What Exactly is a Vehicle History Report?
A vehicle history report (VHR) is a detailed document that provides information about a vehicle's past. Think of it as the car's biography; it tells the important events in the life of that vehicle.
A vehicle history report is built from reliable sources such as government vehicle registration records, insurance claim databases, and auction houses. When you run a VIN checkup, the lookup service pulls data from these sources to help you verify the vehicle’s details.
What Information Does a Vehicle History Report Show?
A good report goes beyond just showing you the car details. It also helps you decide if the car is really worth your money. Here’s what a history report reveals:
Basic Car Details (Make, Model, Year, VIN)
A vehicle history report first confirms the car’s true identity using the VIN(vehicle identification number).
It shows you the car details like the make, model, year, engine size, and other specifications. This information helps you confirm that everything matches what the seller is telling you.
Repair History
This section shows whether the car has been in accidents, undergone major repairs, or suffered flood damage that could affect its safety and value.
For example, if a seller claims that a car is ‘accident-free’ when its engine has been rebuilt after a major crash, the report will reveal it.
Auction or Import Records (for tokunbo Cars)
For imported cars, a vehicle history report can show what happened before the car was shipped to Nigeria. You’ll see if it was sold at an auction abroad, listed as damaged, or even marked as a total loss by insurance.
This helps you know whether that clean-looking tokunbo was once flood-damaged or had accident repairs overseas.
Outstanding Loans or Liens
Sometimes, people use their cars as collateral when taking loans, and when they can’t repay, those cars end up with debts attached to them.
A vehicle history report helps you find out if the car you’re about to buy still has unpaid loans or legal claims tied to it. This way, you won’t end up buying a car that a bank or finance company could later come after.
Registration History
The registration history shows the car’s ownership trail, how many people have used it, where it was registered, and for how long. If a car has had up to five different owners in only two years, that’s a red flag worth looking into.
How to Obtain a Vehicle History Report
Getting a VHR is quite easy. All you have to do is follow these steps:
Run a VIN Check: Locate the car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). These digits are usually found on the dashboard or door frame. Then enter it into a trusted service like Tokunbo.io. In minutes, you’ll get a full report on ownership, mileage, and accident history.
Ask the Dealership: Some dealerships provide a history report for cars they’re selling, but it’s always smart to run your own check for peace of mind.
Tips for Buyers: Beyond Reviewing the Report
A vehicle history report is powerful, but it’s not the only step. You'll have to combine it with these checks for full peace of mind:
Conduct a Pre-purchase Inspection: Even the most detailed report can't tell you if the engine makes strange noises or if the air conditioning works properly. Hire a trusted mechanic to physically inspect the car. This inspection, combined with the history report, gives you the complete picture.
Research the Vehicle Model: Some car models are known for common issues, such as a transmission that often fails after 100,000 kilometers or an AC compressor that keeps breaking down. So, do a little research on the vehicle model you’re interested in so you know what to expect and budget for
Take a Test Drive: Never buy a car without driving it yourself. A test drive can reveal problems that neither the report nor a static inspection might catch. Pay attention to how the car starts, steers, brakes, and shifts gears.
Where to Get Vehicle History Reports
The safest way to get a vehicle history report is by using a reliable online service. Tokunbo.io is one of the trusted platforms in Nigeria where you can easily verify vehicle details.
We understand the unique challenges of buying cars locally and provide reports that can save you from costly mistakes. The process is simple: just enter the car's VIN and you'll get a detailed report about its history.
Remember, buying a used car is a major investment. That’s why spending a small amount on a vehicle history report can protect you from losing thousands later.