Get a vehicle history report

When you buy a used car from a private seller, it is a good idea to get a vehicle history report from Carfax. A vehicle history report is not the same as a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP).

It contains information about:

• if the car has been damaged or in an accident
• if there is a lien on the car
• if the car is stolen
• if there is a safety recall on the car

A lien is when there is money owing on the vehicle. For example, if the original owner has not fully paid their car loan, there will be a lien on the vehicle. It's important to know if there is a lien so that you don't get stuck paying off the original car loan.

If there is a lien that has not been paid, the creditor can come and take the car away from you. A creditor is a person who is owed money.

You can order these reports online for a fee.