, but sometimes used cars aren’t in the hands of the rightful owners. If you’re not careful, you could become the proud owner of a stolen vehicle.
Keep that from happening by checking out the VIN number on the car or truck before you buy. The history of the last owner will show up, and you’ll be able to stay away from buying a stolen vehicle – and even help law enforcement in the process.
Get a Free VIN Check Today
Life’s too short to play it unsafe with pre-owned vehicles. Check out EpicVIN and get a free VIN check today. The process is quick and results pull up in seconds, so you can be sure the car you get is safe, effective, and perfect for you.
