It’s not the voluntary information I want to know. It is the State and Local police and insurance reports that tell you it had been in a wreck. Of course this has to be a reported wreck. That's where those vin number checkers help out. They compile all this info for you.
There are some folks out there that buy these wrecked or totaled cars, fix them up using parts from other cars and sell the to the un-knowing buyer.
The vin number on the body may not even match the vin on the engine block. The vin is now put on other parts of the car to help stop these so-called “chop shop” parts people.
You can also check to see in the manufacture has any re-calls on the model.
I did on my van a found the "Clock Spring" wiring unit in the steering wheel was under a life time re-call. Had it replaced, no charge. The first place I took it to wanted $150 to fix it.
Some Used Car dealer don't tell all they know.
"One owner, low mileage. Only driven on weekends." Means to me it was a race car. LOL
Here is my hint for the day. When looking at a used car to by, take a small magnet wraped in a soft cloth and "wipe" it ove the surface of the car in places you suspect there might be damage. The magnet will lose some of it's grip when it runs over body filler. Good clue not to buy this one. Don't try this on Saturns or other cars that have plastic panels.
There are seveal sites to check, but here is one I found and it gives you the reasons why you should check.
VIN
