How to Check a Car for Hidden Damages Through Sales History

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When buying a used car, especially from auctions like Copart and IAAI, it’s essential to have a full understanding of the vehicle’s history. Hidden damages can significantly affect the performance, safety, and resale value of a car. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to check a car for hidden damages by reviewing its sales history using VIN lookup services, and why this is crucial for making an informed decision.

Why Sales History is Important

A vehicle’s sales history reveals critical details about its past that can help you identify potential risks. This information can include:

Previous accidents or damage reports
Title issues such as salvage or rebuilt status
Odometer discrepancies
Multiple ownership changes in a short time
Maintenance records

When you purchase a car from Copart or IAAI auto auctions, there’s always a chance that the vehicle has been in an accident or has undisclosed damages. A comprehensive review of the sales history allows you to spot these potential red flags before finalizing the purchase.

How to Check a Car’s History with the VIN Number

Every vehicle has a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which acts as a fingerprint for the car. By using the VIN, you can access valuable information about the car’s past, including auction records, damage reports, and other key data points.

Step 1: Find the VIN Number

Locating the VIN is the first step. You can usually find it on the car’s dashboard near the windshield or on the driver’s side door frame. If you’re purchasing from an auction, this information is often provided in the vehicle’s listing.

Step 2: Use a Reliable VIN Lookup Service

Once you have the VIN, use a trustworthy service like Autohistory.online to check the car’s sales history. This will provide you with detailed reports from Copart, IAAI, and other sources. A comprehensive VIN report will give you insights into any previous damage or repairs that the vehicle may have undergone.

Step 3: Analyze the Auction Photos and Reports

When using services like Autohistory, you’ll often find photos from previous auctions, which can be a goldmine of information. Carefully examine the images for signs of wear, frame damage, or poorly done repairs. Auction listings may also include detailed condition reports, which highlight any issues that weren’t mentioned in the vehicle description.

What to Look For in a Sales History Report

Once you obtain a sales history report, here are some key areas to focus on:

Accident Records: Look for any accident reports, as even minor collisions can lead to major repairs.
Odometer Readings: Discrepancies in odometer readings can indicate tampering or additional mileage not disclosed.
Title Issues: If a car has a salvage or rebuilt title, it has likely been involved in a significant accident or natural disaster.
Previous Auction Sales: Reviewing past auction sales can help you identify patterns, such as a car being sold multiple times in a short period, which could be a red flag.

Why Choose Autohistory.online for Your VIN Lookup

Using Autohistory.online to check a car’s history gives you access to reliable and detailed reports from Copart and IAAI auctions. With this data, you can make a more informed decision and avoid costly mistakes. Our platform provides:

Extensive sales history reports
Accident and damage records
Photos from past auctions
Odometer and title verification

Conclusion

Buying a car at an auction can be a great way to find a bargain, but it’s important to know the vehicle’s full history. By using the VIN to check for hidden damages and analyzing the car’s sales history through a trusted service like Autohistory.online, you can protect yourself from potential risks and ensure you’re getting a good deal. Don’t skip this critical step in the car-buying process—it could save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.