The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System

The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), a division of the U.S. Department of Justice, was founded to help keep stolen cars from re-entering the market. But it’s also a very handy tool for checking the history of automobiles. They do not provide reports themselves, but instead offer a list of licensed private providers on the NMVTIS website. These services are often no more than a few dollars to use.

A report generated through a NMVTIS provider includes several important details about a used car. The first is the odometer history of your car, so you can compare and see if the number of miles matches the number being advertised. The report can also tell you whether an insurance company has written the vehicle off previously as a total loss due to an accident or damages from a natural disaster, including flood damage. Cooperation with the NMVTIS is mandatory for all insurance carriers and junk yards.

Non-NMVTIS Reports

Some companies offer more in-depth reports of a vehicle’s history for higher rates. AutoCheck is one such example. Their scoring system is designed to let you see how the car you are researching compares to other similar cars in its class. CarFax will provide you with a collision report number, which you can use to request a collision report from law enforcement, although the report will not provide extensive information about the damage sustained by the car.

State Motor Vehicle Records

Another reason the NMVTIS was created was to put a stop to car sellers picking up vehicles that suffered flood damage in one state and moving them to another in order to wipe the slate clean and mislead consumers. Nonetheless, the NMVTIS doesn’t override any of the language or categorizations used in each state’s reporting, so a vehicle may qualify as junked in one state but not in another. To help sort this out, you can submit a form for a vehicle’s state motor vehicle record and contact your local motor vehicle administrator with questions about the report. The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators offers a list of each state’s contacts for requesting a state motor vehicle record.

Tractor Trailer Reports

If you’re buying a used truck for work, there are specialized companies that can help you. RigDig is one of them. Not only do they track basic NMVTIS information, but also information from working truck-specific agencies such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Safety is a major concern for commercial truck operators, and companies like RigDig help to keep drivers and other motorists as safe as possible.

VINCheck

If you think the seller is attempting to sell you a stolen car, the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s service VINCheck allows you to check a vehicle’s VIN number through criminal databases. Even better, VinCheck is completely free to use.

Colony One Auto Pre-Purchase Inspections

It is always a good idea to have a used car you’re considering buying checked out by a mechanic that you trust. Colony One Auto Center offers pre-purchase inspections that cover the entire vehicle and its systems. Before you buy a pre-owned car or truck, bring it to Colony One Auto for an inspection by one of our ASE-certified technicians.

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1. Do Your Research

If you see a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Research the seller, the specific make and model, and compare prices with other reputable sellers before you respond to any listing. It’s always easier to just avoid a sketchy sales situation than it is to back out midway through.

2. Inspect the Vehicle

No matter what the salesperson says, it’s always important that you give any used car a thorough visual inspection to ensure that what you’re being told about the car is accurate.  Here’s what to look for:

A. Check underneath the car. Look below the car to make sure that nothing is dangling or loose.

B. Make sure the tires are aligned. Poorly aligned tires are a sign of a worn steering/suspension system. For quick visual identification, look for signs of feathering on the tires.

C. Ensure the frame has not been damaged. Replaced fenders and bumpers are not baggage you want to come along with your used vehicle. Check the saddle connecting the front fenders for scratch marks along the bolt heads.

D. Look under the hood. Even if you’re not a mechanic, taking a peek under the hood can be extremely beneficial if you know what to look for. Immediately keep an eye out for any dents, rust or other visible damage. From there, check the engine and the belts for any visible cracking, leaks or corrosion.

E. Check the oil filter.  If there is any foamy residue inside the oil filter cap, avoid this vehicle.

F. Look at the tail pipe.  If you see black, greasy residue, that could be a sign that the engine is burning oil.

G. Check the paint.  Even on a used car, the paint job should be uniform, look carefully to ensure consistency.  An inconsistent paint job could be a sign that there’s more to the car’s story than you are being told.

3. Request a Vehicle History Report

Even if a car looks good, there is still a chance that the vehicle might come with some baggage that the dealer isn’t telling you about. Request a report from an organization like CarFax while you’re at the dealer, or use the vehicle’s VIN number to pull your own report on vehiclehistory.com.

New or Used, Trust the Pros at Colony One to Keep Your Car Running its Best

The ASE Certified Master Technicians at Colony One have the expertise and professionalism necessary to keep your used car in great shape. From routine maintenance, pre-purchase vehicle inspections, or new parts and more, our team can help you get the most out of nearly any vehicle, new or used.

Whether you’re overdue for a repair or you need an expert opinion, bring your car by our Sugar Land repair shop for any maintenance needs. Call, stop by, or request a service today.

The post How to Avoid a Used Car Headache in 3 Steps appeared first on Colony One Auto Center in Stafford, TX.