From Ken's Desk

When shopping for a used vehicle, one of the first things many buyers ask is:

“Does it have a clean CARFAX?”

It’s a good question. A vehicle history report can provide valuable information about a used car’s past. But after decades in the automotive business, I can tell you something that’s equally important:

A clean vehicle history report doesn't automatically mean you're looking at a great vehicle.

And a vehicle with an accident reported in its history isn't automatically a bad one.

The history report is important—but it's only one piece of the puzzle.

What a Vehicle History Report Can Tell You

A vehicle history report may provide information such as:

1. Reported accidents or damage
2. Title history
3. Number of previous owners
4. Reported mileage
5. Registration history
6. Some maintenance and service records
7. Whether the vehicle has been reported as a total loss

That's valuable information, and it's one of the tools we use when evaluating vehicles.

But there are things a history report simply can't tell us.

Not Everything Gets Reported

If damage or a repair was never reported to a participating source, it may never appear on the vehicle history report.

A previous owner could have paid for a repair out of pocket. Bodywork could have been performed without an insurance claim. Maintenance may have been completed by the owner or a shop that doesn't report its records.

That's why we don't evaluate a vehicle based solely on what appears on a computer screen.

We evaluate the vehicle itself.

Condition Matters More Than a Piece of Paper

Give me two identical vehicles—same year, same model and similar mileage—and their actual condition can be dramatically different.

One may have been properly maintained, driven responsibly and cared for throughout its life.

The other may have missed maintenance, been driven hard, or received questionable repairs.

Both could have a "clean" history report.

That's why inspecting and driving the vehicle matters.

We look at the overall condition, how the vehicle drives, signs of previous repairs, maintenance history when available, tires, brakes, mechanical condition and many other details before deciding whether a vehicle is one we want to sell.

What About a Vehicle With an Accident?

This is another area where buyers sometimes make assumptions.

An accident on a vehicle history report doesn't necessarily mean you should walk away.

There's a big difference between properly repaired minor damage and serious structural damage.

The important questions are:

What happened? How extensive was the damage? Was it repaired correctly? And what condition is the vehicle in today?

Those answers matter much more than simply seeing the word "accident" on a report.

Use the Report—Don't Let It Make the Decision for You

When you're considering a used vehicle, absolutely look at its history report.

But don't stop there.

Look at the vehicle's overall condition. Review available maintenance history. Drive it. Have it inspected. Ask questions.

And perhaps most importantly, buy from someone you trust to give you honest answers.

A vehicle history report is a useful tool.

It isn't a substitute for experience, inspection and good judgment.

That's something we've learned after decades of buying, selling and servicing used vehicles at Lebanon Auto Sales.

Our goal isn't simply to help you find your next vehicle. It's to help you make a smarter automotive decision.

About the Author

Ken Ebersole is President of Lebanon Auto Sales and has spent decades in the automotive business buying, selling and servicing used vehicles. Through From Ken's Desk, he shares practical advice designed to help Central Pennsylvania drivers make smarter automotive decisions.