How To Check Vehicle History Before Buying A Used Car
Buyer Beware Series Article
Buying a used car requires preparation, research, and a healthy dose of skepticism. Checking official vehicle documents is a great start, but buyer beware — counterfeit or incomplete paperwork still exists.
That’s why using an online VIN verifier is one of the smartest ways to protect yourself. It’s quick, accurate, and gives you access to a vehicle’s full background before you make a commitment.
At Highway Motors Chico, we believe in No Stress, Just Yes — and that means helping you make confident, informed choices.
What Is a VIN and Why It Matters
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle built after 1981. Think of it as your car’s fingerprint.
Using an online VIN check helps you uncover:
Accident or flood damage
Title issues or branding (salvage, rebuilt, etc.)
Ownership history
Odometer rollbacks
Recall and manufacturer alerts
Theft, lien, or export records
You can find your VIN on the dashboard near the windshield, inside the driver’s door jamb, or on the registration/title paperwork.
Trusted Online VIN Verifiers
One of the easiest ways to uncover a used car’s history is by running a VIN lookup through a reputable online verifier.
A top choice today is BeenVerified, a trusted source that compiles data from national databases, DMVs, insurance providers, and law enforcement.
Simply enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on BeenVerified, and you’ll receive a comprehensive report that may include:
General vehicle details: manufacturer, model year, engine type, fuel efficiency, and safety features.
Title, registration, and ownership records: previous owners, state title transfers, and registration dates.
Accident, insurance, or lien information: any history of collisions, insurance total-loss events, or outstanding liens.
Theft or recall alerts: whether the car has ever been reported stolen or affected by manufacturer recalls.
Reports like these can reveal hidden issues — such as flood damage, odometer rollback, or salvage branding — that even honest sellers might not be aware of.
Using a VIN verification tool like BeenVerified helps buyers confirm a vehicle’s authenticity and avoid costly surprises before saying “yes” to a deal.
Why Chico Drivers Trust Highway Motors
At Highway Motors, we do the homework for you. Every used vehicle on our lot comes with a free Carfax or VIN report, a warranty, and transparent pricing.
We make sure our customers in Chico, Orland, Willows, and the Northstate can shop with peace of mind.
Because when it comes to your next ride — you deserve the truth before you sign the dotted line.
Stop by Highway Motors Chico, where we turn “buyer beware” into “No Stress, Just Yes.”
Happy Car Hunting! Feel free to give us a call or email us, we would be happy to answer any of you questions.
Highway Motors Chico CA
530-895-5555
