What is the VIN number?
The VIN (Vehicle Identification number) is a unique identifier assigned to each vehicle. It consists of 17 characters that contain information about the brand, model, year of production and the characteristic features of the vehicle. The VIN number is used to track the vehicle history, such as repairs, technical inspections and accidents. This is a key element when checking the technical condition and vehicle history before buying.
What is the AutoCheck Score vehicle rating system?
Only AutoCheck vehicle history reports include the AutoCheck Score, a tool that enables you to understand a vehicle's past quickly and easily, compare it to other vehicles, and lower the risk of buying a vehicle with undetected problems.
Your vehicle's history can affect your vehicle's AutoCheck Score.
Factors that can negatively
influence the Score include:
- Accidents,
- Mileage,
- Title brands such as salvaged or rebuilt title,
- Problems with the odometer such as rollback or broken odometer,
- Frame damage,
- Water damage,
- Whether the vehicle has ever been stolen or repossessed,
- Whether the vehicle has ever been used as a police or taxi vehicle,
What does the AutoCheck Score mean?
The Score is based on a scale of 1 to 100, but it's very important to read the Score in conjunction with the Score Range, since looking at the Score without knowing the range will only reveal half the story.
Review the example below:
Example Car 1
Example Car 2
1999 Nissan Maxima
2005 Chevrolet Malibu
Score: 84
Score: 89
Score average : 76-81
Score average : 90-95
In this example, Car #1 has a lower Score than Car #2. However, take a look at the Score Ranges. For Car #1, other comparable 1999 Nissan Maximas should fall into a range from 76 to 81, but this car scored an 84. That means the car has a more favorable vehicle history (with regard to the Score factors listed above) compared to other similar cars of the same make and model.
Car #2 has a Score of 89. Because this is higher than Car #1's Score, you might assume this car has a more favorable vehicle history, but that's not entirely accurate. Comparable 2005 Chevy Malibus should score in a range from 90 to 95, and this car falls short. That means the car's history is less favorable when compared to other similar cars of the same make and model.
The AutoCheck Score is based on a number of key factors, including:
- Age - In general, the older the car, the lower the Score
- Vehicle Class - Compact cars look nothing like pickup trucks. Their breakdown history can be just as different.
- Mileage - In general, the more miles a vehicle has, the lower the Score, compared to similar vehicles.
- Number of Owners - Our data tell us the typical number of owners that vehicles generally have over time. If a car has had more than the expected number, that can cause the Score to decrease.
- Vehicle Use and Events - Other factors such as taxi use, accidents, repossession and theft history also affect the AutoCheck Score.
Where does AutoCheck get its data?
Developed by Experian, a global leader in information solutions, AutoCheck vehicle history reports are highly valued by thousands of auto dealers, leading U.S. auto auctions, and manufacturer certified pre-owned programs using the reports everyday to ensure they are bringing their customers the very best vehicles available.
AutoCheck vehicle history reports provide essential data from extensive sources:
- Data is compiled from many sources including the Department of Motor Vehicles, salvage yards/recycling facilities, auctions, insurance companies and other independent sources.
- Police-reported accident information is available for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
- Critical information on storm-damaged vehicles and vehicles registered in Federal Emergency Management Agency storm damage areas at the time of major storm events.
Now that you know about the wealth of information AutoCheck Score contains and how easy it is to use, what are you waiting for?
Purchase a vehicle history report for your vehicle today and buy with confidence!
