Doing a VIN check is super easy, and it’s definitely a step you shouldn’t skip. I bought a used Chevy Silverado last year, and using a
VIN check helped me catch some hidden info. A good report will give you accident history, title changes, odometer readings, and sometimes even maintenance records. While there are free options out there, they usually only give you the basics—like the car's specs and where it was manufactured. If you want the real meat, like whether it’s been in any accidents or if there’s a salvage title, you’re better off paying a little. Vindecoderz is one I’d recommend; they dig deeper than most free options and give you a fuller picture. Just enter the VIN on their site, and in a few minutes, you’ll have a detailed report. The key is to look for inconsistencies between what the report says and what the seller is telling you.