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.

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.

As you’re shopping for a used car, you definitely need to know about how well it has been maintained and serviced over time, to determine its condition. For that, you can run a vehicle ownership history check to learn more about its past, including the number of previous owners, service & maintenance history, and more. In this post, we’ll share how to check vehicle ownership history.

What information can you get from a vehicle ownership history report?

Typically, checking for the vehicle ownership history by its VIN with a third-party platform can provide detailed information including: 

• The number of previous owners
• Maintenance history
• Title records
• Theft & accident records
• Mileage & specs
• Sale price history, and more

However, it will not disclose the personal details or contact information of the previous owners under the restrictions of the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). The only legitimate way to acquire such details is to reach out to authorities with proper reasons.

How to check for vehicle ownership history by VIN?

1. BeenVerified

BeenVerified is an online vehicle information check service that provides access to multiple data sources like state-level government agencies, insurance providers, and auto industry partners. It’s one of the top choices to help you check for the ownership history of a specific vehicle. And it supports both VIN and license plate lookups.

1. Go to BeenVerified.
2. Enter the VIN and click on the search button.
   
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.
4. On the report page, you can navigate to the section you’re curious about using the control pane on the left, such as sale listings, accident records, and title records. The ownership history is put in the Ownership History section.
   

2. Bumper

Bumper is an Approved NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System) Data Provider. It’s a leading vehicle search tool that gathers information from government authorities, insurance providers, and other public & private sources. With its help, you can discover the number of previous owners of a specific vehicle along with its accident records, sales history, mileage, and more.

1. Visit the Bumper home page.
2. Enter the VIN and click SEARCH.
   
3. Wait for Bumper to scour its database and then generate a report containing all the available records associated with the VIN. You’ll need to purchase a plan before you can view the full report.
   

3. EpicVIN

EpicVIN is also an online vehicle history search platform that is an Approved NMVTIS Data Provider. It allows users to access detailed information about a vehicle’s history, including its ownership history, warranties, mileage, title information, theft & accident records, odometer readings, and more. Like BeenVerified, it is also an easy-to-use tool.

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 manufacturing country, engine size, and last odometer reading, but you’ll need to purchase a plan to view the full report (including the ownership history).
   

Which one do we prefer?
After testing the three products using several VINs, we noticed that the details in the ownership history offered by them are slightly different.

To be specific, BeenVerified covers the purchase date & place, and the line holder (if available), while EpicVIN returns the purchase date, time in usage, and the mileage driven. You can view the difference from the sample reports of each product we posted above.

4. Contact the dealership

If you’re buying from car dealerships, you can reach out to the one where the vehicle was previously purchased or serviced and state your request. Remember to bring the specific details of the vehicle, including the VIN, make, model, and other relevant information with you that can help them locate the record. The dealership may have specific procedures or forms to be filled out for such requests. After that, you can review the ownership history records in the report they gave you.

Final thoughts

Running a VIN lookup or obtaining a vehicle history report is an essential step when buying a used car, as it provides valuable information about the vehicle’s history. However, it’s important to 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. We hope you find the post helpful and find your dream car!

The post How to Check Vehicle Ownership History | 2023 appeared first on Super Easy.

Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles are in many ways different from non-certified used ones. They are typically newer models with low mileage, free from accidents, and come with warranty coverage. All that makes them highly desirable among buyers. When exploring the used car market, you may wonder how to check if a car is certified pre-owned. In this post, we will discuss how.

How to check if a car is certified pre-owned?

Whether you’re buying a CPO vehicle from the manufacturer’s physical stores or online marketplaces, you can typically identify them by clear markings and paperwork that comes with it. But if you still have doubts and want to be certain, you can try the following methods to check its certification status.

1. Request the CPO paperwork from dealerships

When purchasing a CPO vehicle from a dealership, you should expect to receive several important documents. While the specific paperwork may vary depending on the dealership and location, here are a few that you should expect: 

• Vehicle history report
  It includes information about the vehicle’s ownership history, accident records, service and maintenance history, and other relevant details.
• Inspection checklist
  It confirms that the vehicle has met the manufacturer or dealership’s standards.
• Warranty information
  It includes the duration of the warranty, what components are covered, and any limitations or exclusions.
• Title and registration documents
  This may include a title application, registration forms, and any applicable fees.
• Service records
  It covers the vehicle’s maintenance history.

All of these documents are proof of certification that you should request from the dealership. And it’s important to carefully review and retain all of them.

2. Perform an exact search for the VIN

Since CPO vehicles are backed and provided by car manufacturers and dealerships, they typically list these vehicles on their CPO websites as part of their sales promotions. So that’s a good place to start your search. To ensure a right match, you’ll first need to locate the VIN of the car, then run an exact search on search engines like Google and Bing. Here’s an example.

1. Navigate to Google.com.
2. Enter the VIN with a quotation mark into the search box, and click on the search button. For example, [“1FFFF5D87JG123456”].
   
3. Then look through the result page and check if the vehicle is listed on any dealership’s website.
4. Go to the target website and search for the Certified mark under the vehicle searched, which could suggest that the vehicle is CPO.
   

Carefully make clear whether the vehicle is certified by the original car manufacturer or the third-party dealership, as their CPO programs may vary.

3. Check the vehicle report

We understand that verifying the certification status of a vehicle is crucial to ensure its quality. For that, we believe performing a VIN lookup to obtain a comprehensive vehicle history report could also help. 

Running a VIN lookup can provide you with vital information about the vehicle’s past, such as accident records, warranty coverage, ownership history, title records, and more. But note that a VIN lookup does not explicitly indicate whether a vehicle is CPO or not. It should be considered a supplementary method. Here are some of the best VIN lookup platforms that we’ve tested and trusted.

BeenVerified (paid, full report)

BeenVerified is an online vehicle information check service that provides access to multiple data sources like state-level government agencies, insurance providers, and auto industry partners. It’s one of the best choices to help you gather detailed information about a certain vehicle, such as its warranty coverage, accident records, mileage, and more.

1. Go to BeenVerified.
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.
4. On the report page, you can navigate to the section you’re curious about using the control pane on the left, such as warranties, accident records, and title records.
   
5. Also, you may find the odometer reading history in the Detailed History section. And there’s much more in other sections, as small as its invoice & MSRP prices, paint code, fuel type, and more.
   

What do we like about BeenVerified?
BeenVerified is an all-around search service. With one subscription, you can access its other search services like phone number, email address, and address lookups.

EpicVIN (paid, full report)

EpicVIN is also an online vehicle history search platform that is an Approved NMVTIS Data Provider. It has a high of 4.1 stars on Trustpilot, better than many of its competitors. In its reports, you can access detailed information about a vehicle’s history, including its ownership history, warranties, mileage, title information, accident records, and more.

1. Visit the EpicVIN search page.
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 free preliminary information such as the manufacturing country, engine size, and last odometer reading, but you’ll need to purchase a plan to view the full report.
   

NICB (free, theft & salvage records only)

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.

NHTSA (free, recall records only)

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.

4. Contact the dealership

Another straightforward way to check if a car is certified pre-owned is to contact the dealership and ask directly. Since CPO programs are most likely introduced by car manufacturers or dealerships, they are also first-hand sources. By reaching out to the dealership’s sales department through their phone number, email, or by visiting them in person, you can ask specific questions about the certification status of the vehicle you are interested in. The dealership representative should be able to provide you with information regarding the CPO status of the vehicle and any accompanying certification documentation.

You may also want to know:

1. What does “certified pre-owned” mean?

This term refers to a category of used cars that have undergone a thorough inspection, met specific criteria, and received certification from either a manufacturer or a dealership. Certified pre-owned programs often have strict criteria that a vehicle must meet. Depending on the manufacturer or dealership, certified pre-owned cars may come with additional benefits, including supplementary maintenance services and special financing options.

2. CPO vs. used: what’s the difference?

Compared with non-certified ones, CPO vehicles have to undergo a thorough inspection of their mechanical components, interior, exterior, and overall condition to meet specific criteria set by the manufacturer or dealership. These requirements often include:

Low mileage, warranty coverage, no-accident records, and clean titles. 

Also, CPO vehicles usually come with an extended warranty and may offer additional benefits such as roadside assistance, oil changes, and special financing options. In short, CPO programs can provide customers with added confidence and peace of mind that the vehicle they buy is with higher level of quality and reliability.

3. Where can you find certified pre-owned programs?

Several organizations and automotive manufacturers offer certified pre-owned programs. To find one that suits your needs, you can try looking for:

• Manufacturer programs
  Many vehicle manufacturers have their own certified pre-owned programs, offering certified vehicles under their respective brands.
• Dealership programs
  Individual dealerships or dealer networks may have their own set of standards and requirements for certification.
• Independent entities
  Some online car-selling networks like CarMax also have programs of sorts.

Final thoughts

When you’re purchasing a used car, it’s important to understand that relying solely on checking if the vehicle is certified pre-owned or a VIN lookup is not sufficient. And it’s crucial to have the vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic. While VIN lookup can provide valuable information about the vehicle’s history and CPO status can indicate a certain level of quality, they should not replace a thorough inspection. We hope the post can help you with your shopping!

The post How to Check if a Car is Certified Pre-Owned appeared first on Super Easy.

In this post, we’ll discuss how to choose the best used car websites.

Best websites for used car buying & selling

1. Edmunds

Edmunds is a widely recognized online vehicle information source and marketplace. It was founded in 1966 and has since become a trusted and popular platform for car buyers and enthusiasts.

As a vehicle information source, Edmunds provides various features and services to help consumers make informed decisions about their car purchases and sales. This includes expert reviews, pricing information, comparisons, vehicle details, and more.

Features:

2. Carvana

Carvana is an industry leader in buying and selling used vehicles online with the aim of making people’s purchasing and selling process more convenient, accessible, and transparent. It also allows buyers to purchase a vehicle from the comfort of their home, completing the entire process online, benefiting from a 7-day money-back guarantee, nationwide inventory selection, and more.

Car owners also have the option to sell or trade in their vehicle across all Carvana locations, including its patented Car Vending Machines.

Features:

3. CarGurus

CarGurus serves as a platform connecting buyers and sellers, providing a comprehensive range of tools and resources to facilitate the car buying process. One notable feature of CarGurus is its proprietary valuation tool that analyzes various factors, including market trends, vehicle history, and dealer pricing, to provide an estimated fair market value for a specific vehicle. Its users also say that CarGurus has better vehicle images compared to many dealer sites.

Features:

4. Kelley Blue Book

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) is a well-known and trusted automotive valuation and research company. It has been providing vehicle pricing and information to consumers and the automotive industry for over 90 years. KBB is widely recognized as a go-to resource for determining the value of new and used cars. In addition to vehicle valuation, KBB provides comprehensive information and reviews on new and used cars, including specifications, consumer ratings, expert reviews, and more.

Features:

Best websites for obtaining used car history

1. BeenVerified

BeenVerified is a vehicle history check platform that provides access to multiple data sources like state-level government agencies, insurance providers, and auto industry partners. It’s one of the best choices to help you gather detailed information about a certain used car, be it title records, accident & theft history, odometer readings, or recalls. It supports searching by both VIN and license plate.

Simply enter the VIN or license plate of the vehicle, click on the search button, and it will generate a report containing all related details it can find online. Note that BeenVerified is a subscription-based service and you’ll need to purchase a plan to view the report.

What do we like about BeenVerified?
BeenVerified is an all-around search service. With one subscription, you can access its other search services like phone number, email address, and address lookups.

2. Bumper

Bumper is also a professional vehicle history search platform with access to various data sources like car manufacturers, auto insurance providers, and government authorities. As an NMVTIS-approved data provider, Bumper can provide users with the necessary details related to the vehicle searched and help them make wise purchasing decisions. After running a VIN or license plate lookup, it may reveal title records, accident & theft records, odometer readings, and more.

3. EpicVIN

EpicVIN is an online platform that provides vehicle history reports for used cars. It allows users to access detailed information about a vehicle’s history, including its ownership records, accident history, title information, mileage readings, and other relevant data. As an NMVTIS-approved data provider, its data is trustworthy and comprehensive.

4. CARFAX

CARFAX is a well-known online platform that provides vehicle history reports for used cars. It gathers information from various sources, including government agencies, service records, and insurance companies. Its reports offer information about the vehicle’s ownership history, accident history, mileage readings, title information, service and maintenance records, and more.

To explore more options that are equally reliable and trustworthy, you can navigate to the NMVTIS website and check for the approved NMVTIS data providers list.

Best websites for selecting auto parts

1. AdvanceAutoParts

AdvanceAutoParts is an online retailer specializing in auto parts, accessories, and maintenance products. It offers a wide range of auto parts and accessories, including engine components, brakes, batteries, filters, fluids, tools, and more. You can shop online or in its physical store near you. The website is user-friendly and you’ll find it no difficult task to match the correct au part for your car.

What it offers:

Shop Now >

2. JEGS

JEGS was launched in the 1960s by Jeg Coughlin, a hot rod enthusiast frustrated by the unavailability of quality car parts in his hometown. The shop started half garage, half parts store, and has strived into one of the most trusted names in automotive performance. JEGS offers a vast inventory of auto parts and accessories, including brakes, drivetrain components, cooling systems, engines, exhaust systems, tires, and much more.

What it offers:

Shop Now >

3. PartsGeek

PartsGeek has been in operation since 2008 and has built a reputation as a reliable online auto parts retailer. It’s a one-stop auto parts marketplace that provides millions of high-quality genuine, OEM, aftermarket, refurbished, and rebuilt auto parts to its customers worldwide. It boasts access to hard-to-find car parts from many manufacturers and third-party vendors throughout the United States. Also, the platform is known for offering competitive and affordable prices.

What it offers:

Shop Now >

4. MegaZip

MegaZip is a leading online store for genuine new parts that sells not only car parts, but also motorcycle, ATV, outboard, and generator parts. It offers over 10 million genuine OEM parts and speedy deliveries to 200+ countries worldwide. Also, Customers can receive bonuses for their next purchase by creating a video or posting a review on social media. But note that MegaZip has a focus on Japanese brands, like Toyota, Suzuki, Nissan, and more.

What it offers:

Shop Now >

Final thoughts

In this post, we listed some of the best used car websites that can help with your used car selling, purchasing, or finding the right auto parts. Some of them stand out for their easy-to-use appraisal tools, competitive pricing, and user-friendly pages, while others excel in providing high-quality products. And they can simplify your search and ensure a satisfying experience.

However, despite all of the convenience provided by these useful websites, we still recommend you to have the car thoroughly examined by a professional mechanic, especially when you’re buying.

The post Best Used Car Websites | Used Car Buying, Selling & Servicing appeared first on Super Easy.

Edmunds is a well-known automotive information platform that offers a range of vehicle-related services, including car value estimation, buying & selling guidance, and more. And it’s no doubt a good option to evaluate a used car. In this post, we’ll share how to get Edmunds used car value and other reliable alternatives.

How does Edmunds determine the used car value?

Edmunds determines used car values through a combination of proprietary data, market analysis, and industry expertise. Some of the main factors include:

• Mileage: vehicles with higher mileage tend to be worth less.
• Year, make, and model: newer and more popular models worth more.
• Modification: the type, quality of the modifications, and the preferences of buyers are the main factors.
• Condition: damage, wear and tear, and other issues.
• Market preference: supply and demand can impact a car’s value in a specific area.

How to use Edmunds to price a used car?

Using Edmunds to evaluate a used car is simple. Just navigate to Edmunds’ official page and use its appraisal tool. It allows you to search by the license plate, VIN, or year & make. Either way, you’ll need to provide further details required to get a more accurate quote. Here’s an example of how to search car value by the VIN.

1. Navigate to the Edmunds appraisal page.
2. Select the VIN tab, enter the VIN, and click on the search button.
   
3. Fill in the details about the car, which will include its installed options, mileage, condition, and modifications.
   
4. Then Edmunds will evaluate the car. Once done, it will show you the estimated price provided by its partners.
   

Other options to find used car value

Typically, most of the online used car value estimators work the same: you enter a VIN or license plate, fill in the car specs (or not), and then they will do the job for you. Listed below are some of the highly recognized platforms to evaluate a used car.

1. Carvana

Carvana is a well-known online platform for buying and selling used cars. It offers the Carvana Value Tracker to help users get an estimate of their current vehicle’s value based on various factors like the make, model, year, mileage, condition, and any additional features or options.

2. Kelley Blue Book

Kelley Blue Book, as a widely recognized and trusted online automobile information platform in the United States, offers a used car value estimator. It supports searching by VIN, license plate, and year & make. If you’re selling your car, KBB is a good option because it offers a range of services including vehicle pricing, selling, and purchasing.

3. BeenVerified

BeenVerified is a strong vehicle history search tool that is powered by Bumper, an NMVTIS-approved data provider. What makes it stand out is its ability to estimate the car value with only a VIN, and you don’t have to know every small detail about the car. Besides, with access to multiple data sources like dealerships, manufacturers, and government agencies, it can fetch much information like accident & theft records, titles, odometer readings, and more.

To use the service, you can follow the below steps:

1. Go to BeenVerified.
2. Enter the VIN of your car into the search box and click SEARCH to initiate the search process.
   
3. Wait as BeenVerified searches through its data sources and gathers all the information related to the VIN. Then it’ll generate a report that can include the market value of the car.
   
4. BeenVerified uses its internal algorithms to collect all the necessary information and analyze its value automatically. Note that you’ll need to purchase a membership plan to view the full report.
   

What do we like about BeenVerified?
Apart from the market value, BeenVerified can also offer you past sale listings, previous selling history, ownership history, and more, and you don’t need to provide any further details.

4. Bumper

Bumper is an Approved NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System) Data Provider. And it also spares users the trouble of providing car details. Bumper gathers information from government authorities and insurance providers. Apart from the market value, it can also show you title records, odometer readings, and more of the vehicles searched.

5. EpicVIN

EpicVIN is also a good choice as you try to estimate the value of a used car. It’s also an NMVTIS-powered vehicle data provider. With access to multiple public data resources, it can offer you genuine and detailed vehicle information like market value, recalls, odometer readings, theft records, hidden damages, and more.

You may also want to know…

1. How to get a more accurate estimate?

Multiple factors will affect the market value of a used car. To get a relatively accurate estimate on your car, you can try the following methods:

• Use reliable online tools
  Websites like Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and BeenVerified offer comprehensive data access and calculators to help determine a car’s value based on factors like make, year, and condition.
• Compare multiple sources
  Each source may use different algorithms or data points, so considering multiple estimates can provide a more well-rounded perspective on the car’s value.
• Consider Local Market Conditions
  Factors such as demand, availability, and regional pricing trends can impact a car’s value.
• Consult professionals
  They can offer experience and expertise that can help refine the valuation.
• Perform physical inspection
  For a more accurate assessment, consider having the car inspected by a qualified mechanic or automotive technician.

2. Does Edmunds provide information on the past pricing trends of used cars?

Yes, Edmunds shows information on the historical pricing trends of used cars. In its reports, Edmunds will offer pricing data on the car searched, where you can find historical pricing information for used cars. This information allows you to track how the prices of specific makes and models of used cars have changed over time.

3. Does Edmunds provide a vehicle history report for used cars?

No, Edmunds does not provide a vehicle history report for used cars.

However, there are other reputable services and websites that specialize in providing vehicle history reports. Some well-known providers of vehicle history reports include CARFAX, Bumper, EpicVIN, and more. You can refer to the NMVTIS official website for data providers that are approved by it.

Final thoughts

When you’re purchasing a used car, it’s important to understand that relying solely on VIN lookup reports is not sufficient for you to determine the actual condition of a car. Remember to have the vehicle thoroughly inspected by a mechanic before purchasing.  

The post Edmunds Used Car Value | Find Used Car Value, History & More appeared first on Super Easy.

License plate numbers are primarily used for identification and registration. And a quick look at a USA license plate will tell you nothing more than the state of registration. If you want to know more detailed information, you’ll need to use a license plate decoder. In this post, we’ll share with you how.

What info can you get by decoding a license plate?

There are many online license plate decoders available that can help you fetch information related to the license plate. The specific details available may vary depending on the state, but here are some common types of information you can potentially obtain:

License plate decoders

Listed below are some of the popular decoders that we’ve tested and trust. You can check them out and select the one for your need.

1. BeenVerified

BeenVerified is a strong vehicle search tool. With access to various data sources like state-level government agencies, insurance providers, and auto industry partners, it can reveal many details you need to know about a vehicle. Enter the license plate number, and it will generate a report that may contain its accident & salvage records, market value, detailed history, and more.

1. Go to BeenVerified.
2. Enter the license plate number, state, 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 Recalls section.
   
5. Note that BeenVerified is a subscription-based service and you’ll need to purchase a membership plan to view the report.

What do we like about BeenVerified?
BeenVerified is an all-around search service. With one subscription, you can access its other search services like phone number, email address, and address lookups.

2. Bumper

Bumper is an Approved NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System) Data Provider. It’s a leading vehicle search tool that gathers information from government authorities, insurance providers, and more. In its report, you may get the title records, accident & theft records, and more.

1. Visit the Bumper search page.
2. Select License Plate, enter the number and state, then click SEARCH.
   
3. Wait a few seconds as Bumper collects related information and generates a report.
   

3. EpicVIN

EpicVIN will give you some preliminary information before you’re purchasing the full report, including the VIN, engine size, last odometer readings & selling price. It’s also an NMVTIS-powered vehicle data provider. With access to data collected from multiple public resources, it can help you decode a license plate easily.

1. Go to EpicVIN.
2. Select by US License Plate, enter the number, and click on the search button.
   
3. Wait as EpicVIN finds the information related to the plate number. You can use the preliminary information or purchase the full report.
   

4. Edmunds

Edmunds is a well-known automotive information platform that offers a range of vehicle-related services like car pricing, buying & selling guidance, and more. And it supports license plate lookup. So if you’re curious about the vehicle’s market value, you can give Edmunds a try.

1. Navigate to Edmunds.
2. Select the License Plate tab, Enter the plate number and state, then click on the search button.
   
3. Fill in the specific condition of the vehicle, then Edmunds will show you the estimated value provided by its working partners.
   

5. ClearVIN

ClearVIN is an online platform that provides vehicle history reports for used cars in the United States. By accessing data from various sources, including government databases, insurance companies, and vehicle auctions, ClearVIN compiles detailed reports that may include information about a vehicle’s history, such as accidents, titles, odometer readings, and more. Note that it is not a free tool.

You may also want to know…

What is a license plate decoder?

A license plate decoder is a tool that allows individuals to obtain information from a vehicle’s license plate. It can provide information such as the state where the vehicle is registered, the year of registration, and other details.

Are there any free license plate decoders?

Yes, there are multiple services that offer free license plate lookup. However, free license plate decoders typically offer limited information, like the ones we’ve mentioned above. Services that provide comprehensive details are mostly paid ones.

Final thoughts

You can go to the NMVTIS website and check for other available license plate decoders. Note that unauthorized decoding of license plates for malicious purposes is illegal and can infringe upon privacy rights. We hope you find the post helpful!

The post License Plate Decoder | Get Vehicle History, Titles & Value appeared first on Super Easy.

When buying or selling a used car, it’s important to know its value to ensure a fair price. And there are a bunch of online car value estimators that can give you a general idea of how much is the car worth. In this post, we’ll share how to find car value by license plate.

How to find car value by license plate

Typically, a car is evaluated by its make, year, mileage, condition, and market demand. And license plates are primarily used for identification, rather than for determining the value of a vehicle. In that case, you can use a license plate decoder to automatically match and evaluate the car for you.

1. BeenVerified

BeenVerified is a strong vehicle search tool that supports license plate lookup. With access to multiple data sources like dealerships, manufacturers, and government agencies, it can fetch much information related to the vehicle, including the market value. Better yet, its detailed history report may contain accident & theft records, titles, odometer readings, and more.

1. Visit the BeenVerified vehicle search page.
2. Enter the license plate 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.
   
5. To view the car value, you can go to the Market Value section. Note that BeenVerified is a subscription-based service and you’ll need to purchase a membership plan to view the report.
   

What do we like about BeenVerified?
Apart from the market value, BeenVerified can also offer you past sale listings, previous selling history, ownership history, and more, and you don’t need to provide any further details. With that, you can get a clearer view of the actual car value.

Also, BeenVerified is an all-around search service. With one subscription, you can access its other search services like phone number, email address, and address lookups.

2. Bumper

Bumper is an Approved NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System) Data Provider. Like BeenVerified, it’s a leading vehicle search tool that gathers information from numerous sources, including government authorities, insurance providers, and more. Apart from the market value, it can also show you title records, odometer readings, and more of the vehicle.

1. Go to Bumper.
2. Select License Plate, enter the number and state, then click SEARCH.
   
3. Wait as Bumper searches for the data related to the vehicle and generates a report. Along with the market value, you may also find odometer readings, title status, theft & accident reports in it. Note that Bumper is also a paid service.
   

3. Edmunds

Edmunds is also a well-known automotive information and online resource company that offers numerous vehicle-related services like car pricing, buying & selling guidance, and more. It also provides license plate lookup.

Simply enter the license plate, fill in the detailed vehicle information, and Edmunds will show you the estimated price provided by its working partners.

4. Kelley Blue Book

Kelley Blue Book offers a new and used car value estimator that is widely recognized and trusted in the United States. And it supports license plate lookup. If you’re selling your car, KBB is a good option because it offers a range of services including vehicle pricing, selling, and purchasing.

Navigate to its value estimator, enter the license plate, and click Go. Then you’ll need to provide further information about your car, including interior & exterior equipment, modifications, and other specifications.

After all that, KBB will present you with a possible car value range and you can choose whether you want to sell the car on its platform.

Final thoughts

To ensure an accurate evaluation, typical car value estimators like KBB and Edmunds will ask you to provide a bunch of detailed information about the car. If you’d skip the trouble or you’re evaluating one that you’re not familiar with, maybe you can try a one-stop solution like BeenVerified and Bumper. We hope you find the post helpful!

Featured image by Pexels.com

The post How to Find Car Value by License Plate | 2023 appeared first on Super Easy.

Different vehicles require different types of fuel to operate efficiently. Using the appropriate fuel type is crucial for optimal performance and maximum efficiency, while using the wrong type can lead to engine misfires or even complete engine failure. In this post, we will share some methods to easily check the fuel type of a vehicle using its VIN.

1. Use a VIN decoder

There is a wide range of VIN decoders available that can help you find not only the fuel type of a certain car, but also other details like title history, theft & accident records, prices, and more. We have handpicked and tested three of the best options for you.

1. BeenVerified

BeenVerified is a robust vehicle search tool. With access to multiple data sources including state-level government agencies, insurance providers, and auto industry partners, it can help you collect much useful information related to a vehicle. For example, titles, recalls, accident & theft records, odometer readings, and more. The fuel type is also included.

1. Go to BeenVerified.
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.
   
5. To view the fuel type information, you can go to the Vehicle Specs section. Note that BeenVerified is a subscription-based service and you’ll need to purchase a membership plan to view the report.
   

2. EpicVIN

EpicVIN is an NMVTIS-approved data provider that collects data from multiple sources and can provide you with genuine and detailed information like the car’s titles, salvage & accident records, market value, and more. On its report, you can find the fuel type of the vehicle searched in the specifications section.

1. Go to EpicVIN.
2. Enter the VIN and click on the search button.
   
3. Then EpicVIN will start the search process and generate a report. Note that you’ll need to purchase a plan before viewing it.
   

3. NHTSA VIN Decoder (free)

NHTSA VIN Decoder is an online tool provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that allows users to decode and obtain information about vehicles using their VIN. In its reports, you may find the year & make, engine and transmission specs (fuel type), and plant information.

NHTSA VIN Decoder is a useful tool to help you learn more about a specific vehicle, but it does not provide a complete vehicle history report. To get comprehensive details like accident & theft records, service history, and ownership history, you can try one of the options we’ve mentioned above.

2. Refer to the Owner’s Manual

Another method to check the fuel type by VIN is by referring to the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual. Most car manufacturers offer digital copies of owner’s manuals on their official websites. To match the right version, you’ll need to provide the VIN or the year & make.

1. Enter “[brand] owner’s manual” into the search box of Google to find the brand’s page. For example, BMW owner's manual.
   
2. Navigate to the official page and enter the VIN of your car.
   
3. Then it will give you the digital copy of the manual that matches your car, where you can find the fuel type.
   
4. Note that some car brands like Honda and Toyota may require the year and make of your car to find the right copy.

3. Check for the fuel door label

Checking for the fuel type is so much easier if you have access to the vehicle itself, and you don’t need to know its VIN. Simply open the fuel door of the car and you should find a label pasted on the back of it. This label will clearly indicate the type of fuel required to operate the vehicle properly.

4. Search by the license plate

If you don’t have access to the VIN of the car, you can still find the fuel type by using the license plate. All of the VIN decoders we’ve recommended in the above support searching by license plate. To find the fuel type fast, you can choose one of them to perform a license plate lookup or simply enter the number in the search box below.

That’s pretty much all you need to know about how to check fuel type by VIN. If none of the methods work for you, you can also contact your car dealership and ask for help. We hope you find the post helpful!

Featured image from Pexels.com

The post How to Check Fuel Type by VIN | 2023 appeared first on Super Easy.

Ownerly.com is an easy-to-use online house value estimator that can appraise a house at a certain address based on multiple factors. Whether you’re selling or buying a house, it can help you make informed decisions. In this post, we’ll discuss how to estimate a property’s value on Ownerly.com and explore other reliable options.

How to evaluate a house on Ownerly.com?

To check for house value on Ownerly is simple. Navigate to the website, enter the address, then click on the search button to initiate the search process. Then you’ll be prompted to enter your email address and purchase a plan before you can view the report.

In its report, you can find the following information:

To estimate the value of a house by address, there are both paid and free tools available. If you just need a rough idea of the house value, you can choose a free service, which only offers limited information. But if you’d like to find the owner and other property details like deeds and liens, you might need a paid one.

One-stop solutions to finding house value & owner

BeenVerified

BeenVerified is our preferred choice to evaluate a house and find owners by address. As the upstream data provider of Ownerly, it offers not only the same-standard property details including market value, current owners, deeds, and liens as Ownerly but also a wide range of people search features. That means you can get both detailed property and owner information within one subscription.

1. Go to the BeenVerified property search page.
2. Type in the address and click SEARCH.
   
3. Wait a few seconds as BeenVerified collects all the data available and generates a report. You’ll need to purchase a plan before you can view it.
   
4. In the report, you can view the market value and other details about the house searched. You can also click on the owner to see their information.
   

PeopleLooker

PeopleLooker is a people search website that allows you to search for property information, which may include the current and previous owners of the property, any known residents, the house’s value, deeds, and liens. It collects data from a wide variety of publicly available sources that can help you make wise decisions as you verify the information about a property that you’re interested in.

1. Go to PeopleLooker.
2. Enter the address and click the search button.
   
3. Wait a few seconds until the search process finishes. In the report, you may find both the detailed property and owner information.
   

Free house value estimators

If you only need a general estimate of the house value, you can use a free value calculator that is easily accessible online. Listed below are some widely recognized tools to help you learn more about a property.

Zillow

Zestimate is a home valuation tool developed by the online real estate company Zillow. It is an estimate of a home’s market value based on many factors including the home’s physical attributes, location, and recent sales of similar properties in the nearby area.

Realtor

The Realtor.com house value estimator provides users with an estimated value range for a property, along with information on recent sales and similar properties in the area. It also provides a confidence score, which indicates the level of accuracy of the estimate.

Redfin

Redfin house value estimator is a tool developed by Redfin, a popular real estate platform. And the company says its value estimates are updated daily for active listings, and weekly for off-market properties

Bank of America

Bank of America provides multiple house-selling tools, including a free house value estimator for both active listings and off-market homes. Simply type in the address of a property, and the platform will show users an estimated value within seconds.

How to get a relatively accurate estimate?

An online house value estimate tool is no doubt fast and convenient. But there’s more to do to get an accurate estimate:

• Compare multiple estimates
  You can use multiple estimators to get a better idea of what a property might be worth in the current market.
• Hire a professional appraiser
  An appraiser is much more professional and regulated compared to an online estimator. But they might be costly.
• Contact a real estate agent
  As you buy or sell a house, an experienced and knowledgeable real estate agent can help you a lot.

The post Ownerly.com House Value | Find Value & Owner by Address appeared first on Super Easy.