When you’re in the market for a modern Japanese classic like a Nissan 350Z or Subaru WRX, the thrill of acquisition can sometimes eclipse the due diligence required in the buying process.
One of the essential steps when purchasing a used vehicle is obtaining a vehicle history report. Whether you acquire this report through a dealership or independently can make a significant difference in the transparency and the outcome of your purchase.
At Garage Dreams, we stand by the adage “trust but verify,” especially when it involves dealer-supplied information. Let’s explore the pros and cons of getting a vehicle history report from a dealership versus independently.
Table of Contents
Pros of Getting a Vehicle History Report from a Dealership
Convenience: Dealerships usually have a system in place to quickly pull up a vehicle history report, making it a convenient option for buyers to access this information almost instantly.
Initial Trust: Dealerships may offer a vehicle history report as a token of trust to assure buyers of the car’s clean record, making the initial stages of the buying process appear more transparent.
Possible Comprehensiveness: Some dealerships may provide a comprehensive report that includes warranty information, recall notices, and service records if they are closely affiliated with the brand of the car.
Cons of Getting a Vehicle History Report from a Dealership
Potential Bias: A dealership has a vested interest in the sale of the vehicle and may only disclose information that supports the sale, inadvertently or otherwise.
Selective Reporting: Some dealers might provide a report that omits certain details. For example, a car might have a clean title, but the history of minor accidents or repairs could be left undisclosed.
Cost Markup: Dealerships may charge a premium for providing this service, whereas obtaining a report independently can often be less expensive or even free.
Pros of Getting a Vehicle History Report Independently
Control and Verification: When you obtain a report independently, you have control over the service provider and can ensure the information is coming from a reliable source, such as CarVertical, Carfax or AutoCheck.
Comprehensive Information: Independent reports often provide a detailed history, including title transfers, accident history, repair records, and odometer readings.
Peace of Mind: By doing your own due diligence, you can have greater peace of mind, knowing you have verified the information independently without relying on the word of someone with a potential conflict of interest.
Cons of Getting a Vehicle History Report Independently
Time, Effort And Cost: You’ll need to invest personal time and effort to acquire a report, including finding a reputable provider and potentially paying for the service. There is also an additional financial cost to purchasing an independent vehicle history check/report.
Inconvenience: Obtaining a history report independently can add an extra step in your car buying process, which can sometimes be a little inconvenient compared to the streamlined process at a dealership.
When hunting for a modern classic Japanese car, a vehicle history report can either be a deal-maker or a deal-breaker. It’s crucial to approach dealer-supplied reports with a healthy dose of skepticism. Remember that the goal of the dealership is to sell cars, which may sometimes lead to glossing over negative aspects of a vehicle’s past.
The case for independence in obtaining a vehicle history report is strong, especially for enthusiast cars like the Nissan 350Z or Subaru WRX.
These vehicles often have a passionate following, and previous owners may have made modifications or driven the car hard – and unfortunately there is a higher-than-average likelihood of previous accident damage.
A thorough, independently sourced vehicle history report can uncover such nuances, giving you a clearer picture of what you are about to invest in.
In conclusion, while dealership reports can be convenient and initially reassuring, the savvier move is to procure the vehicle history report yourself. It’s an additional layer of security in the buying process that ensures you have unbiased information at your fingertips. After all, when it comes to modern classics, it’s not just about the drive, it’s about the dream and ensuring that dream doesn’t turn into an unexpected nightmare. Trust but verify – it’s the Garage Dreams way.
