People tend to overlook how often odometers are tampered with in the used car market. But here’s the number from NHTSA: approximately 452,000 cases of odometer fraud happen annually in the US. And it’s increasing.

In this post, I’ve combed through the newest figures and policies for odometer fraud as well as the available resources to deal with the problem. Let’s dig deep and see what odometer fraud means, how you could spot it, and if you’re unfortunately taken in, what you should do.

What Is Odometer Fraud?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), odometer fraud refers to actions to change or stop the reading of miles for a car. This could include someone sabotaging the speedometer’s connection to the control units to stop it from counting. Or people could have the odometer reading reset and altered. Or sometimes they just replace the device with a new one but don’t complete the installation or calibration.

Among all these methods, alteration and resetting are the epicenter of odometer fraud cases in the second-hand market. And they are really covert.

However, there’s also a subtle situation where you don’t count mileage discrepancy as odometer fraud. That is when the insurance company or a third party authority approves that there’s a need to repair or calibrate the odometer. In that case, the seller or the dealership has an obligation to inform the buyer about the adjustment. They also have to show you the official inspection and maintenance records about it.

Why Are Odometer Rollbacks Common?

Because there’s a huge profit to be made out of it. As we all know, a used car’s worth is tightly associated with its mileage. Except for severe accidents that could leave branded titles on a vehicle, how many miles a car has run ultimately indicates how worn it has become, and thus indicates the pricing.

Rolling back the odometer and then selling the car at a higher price, the profit margin for this illegal industry altogether reaches $1.06 million per year in the US.

How to Check Odometer Fraud?

I’ll present the methods in an order where the handy ones come in first. They’re all efficient ways that I tested myself or that are recommended by related government agencies like NHTSA.

Now let’s think about it: what should we be looking for? To come to the conclusion that there’s an odometer fraud case, either you find an “odometer discrepancy” brand on the car title, or you witness a contradiction in the mileage records from the history odometer checks. Alternatively, as mileage is closely associated with depreciation and market worth, you could cross-reference the data and see if the calculated figure differs too much from the real reading.

1. Check via Vehicle Search Tools

I know it’s hard to collect data of so many kinds and from so many parties, let alone when you’re probably requiring it for a vehicle you don’t yet own. So the simplest way to get as many records as possible is to use an authorized third party platform.

BeenVerified and EpicVIN are two vehicle search tools of this kind. They have official access to the mileage related records at NMVTIS, NHTSA, insurance companies and other authorities in the industry. Everything available from these databases would show up in their vehicle reports.

buff	BeenVerified	EpicVIN
Mileage history		Shown in chart
Odometer fraud related title check	8 Points	10 Points
Mileage estimation
Report interactivity
Unlimited search times
Trial	CHECK NOW	CHECK NOW

Vehicle Search Steps

I’ll take BeenVerified as an example for you to see how to check odometer fraud with a vehicle search report.

1. Visit BeenVerified Vehicle Search.

2. Enter the VIN number or the license plate number and click SEARCH.

3. BeenVerified will generate a full report in seconds if the vehicle you’re searching is registered in their databases. You would witness the last mileage record in the summary part at the very beginning.

4. Use the side bar to navigate to details about the car’s mileage history. Under Detailed History, Sale Listings, and Maintenance you could see the historical records on the car’s mileage. Mileage discrepancy would be easy to locate through cross-referencing and a chronological comparison.

5. In Ownership History you get to see the authentic mileage records from title checks. The latest mileage record can’t be lower than the figure from the current title.

6. Besides, in Ownership Cost and Vehicle Specs you would see data that’s useful for evaluating the car’s mileage. If the recorded miles differ too much from the evaluation, you should also raise an alarm.

2. Check via DMV

Each state has its own Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that regulates the vehicle licensing and driver registration. It sets up a file for every vehicle. And there you can find all reported history events of a car. Therefore, to look up the car’s accurate mileage record and past odometer problems, DMV vehicle history report could be a reliable choice.

But you need to know that the rules for getting a vehicle report from DMV differ from state to state. Some allow only the car owner to apply for the report. And most of the time you need to pay a little fee, ranging from $2 to $20 depending on the service you require.

Take California DMV for example and here’s the regular process of an online application:

1. Go to the online platform for vehicle record requests.
2. Click Start vehicle record request and establish your account.
3. Fill in the required information such as your identity and the VIN number of the vehicle you’re checking.
4. Pay the fee and print the automated report for only one chance.

If you want an official paperwork from California DMV, you need to submit the request through mail or in person:

1. Visit the location search portal of California DMV and find the office near you.
2. Fill in the request form INF 70 if you’re requesting a copy of another person’s vehicle report.
3. Print it and mail it or bring it to the local office with other documents required in the form.

3. Check via Independent Inspection

If you’ve decided on which car to purchase, you may ask the dealer or the individual seller for a chance to test the car before payment. Now, no history records are more reliable than an inspection on the spot. You could do this inspection for odometer fraud yourself, or you may choose to purchase a professional service.

Here’s what you should do to check odometer fraud on your own:

buff	Digital Odometer	Analog Odometer
Principle	Computer codes and sensors: Alteration more complex and hidden	Mechanical transmission: Alteration easier and physical
Checklist	OBD2 scanner: check the mileage data in the ECU New / Changed gauge: without record in the history report Mileage under 20,000 with changed tires Check oil change date for mileage estimation: older cars, shorter oil change duration	OBD2 scanner: check the mileage data in the ECU Number display: not aligned, crooked, gaps New / Changed gauge: without record in the history report Mileage under 20,000 with changed tires Check oil change date for mileage estimation: older cars, shorter oil change duration

If you want a technician to help you go through a deeper and more comprehensive inspection, you may contact a local mechanic that you trust for that service. I suggest you choosing an inspection agency that your insurance company approves, so that this inspection would count as a qualified prerequisite for future claims. A usual inspection service may cost you $20 to $200.

What to Do When Encountering Odometer Fraud?

The first thing you should do when facing an odometer fraud case is to report that case to your local enforcement agency as soon as possible. Make sure to keep the proof well, for example your transaction record, documents from the dealership, official DMV report and so on. Different states have different agencies to deal with local odometer fraud, and you may find accurate contact information here on NHTSA. You don’t have to have paid for that car to claim the odometer fraud.

But if you have owned a lemon car with odometer fraud, remember to contact your insurance company after reporting the case to a government agency.

That’s all for you to know how you can deal with an odometer fraud case. With the tricks and resources listed above, I hope you’ve found your dream car with a perfect mileage gauge. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have further questions or better ideas.

The post How to Check Odometer Fraud & What to Do Next | 2023 Guide appeared first on Super Easy.

Perform a Ford vin lookup to get all information about your vehicle including engine size and type. This post will introduce 6 methods to gain insight into your vehicle specifications and history.

1. Manufacturer website

The most reliable source for detailed information about a vehicle, including its engine size and type, is the vehicle’s manufacturer. Instead of contacting the manufacturer’s customer support or visiting the local center, try to look up vehicle engine details on its online portal directly.

Despite extensive searches, we were unable to locate an official VIN lookup website for Ford and only discovered fordvinlookup.com, administrated by the National Vehicle Database. This organization purports to be the world’s largest vehicle database, but we find it might be established within the past 2 years. Consequently, we advise you to approach this platform with caution, verify its legitimacy and refrain from providing sensitive information.

You’ll get a list of specs where you can check the vehicle’s engine details. However, if you want to obtain the full report, you’ll be redirected to the checkout page to buy a single report for $14.99.

2. Automotive parts and accessories websites

If you’re investigating a Ford engine size to purchase vehicle parts and accessories, you can go directly to the retailer’s website. That’s because some automotive retailers allow users to add their vehicles on the platforms so that they can recommend corresponding parts and accessories accurately.

For example, you can click Add Vehicle on AutoZone and fill in your car’s Year, Make, and Model. After adding the vehicle, when you search for engine-related parts such as engine oil, filter, or coolant, it will show suitable products.

3. Search engine tools

Search your vehicle’s Year, Make, and Model plus engine specs can also do the work. As the simplest method, it pulls out instant results after you enter the necessary details (e.g. 2022 Ford F-150 engine specs).

But if you have no idea about the vehicle’s details, move on to try the next one.

4. VIN lookup engines

Praised “Excellent Support & Service” by SiteJabber, BeenVerified is your go-to option for public data search. As a data expert with over 100 million searches performed, it helps users gain insights into a vehicle’s engine & specs, theft records, market values, and more when available.

Type a VIN number below and click Search Now to start Ford engine Vin lookup. Wait for BeenVerified to do the search. 

Once done, it’ll generate a report containing everything it can find related to the VIN. Check the Vehicle Specs section to reveal your Ford engine details.

Nevertheless, if you prefer free alternatives and only need to know the basic info about your car engine, you can try Decode This. Note that the tool only provides this information for free and unlocking the full report costs extra fees.

5. Local dealership and service center

Authorized dealerships and service centers often have access to a vehicle’s complete service history, which includes engine specifications. You can visit a dealership or service center affiliated with Ford and inquire about the engine details using the VIN.

6. License plate search tools

Rest assured that if you don’t know the make and VIN of your Ford. By searching the license plate number and receiving reports, you can still get engine details and vehicle specs. These reports provide details about the vehicle’s accident history, sale listings, salvage records, theft records, specs, and so on.

Simply enter the license plate number in the following search box and click Search to initiate the process. It’s powered by an approved NMVTIS data provider — Bumper.

Alternatively, you can use an online free tool like VINCheck.info to find some basic information about the vehicle, including the engine type and size. But it has a limit of 10 reports for free. After that, you’ll need to pay for a minimal monthly subscription.

The post Ford Engine VIN Lookup | Vehicle Engine Type & Size Search appeared first on Super Easy.

When shopping for a used car, it’s important to research the vehicle’s history and title status before making a purchase. Specifically, you’ll want to find out if the car has a rebuilt title. Here is a guide on what a rebuilt title means and how to check if the car has one.

What is a Rebuilt Title?

A rebuilt title indicates that the car was once declared a total loss by an insurance company, generally due to an accident, flood damage, or other event. The vehicle was later repaired and rebuilt to make it roadworthy again. After passing inspection, the jurisdiction that issues titles will change the title from “salvage” status to “rebuilt”. 

Why Check for a Rebuilt Title?

Even with repairs, underlying safety and mechanical issues remain. And those issues can negatively impact handling, lifespan, and insurance rates. Moreover, the original manufacturer’s warranty is typically voided on rebuilt title vehicles, so the future repair costs would come out of your pockets. To make an informed purchase decision, it’s essential to do a car title search.

How to Check If a Car Has a Clean Title?

Here we introduce two methods:

Method 1: Search Government Records

When it comes to checking title status, one straightforward way is to contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Provide them with the car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which can be found on the dashboard on the driver’s side and is visible from the outside through the windshield.

For a small fee, the DMV can search official records and tell you if the car has a rebuilt title.

Method 2: Obtain a Vehicle History Report

Before purchasing a vehicle, it’s recommended to get a vehicle history report using the VIN or license plate.  Sometimes a small amount of money can save you trouble and give you peace of mind.

Generally, a detailed vehicle history report can include the following information:

Bumper Car Title Search

As an approved NMVTIS Data Provider, Bumper.com is a trusted service to run vehicle searches and obtain vehicle history reports when available. What sets it apart from others like Carfax is that it’s affordable, without compromising on accuracy. 

By running searches using a VIN or license plate, you can access a wealth of information, which helps you make an informed decision. Here’s how you can use Bumper.com to check if a car you’re buying has a rebuilt title:

1. Visit Bumper’s Vehicle Search page.

2. Enter the VIN number into the search box and click SEARCH.

3. Now Bumper will compile data from multiple reliable sources, including government databases and insurance records. When available, you’ll receive a report that allows you to dig deep into the vehicle’s history.

Should you need any assistance while using Bumper, do not hesitate to reach out to their support team:

Tel: +1-332-225-9745
Email: support@bumper.com

Final Thoughts

Finding out whether the car you’re buying has a rebuilt title is necessary, and a vehicle history report can help. However, you’ll still need to have a trusted mechanic to inspect the vehicle before deciding to purchase it. They can check for any inadequate repair work or lingering issues associated with the vehicle.

The post How to Know If a Car Has a Rebuilt Title (2023) appeared first on Super Easy.

License plate lookups allow you to input a license plate number into a database and retrieve vehicle info associated with that plate. Searching plates in the state can be helpful in many ways. It can allow you to:

• ? Identify a suspicious vehicle
• ? Gain more knowledge about a used car before buying it
• ? Uncover details about any vehicle you’re interested in.

In this article, we’ll explore two valid methods for conducting license plate lookups for vehicles registered in your state.

Read on and learn how to find vehicle info from a single plate number!

Method 1: Local DMV plate lookup

In the US, license plate records are normally maintained at the state level by DMVs (Department of Motor Vehicles). Along with plate data, you may obtain accurate info on vehicle registration, title, and ownership.

If you have a legitimate need to examine in-state plates, such as checking your own car or investigating a hit-and-run, you can:

• Go to your local DMV office and inquire about getting records for a plate.
• Submit an official request for state vehicle records online using proper forms.

Although lookup results and process time vary by state, checking with your DMV can be worthwhile to get detailed information directly from the source. Only that this method does involve some time and effort.

Method 2: Fast vehicle search tools

Is there a faster option? Vehicle search tools are the answer. They’re services that access records from state agencies and auto industry partners on your behalf to research a plate.

Without the hassle of formal requests, a car research tool could allow you to run a plate search and get a full vehicle report containing information such as:  

Below are three recommended tool options you can consider that can produce the most precise match results.

Option 1 – BeenVerified

BeenVerified is an all-in-one people search engine that besides offering public record search and reverse phone number lookup, also offers vehicle search service. 

BeenVerified has 10+ years of data expertise that can help you decode plate data by state. It gets data from state-level agencies and trusted car industry partners to help you find any undisclosed issues on a car.

What’s also impressive is it uses 150+ data points to trace the vehicle you’re interested in, including photos, paint code, accessories, mileage, safety features, and more.

Option 2 – Bumper

Bumper is another reliable license plate check tool you can try. It’s an approved NMVTIS Data Provider that has access to vehicle data from auto agents like NMVTIS, NHTSA, and JD Power.

While Bumper is an affordable service for your state-issued plate investigation needs, it provides up-to-date and accurate vehicle history reports to help learn more about a vehicle.

Option 3 – EpicVIN

EPICVIN is also an NMVTIS-certified provider with service of easy and straightforward car search process. Its reverse license plate lookup offers people free searches to check key data on vehicles.

If you want a full history report, you’ll need to get the VIN number from the initial plate search first. Then order a VIN report which contains more helpful information related to the car.

Three steps to run a plate search with tools

Although the options mentioned above are different products with their own features, the search procedure for each is simple and similar.

Here is the BeenVerified example of the search process:

1. Go to BeenVerified Vehicle Search.
2. In the second search section, enter a license plate number, select a state from the drop-down menu, and then click SEARCH.
   
3. Wait until the results load up. When the search report is ready, set up your account. Then you’ll see different sections of records linked to the state-registered license plate from the BeenVerified report.
   

Wrapping up

License plate lookups are most effective when you search in the state the plate is registered in. By searching state-specific databases, plate lookups can provide useful information to identify a car or investigate a particular plate when needed.

The two methods introduced in this post are both able to help you find records connected to the plate. Choosing which one really depends on you. But we’d recommend using a vehicle search tool as your go-to option, as it’s more possible to save your time and energy. Hopefully, you’ll find this post helpful and successfully check plates in your neck of the woods!

Featured image by pch.vector on Freepik

The post License Plate Lookup by State | Find Vehicle Details, Owner & History (2023) appeared first on Super Easy.

Every year, about 452,000 used cars with false odometer readings are sold¹. By editing a fake lower odometer reading, fraudulent individuals or dealerships try to trick prospective buyers into paying more than what a car is truly worth. So if you’re planning to buy a used car, it’s necessary to check its real mileage and see if the odometer has been rolled back fraudulently. This guide will show you how to spot odometer fraud and protect yourself.

What is odometer rollback?

The odometer shows the distance a vehicle has traveled and its number is an important factor that determines a car’s value. The higher the odometer readings, the lower the vehicle’s value. Odometer rollback, or mileage rollback, means tampering a vehicle with an odometer reading that’s less than it actually does, and therefore the individual sellers or dealerships can sell it for a higher price. 

So how is an odometer rollback completed? There are two types of odometers, digital and mechanical (analog). Rolling back a traditional mechanical odometer can be easily done by turning back the digit gears. The process for the digital ones, however, may involve altering the circuit board or requiring specific rollback equipment. 

Method 1 – Get a vehicle history report

A vehicle history report can reveal a car’s mileage, ownership, titles, past accidents, value, and a variety of details, and give you a better insight into a vehicle’s functionality and durability. You can get it by looking up the car’s VIN with a dedicated tool. VIN is a unique 17-digit code usually located on the front of the driver’s side dashboard.

If you don’t have the VIN, a license plate lookup also works.

Option 1 – BeenVerified

BeenVerified is a reputable all-in-one information search website with an aim to help people discover, understand and use public data in their everyday lives. Powered by extensive vehicle data from government agencies, insurance and leading automotive industry partners, it enables you to track major events in the vehicle’s lifespan and alerts you to undisclosed issues.

1) Go to the BeenVerified VIN search page. Enter the car’s VIN and click Search.

2) Wait a couple of minutes as the website scans the matched vehicle. Once done, it will show you the last reported mileage together with a plethora of information such as the vehicle specifications, salvage records, maintenance history, market value, and so on. 

You may also see how the car’s odometer readings increase at different periods from the Potential Sales listings section. If the data mismatches with what you see on the dash, the odometer may have been altered. 

Apart from vehicle search, BeenVerified can assist you in verifying the sellers or buyers you’re dealing with. You can search by a person’s name, phone number, or email to pull their background information and discover their identities.

Option 2 – Bumper

With access to millions of up-to-date vehicle records, Bumper is a trustworthy vehicle history report provider approved by NMVTIS (National Motor Title Information System). For anyone looking to buy or sell a vehicle, Bumper delivers essential vehicle information including accidents, recalls, market value, and ownership history, empowering you to make an informed decision.

1) Visit the Bumper homepage. Enter a VIN number and click Search.

2) Open the report when it’s generated, which is user-friendly and easy to read, and consists of 15 categories. You may find:

Accident history – The data and details of vehicle accidents that required law enforcement or insurance intervention.
Sales listings – The price the car is listed for sales and the reported mileage.
Theft records – The date of theft and recovery, if a car was reported stolen.
Salvage listings – The car’s title history.
Market value – Estimated market price for your vehicle based on the past sales of similar vehicles.
AND MORE…

Method 2 – Pay attention to physical signs of tampering

While a VIN report is a more reliable measure of vehicle mileage, it’s not hard to spot the signs of a fake odometer. Even though an odometer is messed with, other parts of the car can still help you determine its real condition visibly.

First of all, if it’s an analog odometer, you could take a quick look at the numbers to check if they are readable and aligned properly. If they’re difficult to read, crooked, or have uneven spacing, the odometer may be manipulated. Also, rolling back a mechanical odometer requires disassembly of the dashboard, which may leave some traces such as scratches or fingerprints on the display, loose screws, etc. 

Besides, a heavily worn-out interior or excessive wear on the brake pedal, steering wheel, and floor mats could also suggest a car with a high mileage. If a car travels less than 20,000 miles, it’s likely to have the original set of tires. 

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, an average of American drivers logged around 13,476 miles a year². Although the number may vary depending on the driver’s gender, age, location, and uses, it can give you an approximation of a vehicle’s mileage for its age. 

If you want to be absolutely sure about a vehicle’s condition, take it to a professional technician for a thorough inspection. They’re adept at spotting tampered internal components and have proper tools to identify a car’s real mileage. 

So that’s three simple ways to tell if a vehicle’s odometer has been rolled back. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Reference:
[1] NHTSA Odometer Fraud
[2] Average Annual Miles per Driver by Age Group by U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration

The post How to Tell If Odometer Has Been Rolled Back (2023) appeared first on Super Easy.

If you have the vehicle identification number (VIN) of a used car, there are methods to find out the actual price it previously sold for:

Method 1 – Ask the Dealership

If you can, contact the dealership that sells the same make and model of the vehicle and ask if they will look up what similar vehicles have recently sold for on their lot. Provide them the full VIN if possible, so they can check their internal inventory system for the last sale price and date of identical or very similar vehicles.

However, dealerships are under no obligation to share this data with you. If you’re hitting a dead end, don’t get upset! There are some resources and tools for you to find the information you need.

Method 2 – Purchase a Vehicle History Report

When it comes to researching a vehicle, you may want to obtain the information from the state DMV. However, most of them won’t include information about the amount a specific vehicle recently sold for. Thankfully, not all hope is lost. Both BeenVerified.com and Bumper.com allow you to perform VIN lookups to receive a detailed vehicle history report that gives you access to the following information when available:

• Accidents & Salvage Records
  
  Accident records from trusted sources and information from salvage auction listings.
• Vehicle Specifications
  
  150+ data points, including photos, color, accessories, safety features, and more.
• Market Value
  
  Estimated market values based on historical vehicle sales.
• Ownership Cost
  
  A five-year overview of expenses associated with owning a vehicle.
• Theft Records
  
  See if a vehicle is listed as previously stolen and recovered.
• Sale Listings
  
  Including price, mileage, photos and more.
• Recalls & Warranties
  
  Check if a vehicle is included in any recalls.

Both BeenVerified and Bumper are paid services and you’ll need to purchase a subscription in order to unlock the full reports. 

Below is how you can use BeenVerified and Bumper to receive a vehicle history report and see how much the buyer paid for it.

BeenVerified

With 10+ years of data expertise and more than 100 million searches performed, BeenVerified can be your go-to choice for public data access. It compiles records from state-level agencies and trusted car industry partners, making it a good place to get started when you need to perform VIN lookups. You can also conduct license plate searches, depending on what information you have in hand.

To research a vehicle, all you have to do is:

1. Visit BeenVerified’s Vehicle Search page. 

2. Enter the VIN number into the search bar and click SEARCH.

3. Wait for BeenVerified to scan the data from a variety of sources and find information associated with the vehicle you’re searching for.

When available, a detailed report will be generated. To open it, you’ll need to select a price plan based on your own needs.

Once you unlock the report, you should be able to see a section called Sale Listings. From there, you’ll see the vehicle’s listing history, including the date, price, mileage, and other related information.

To check how much a buyer paid for the vehicle, go to the Ownership History section. 

Should you require any assistance, feel free to contact their support team:

Tel: 1-844-823-2869
Email: support@beenverified.com

Bumper

As an approved NMVTIS data provider, Bumper is the other trusted service you can try. It searches through millions of data points, making it more possible that you can obtain the most accurate information for the vehicle you’re searching for.

And running searches on Bumper.com is pretty straightforward:

1. Go to Bumper.com.

2. Input the VIN number into the search bar and click SEARCH.

3. Patiently wait for Bumper to compile all the available information about the vehicle you’re searching for. When a report is ready, follow the on-screen instructions to complete your payment. Till then, open your report and navigate to the section that displays the useful information for you.

If you need any help, definitely reach out to Bumper’s support team:

Tel: +1-332-225-9745
Email: support@bumper.com

Exploring additional benefits of a VIN lookup

A vehicle history report that is obtained by performing a VIN lookup can provide you with insights into certain conditions in the vehicle’s history:

In addition to discovering the sale price of a vehicle, performing a VIN lookup offers a treasure trove of valuable information that can significantly aid you in making informed decisions when purchasing a used car. Beyond just the transaction history, a comprehensive vehicle history report provides insights into various aspects, enhancing your understanding of the vehicle’s overall condition. Here are the key benefits:

1. Vehicle Specifications:

• Access multiple data points, including detailed specifications such as color, accessories, safety features, and more.
• Obtain a comprehensive overview of the vehicle’s configuration, empowering you with knowledge about its features.

2. Accidents & Salvage Records:

• Gain access to accident records from trusted sources and information from salvage auction listings.
• Understand the vehicle’s history in terms of accidents and salvage, crucial for assessing its structural integrity.

3. Market Value Insights:

• Receive estimated market values based on historical vehicle sales, helping you gauge the fair market price for the specific make and model.

4. Ownership Cost Overview:

• Obtain a five-year overview of expenses associated with owning the vehicle, including maintenance and repair costs.
• Evaluate the long-term financial implications of owning the vehicle.

5. Theft Records Check:

• Verify if the vehicle has been listed as previously stolen and recovered, providing essential information about its security history.

6. Recall & Warranty Information:

• Check if the vehicle is included in any recalls, ensuring awareness of potential safety issues.
• Review warranty information, offering insights into the manufacturer’s coverage and potential future expenses.

*featured image by Freepik

The post How to Find out How Much a Car Sold for by VIN (2023) appeared first on Super Easy.

Generally speaking, running a VIN lookup is unnecessary if you’re buying a brand-new car. Because a VIN lookup provides information about the history of a vehicle, and a new car typically doesn’t have much of it. But in some situations, conducting a VIN lookup on new cars can still prove beneficial. In this post, we’ll discuss what’s the point of looking up the VIN of a new car and how to do it.

What information is worth noting when doing a new car VIN lookup?

Although a new car may have fewer records compared to a used car, there is some useful information that’s worth noting in a full VIN lookup report of a new car:

• Sale listings & last reported mileage
  It shows the vehicle’s past listings for sale, such as dates, locations, and selling prices that can help you analyze its pricing trend and check if you’ve got a competitive price. You may find the last reported mileage information there.
  
• MSRP & invoice prices
  It shows the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and the invoice price, and it gives you a rough concept of what’s the market price of the car.
  
• Warranty
  It includes information about the warranty status, duration, and components covered by the warranty.
  
• Vehicle specifications
  It gives you detailed vehicle specifications including engine specs, options, exterior & interior installations, and more. That will help you know more about the car.
  

How to perform a new car VIN lookup?

Several online platforms allow you to check for the vehicle history by its VIN. Listed below are some of our top picks that have been tested by us. 

1. BeenVerified (paid, full report)

BeenVerified is a recognized vehicle information check service that provides access to multiple data sources like state-level government agencies and auto industry partners. And it’s powered by Bumper, an NMVTIS-approved vehicle history data provider. It’s one of the best choices to help you learn more about a car, including its sale listings, market prices, recalls, warranty status, and more. To use the service:

1. Go to the BeenVerified vehicle lookup page.
2. Enter the VIN and click Search.
   
3. Wait as BeenVerified runs the search and compiles a report.
4. On the report page, you’ll see a navigation bar on the left to help you easily access the section that you’re interested in. For example, the Vehicle Specs section.
   
5. Typically, new cars don’t come with much history information. You can focus your attention on things like sale listings, prices, and specs, as we mentioned. Note that BeenVerified is a subscription-based service and you’ll need to purchase a membership plan to view the report.

2. EpicVIN (paid, full report)

EpicVIN is another vehicle history check service that we like, and it is also an NMVTIS data provider. It has got a high score of 4.1 stars at Trustpilot.com, the trusted customer review platform, better than many other competitors. It also has access to multiple data sources including government authorities, repair shops, and insurance companies. 

1. Navigate to EpicVIN.
2. Enter the VIN and click on the search button.
   
3. Then EpicVIN will start the search process and generate a report. It will give you some basic preliminary information such as the engine size and last odometer reading, but you’ll need to purchase a plan to view the full report (including the Inspection history).
   

What do we like about EpicVIN?
EpicVIN is a paid service. But it will offer you some free preliminary information like the engine size, last odometer reading, and manufacturing country of the vehicle, before your purchase.

3. NICB (free, theft & salvage records)

NICB VINCheck is a free VIN lookup tool provided by the National Insurance Crime Bureau and is accessible to everyone. It gives you a vehicle’s theft and salvage records quickly and costs no money.

4. NHTSA (free, recall records)

NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) offers a free VIN lookup service to help you learn whether a particular vehicle has any unrepaired safety recalls.

5. Decode This

If you only need to know the basic info about your car engine, you can try Decode This, a free online tool. Enter a VIN, then it will pull out the basic engine & vehicle specs related to it.

That’s all we have to offer on how to use both paid and free services to look up the VIN of a new car. Note that there are no VIN lookup tools that can guarantee 100% accuracy. You should take them as a supplementary method as you check for the history of a vehicle.

The post New Car VIN Lookup | How to Look up the VIN of a New Car appeared first on Super Easy.

Detailed Accident Report

Enter VIN Number to Get Detailed Accident Records

The type of accident a car was in: why is it so important?

Did you know that millions of car accidents occur each year? In some cases, the damage can be exceptionally extensive, leading to the assignment of a branded title such as “salvage,” “rebuilt,” or “junk”. For used car buyers, checking a car’s accident history, particularly the type of accident it was involved in, is crucial for several reasons:

Identifying Hidden Damage:
Accident history can reveal hidden damage that may not be apparent during a visual inspection. 

Assessing Repair Costs:
Knowing the type of accident can help you estimate potential repair costs. For instance, a rear-end collision might involve minor bumper damage, while a rollover accident could cause more extensive structural damage.

Evaluating Safety Concerns:
The type of accident can provide insights into the car’s overall safety. For example, a car involved in multiple accidents or a severe collision may raise concerns about its ability to protect occupants in future incidents.

Negotiating a Fair Price:
Accident history can be a valuable bargaining tool when negotiating the car’s price. A car with a history of accidents may be worth less than a similar car without such a history.

4 Ways to find out what type of accident a car was in

1. Get a detailed vehicle history report from BeenVerified

A detailed history report goes beyond mere vehicle specifications, providing vital information about accidents and salvage history. That includes type of accident, damage severity, impact area and more. Additionally, these reports offer valuable insights such as recall information, theft records, and an estimated market value for the vehicle. To get a detailed history report, you can try BeenVerified, a well-known and trusted vehicle report provider. Here’s how to use it：

1. Go to BeenVerified vehicle research page. Enter the VIN number and click SEARCH. If you have a license plate number, you can try that too.
   
2. Wait a few seconds for BeenVerified to search its records. The resulting report will contain all available data about past accidents, including type of accident, damage severity, impact area and more.
   

2. Get a Carfax accident report

Founded in 1984, Carfax is the most well-known name in the vehicle history report industry. However, it’s also the most expensive: a single Carfax report will cost you $44.99. Fortunately, this hefty cost is is backed by the promise of delivering an abundance of details, especially when it comes to accident records.

To run a Carfax report, simply visit their official website, enter the VIN number or license plate number:

However, it’s important to recognize that having a Carfax report doesn’t automatically ensure a comprehensive account of an accident, including its type. In fact, the level of information available frequently hinges on factors like the accident’s timing and location. Varying states provide differing amount of information post-accident, and older incidents often yield less comprehensive data.

It’s worth noting that Carfax categorizes accidents into three distinct severity levels:

1. Minor: Minor accidents typically involve cosmetic damage, such as dents or scratches. These issues often require reconditioning but do not generally pose a significant threat to the vehicle’s operation or safety.
2. Moderate: Moderate accidents extend beyond cosmetic concerns, affecting multiple components of the vehicle. This level of damage can potentially impair the vehicle’s operation and/or safety.
3. Severe: Severe accidents result in substantial damage to multiple vehicle components, and is likely to compromise the vehicle’s operation and/or safety.

3. Ask previous owners

Contacting the previous owners, if possible, can provide valuable insights into the car’s accident history. They may remember details or have documentation that the current seller is unaware of, which can help you make a more informed decision. Additionally, they might offer information about how the car has performed after any repairs, giving you a better sense of its long-term condition.

4. Inspection by a professional mechanic

If you’re serious about buying a used car, especially if you suspect that a car has been in an accident but the information isn’t available in a report, it’s a good idea to have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle for any signs of damage, repairs, or irregularities. They may be able to identify past accident-related repairs or issues.

How do accidents affect the value of a car?

Accidents can have a significant impact on the value of a car. The severity of the impact depends on factors such as the extent of the damage, whether the car has been repaired, and the car’s age, make, model, and history of prior damages.

According to Carfax data, the average hit to the retail price of a used car after an accident is about $500[1]. A major consideration in determining a car’s valuation after an accident is whether or not it has been repaired. If the car is still damaged and has not been repaired, it will be worth less than it otherwise would be.

The impact of accidents on car value is also influenced by the car’s age, make, model, prior damages, and the severity and type of damages suffered in the accident. For instance, if the car has a history of prior damages, even if fully repaired, its value will be negatively affected.

That’s pretty much all we have to share on how to find out what type of accident a car was in. Hope you find the post helpful. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below.

Reference:
[1] Understanding Diminished Value Claims After A Car Accident, Carfax.com

The post How to Find Out What Type of Accident a Car Was In appeared first on Super Easy.

The inspection history of a used car can indicate how it’s been maintained and serviced over time, giving buyers insights into its overall condition and any potential problems. And in some states of the US, regular inspections are required by law. Checking for it will help you ensure compliance with these regulations and avoid legal issues. In this post, we’ll discuss how to check for car inspection history by VIN.

Method 1: Request the report from official websites

To check for the car inspection history, you should first locate the VIN of the car and make clear in which state it’s registered. Then you can navigate to the official website of that state and request the inspection history report. For example, if the state is California, you can go to their webpage and request the information.

1. Go to Google, Bing, or any other search engine.
2. Enter the text car inspection history California into the search box and click Search. You may replace “California” with other states. Then on the search results page, select the website with a (.gov) mark.
   
3. On the webpage, enter the VIN, click on the search button, and finish the reCaptcha.
   
4. Then you will get a report containing a list of the car inspection history with inspection types, dates, and results.
   

Method 2: Use a car history report lookup service

There are several online platforms and services that provide vehicle history reports, where you may find the car inspection history. And they typically will give you more detailed information compared to a sole inspection history check. Note that such services may cost some money, but they can offer:

• Both VIN and license plate lookups
• Full vehicle reports including inspection, maintenance & service history; title, accident & theft records; odometer readings; the number of previous owners; sale listings, and more.

To help you decide which one works best for you, we’ve tested several services and selected two that we like and trust. Both of them are approved by NMVTIS.

1. BeenVerified

BeenVerified is a leading vehicle information check service that provides access to multiple data sources like state-level government agencies, insurance providers, and auto industry partners. And it’s powered by Bumper, an NMVTIS-approved vehicle history data provider. It’s one of the best choices to help you get an insight into a car’s past, including its inspection, maintenance, repair & service history, accident records, titles, and more.

1. Go to the BeenVerified vehicle search page.
2. Enter the VIN and click Search.
   
3. Wait for BeenVerified to initiate the search process and generate an easy-to-read report. Once done, you’ll need to purchase a plan to view it. Below is a sample report.
   
4. Navigate to the Maintenance section, where you may find the inspection history and maintenance & service records.
   

2. EpicVIN

EpicVIN is another vehicle history check service that we like, and it is also an NMVTIS data provider. It has got a high of 4.1 stars at Trustpilot.com, the trusted customer review platform, better than many of its competitors. It also has access to multiple data sources including government authorities, repair shops, and insurance companies. You may find much more than car inspection history in its reports.

1. Visit EpicVIN.
2. Enter the VIN and click on the search button.
   
3. Then EpicVIN will start the search process and generate a report.
   
4. Select the All history events tab to view the inspection history. Note that you’ll need to purchase a plan to view the full report (including the Inspection history).
   

Which one do we prefer?
We’ve performed tests on both the products above and discovered no significant difference in the reports they return. But we do notice that BeenVerified seems to offer more detailed vehicle specs.

You may also want to know:

1. How to check what inspections should be done on your car?

The vehicle inspection requirements in the United States could vary a lot in different states. For example, some states request a smog inspection while other states don’t. So if you just recently bought a car, you should do some homework ahead to avoid any legal issues. There are several resources where you can refer to and check what inspections should be done on your car:

• Your state’s DMV or equivalent agency website.
  Visit the official website of your state’s DMV and search for sections related to vehicle inspections, safety inspections, or emissions inspections. These sections should provide you with details on the specific inspections that are mandatory in your state.
• The Owner’s Manual of your car.
  The manual typically includes a maintenance schedule that outlines the manufacturer’s recommendations for inspections, services, and intervals.
• Follow general inspection guidelines.
  There are some general inspections you should consider for your car, like regularly checking and replacing air filters.
• Seek professional advice.
  If you’re unsure about the specific inspections your car needs or if you prefer professional guidance, consider consulting a trusted mechanic or an authorized service center. 

2. What information can you expect to find in a car inspection history report?

In a car inspection history report, you can typically find various details related to the inspections conducted on the vehicle. For example:

• Inspection results
• Inspection dates
• Inspection station details
• Defects or issues
• Mileage records

However, the specific information provided may vary depending on the services you use to get the report. 

Final thoughts

Doing a VIN lookup or obtaining a vehicle history report is an essential step when you decide which used car to buy, as it provides valuable information about the vehicle’s history. However, you should note that relying solely on a VIN lookup may not guarantee a comprehensive or foolproof assessment of the vehicle’s condition.

To avoid fraud or ending up with a flawed car, we recommend you have the vehicle thoroughly inspected by a professional mechanic before purchasing, and only use the VIN lookup tools we mentioned above as a supplementary option.

The post How to Check Car Inspection History by VIN appeared first on Super Easy.

Transmission lookup by VIN

Enter VIN Number to Get Transmission Info & more

Whether you’re a car enthusiast eager to know the intricacies of your vehicle or someone facing a potential repair or purchase, identifying your transmission type is a crucial step. We’re here to make this process easier for you. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the various methods and essential details needed to uncover this vital aspect of your automobile.

Consult the owner’s manual

The most straightforward method to find out your transmission type is to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual. It typically contains detailed information about the vehicle’s specifications, including the type of transmission.

The owner’s manual can often be found in your glove compartment or is available online through the manufacturer’s website. In fact, many vehicle manufacturers provide PDF versions of their owner’s manuals for free on their official websites. Here’s how to find it:

1. Visit the manufacturer’s website. (This would typically be “www.[manufacturername].com”.)

2. Look for a “Owners” or “Support & Service” section. This is where they often keep resources for vehicle owners.

3. You might need to enter your vehicle’s make, model, and year or provide your vehicle’s VIN to access the specific manual for your car.

4. Wait a few seconds, and you’ll be able to download your vehicle’s owner manual or view it online.

5. Search for transmission information in the manual. For example, in the manual below, the transmission type is either 4F27E (automatic) or MTX75 (manual).

Find out transmission info by VIN number

A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a 17-digit code of characters and numbers, used as the unique identifier of modern vehicles. The 4th-8th characters typically show make, body, type, restraints, engine code, transmission, etc.

If you have the vehicle’s VIN number on hand, using a professional VIN check tool is your best bet for obtaining detailed transmission information and a wealth of other vital data about your vehicle. For example, you can use BeenVerified, a well-known and trusted VIN lookup service that can provide details like car specs, accident history, thefts and recalls associated with a VIN. How’s how to use it:

1. Visit the BeenVerified VIN search page.
2. Enter the VIN number and click SEARCH.
   
3. Just hang tight while BeenVerified takes care of the search. Once it’s done, it’ll generate a report revealing everything linked to the VIN, including detailed transmission info.
   

Check the transmission housing

If you’re comfortable getting under your vehicle, you can visually inspect the transmission housing. The type of transmission may be indicated on the housing itself. 

Look for a transmission code

Certain vehicles might possess a distinct transmission code, usually located on a sticker or metal plate affixed somewhere on the vehicle. This practice is more prevalent in older vehicle models and can differ substantially not only between manufacturers but also between various models within the same manufacturer’s lineup.

Contact a dealership or manufacturer

You can contact the vehicle manufacturer or a dealership that sells your car’s make and model. By providing the VIN to a dealership or the manufacturer, they can often look up the vehicle’s specifications, including the transmission type.

Consult a mechanic

If you’re uncertain or unable to find the information yourself, consult a qualified mechanic. They can easily identify the type of transmission in your vehicle and provide you with accurate details.

Pros and cons of common types of transmissions

Choosing the right type of transmission for your vehicle is a crucial decision that can impact its performance, fuel efficiency, and overall driving experience. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of some common types of transmissions:

Tips for maintaining your transmission

Maintaining your vehicle’s transmission is crucial for ensuring smooth and reliable performance. Here are some tips to help you keep your transmission in good condition:

1. Always use the recommended type of transmission fluid for your vehicle.
2. Ensure that your transmission fluid is at the appropriate level.
3. Avoid harsh shifting.
4. Consider periodic transmission flushes.
5. Before driving, allow your vehicle a few minutes to warm up, especially in cold weather.
6. Avoid overloading your vehicle, as excess weight puts strain on the transmission.

The post How to Tell What Transmission I Have (2023) appeared first on Super Easy.