
Help
We want to make it easy for you to do the right checks on a used car no matter what State or Province or Territory you live in, or where the car you want to buy is located.
Have a look through our Used Car Buying Tips and Frequently Asked Questions below for advice on what to do when buying a used car.
Used Car Buying Tips
When buying a used car, you should:
- Inform the seller you intend to do an lien check (DMV Auto Report) and a detailed vehicle history report on the car.
- Obtain the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and enter it into the search box on this site to get the vehicle’s complete history. The VIN can be found on the engine, vehicle registration papers, or on the inside of most car doors.
- Make sure the VIN, engine number and registration details on the car match those on the registration papers.
- Get an independent mechanical inspection.
- On the day you take ownership of the vehicle, purchase a lien check to verify there are no loans on he vehicle.
FAQs
- Why do I need the VIN?
- Where do I find the VIN?
- Why do I need to do a DMV Auto Report?
- What if the VIN isn't 17 characters long?
- Can I get a DMV Auto Report on vehicles manufactured before 1989?
- What is a written-off vehicle?
- The vehicle I searched on is reported as stolen, what should I do?
- What does encumbrance mean?