Buying a used car is a purchase potentially fraught with problems: stories of people unwittingly buying ‘lemons’ are not uncommon and can leave the buyer out of pocket, while some vehicles are sold by unscrupulous dealers or individuals as being something they are ultimately discovered not to be. This is why it is highly recommended that, when looking for a used car, you rely on respected dealers, and use a vehicle history checking system to ensure that you are buying what you are told. One of the most popular vehicle history reporting services available is checkcardna.com, which claims to provide a comprehensive report on the history of a used vehicle. We took a look at Check Car DNA to see if it really does live up to these claims.
What is Check Car DNA?
Put simply, checkcardna.com is a way of making sure that you know everything you can about the used car you are considering buying before you commit to the transaction. The simple to use online system allows you to get a report that shows the true history of the vehicle in detail: everything from accidents the car has been involved through to the correct mileage, as well as the original title of the vehicle to any water damage or commercial use is reported. The report also tells you if the car you are buying has been branded a ‘lemon’ – meaning it does not comply with express warranties as defined in the relevant state. It is worth noting that different states have different definitions as to what constitutes a lemon. The comprehensive report covers all aspects of the car’s history and is a vital source of information for the buyer.
How Does Check Car DNA Work?
Check Car DNA is designed to be easy to use and its reports are clearly laid out and simple to understand. The user simply enters the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the car – or cars – they are interested in, and the report is generated from this. The VIN is an individual number given to every vehicle that is manufactured for use on the roads – wherever in the world it may be – and defines such details as the type and make of vehicle, where it as-built, its specification, and more. The VIN is entered into a database by police forces in the event of a car being stolen, hence those that have been stolen and recovered can be easily identified.
The Check Car DNA report generates four specific checking areas:
Title Check – this looks at whether the car has been salvaged or rebuilt, if it has been fire damaged at any time in its history, or if it has suffered any other reported damage.
Odometer Check – essential for knowing whether the car has or has ever had a broken or replaced odometer, whether it has been illegally rolled-back by someone, and if it has suspect miles for its age.