More used vehicles are sold each each year than new. And a vehicle history report (e.g. CarFax or AutoCheck) is the strongest weapon in a consumer’s aresenal.  A consumer can find out if a vehicle was in a prior accident, has frame damage, whether or not there is an odometer discrepancy, how many prior owners, etc.

But, what if a consumer wants to know whether the vehicle ever had its transmission replaced under warranty? Or if the dealer serviced the vehicle before offering it for sale? Or whether there are any outstanding safety recalls?

1. If you want to know a vehicle’s warranty history - the only place you can get it is from a dealer that sells the brand of vehicle you are looking to buy. So if you are planning on buying a Toyota and want to know whether it had anything fixed under the manufacturer’s warranty - you would need to ask a Toyota dealership for the “Warranty History” for that vehicle. The dealer can print it off for you (for free).

2. If you want to know about the service (and any reconditioning) the dealership did prior to offering the vehicle for sale - ask to see any “Repair Orders” that show what kind of maintenance was done on the vehicle. If they say they changed the oil, rotated the tires, and gave it a tune-up - - fine. Show it to me.

3. Finally, if you want to see if there are any outstaning recalls on the vehicle, the dealership that sells that make of brand, can pull an “Open Campaign List” for that vehicle. Any open recalls should be performed before you take delivery and both the parts and labor for the recall are free. The manufacturer has to pay the dealer to perform the work.

The last bit of advice goes to common sense. Always test drive a vehicle before you buy it. And if there are any funny or unusual noises, feelings, smells, etc. address them and make sure the dealer puts any promises in writing. Also, consider (strongly) getting an extended warranty for any used vehicle you buy.  Statistically, you will need it and if you ever decide to cancel it - you get a refund of the unused portion back.