Since the introduction of free VIN checks on this forum, I will like to know if it has really helped anyone out there in averting the purchase of a potentially problematic/questionable vehicle(s).

PLEASE DO NO MENTION ANY DEALER(S) BY NAME OR THE PLACE WHERE YOU INTEND TO PURCHASE THE VEHICLE!

We just want to learn from individual experience(s).

Also, lets know how it has helped you in going forward with your purchase.

in my case, i bought my vehicle before i joined N.L. i was wondering the state of the vehicle until i got the VIN report for it. i even got to read the comments of the previous owner of the vehicle on carfax, that greatly educated me on the history as well as the general condition of the car before my purchase.

The VIN check is key to purchasing any car, especially on cars starting from the year 2000 and above. I got a car with a millage of 9,333 - a car of almost 4 years. Dont you think that seems impossible? My question was: did the owner packed the car or din't use it too ofen? How come the millage was very low - a 4year old car?

So i asked for a VIN check. Alas! The millage was 90, 333, which was still fair enough! So it was changed not in naija but in america. I printed out all the info including the carfax details. I showed it to the dealer who had argued with me that the millage was not touched. Guess what happened?

First, he reduced the price by 200k. Because the lower the millage, the higher the price. Secondly, he is now registered on nairaland checking the VIN of his cars b4 he brings them to nigeria.

This car i got from him was very clean, serviced 5 times in illinios, no accident reported and was a single owner vehicle.

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