One car, one report, a clearer buying decision

Vehicle history report before you buy

Compare the car's history with the seller's story before agreeing on a price. A Carlytics vehicle history report brings available mileage, inspection and registration records together with vehicle specifications and buying context. Start with the free VIN preview, view a sample and choose a single report or a package for your shortlist.

View sample report Compare report packages

Evaluate the actual car

Use the VIN to match the vehicle's identity and specifications to the listing before reviewing the available history.

Read the history in context

Compare available mileage, inspection and registration records with the seller's documents, then investigate the questions they raise.

Keep the report for the purchase

Review it online and download the PDF to discuss with the seller or an independent inspector.

Before you enter a VIN

Preview the detail behind a vehicle history check

Use the vehicle’s identity, dated history and seller’s documents together. This mileage example shows how a specific record can change your next question to the seller.

Example: compare the original units

Fictional documents for the same car, not readings from a real Carlytics report:
Dated evidence with a matching VIN	Reading and original unit
Foreign workshop invoice, March 2024	85,000 mi, equivalent to about 136,794 km.
Workshop invoice after import, April 2025	100,000 km.
Seller’s advert, September 2026	110,000 km.

The earlier record shows more distance.

85,000 miles is about 136,794 kilometers, above both later readings. Ask the seller to explain the difference and supply records of any correction or instrument replacement before you commit.

Public sample report

2020 Volkswagen Golf

Open the full Carlytics demonstration to explore its vehicle specifications, recall information and market details before buying your own report.

Read the actual report layout and decide which details matter for the car you are considering.

View the full sample report Check my VIN

No VIN entry or payment needed to view the sample.

What to look for in your vehicle history report

Begin with identity and work toward the purchase decision. Check that the car matches the listing, read available historical records in date order and note anything the seller has not explained. The report also brings together recall and common-problem information, running-cost context and market-value estimates to help you ask better questions.

Vehicle specifications: compare the model, engine and equipment information with the advertisement.
Mileage history: compare dated readings with the dashboard and seller's mileage claim.
Damage and theft checks: review available reported accident information and stolen-vehicle findings before committing to the car.
Inspection and registration history: review available records and changes in the vehicle's timeline.
Buying context: take relevant recall, maintenance and condition questions to an independent inspection.

Buying a European import? Look at the years before it arrived.

The current registration country may describe only the latest part of the car's life. If the car was registered in Europe, compare available European history with the seller's US documents. Check the mileage around the export date and retain the original units when switching between kilometers and miles.

Ask for previous registration countries and the export date.
Compare earlier records with the first local registration and current listing.
Keep the history report alongside service invoices, export documents and the inspection report.

Check your VIN before buying

Choose a report for the car, or a package for your shortlist

A single report costs $9.90 USD. If you are comparing several cars, the 3-report package costs $19.90 and the 5-report package costs $29.90. Check the candidates before choosing a favorite so a late discovery does not force you to restart your search.

One candidate: start with its VIN and order a single report.
Several candidates: compare the package options on the US pricing page.
At the viewing: bring the PDF and ask the seller to explain any mismatches.
Before the purchase: combine the history with the original paperwork and an independent inspection.

Free VIN preview or full vehicle history report?

Start by identifying the car, then use the full report when you are ready to assess its available history.

Step	What you use it for	When to use it
Free VIN preview	Confirm the vehicle identity before proceeding	When you first receive the seller's VIN
Sample report	See the layout and the kinds of sections in a report	Before choosing whether to purchase
Full report	Review the available history and buying context for your VIN	Before a deposit, purchase or overseas collection
PDF download	Keep the findings beside the seller's documents	At the viewing or independent inspection

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a vehicle history report cost?

A single Carlytics vehicle history report costs $9.90 USD. The 3-report package is $19.90 and the 5-report package is $29.90. These are one-time purchases with no subscription.

What do I need to order a report?

You need the vehicle's 17-character VIN. Ask the seller to send it or find it on the registration document, dashboard or driver's door area. Enter the VIN, review the preview and follow the checkout to access the full report.

Can I see a sample vehicle history report first?

Yes. Open the sample report linked on this page to see the layout and report sections. A sample demonstrates the format; the records in your own report depend on the vehicle and the sources available for its VIN.

Can I download the report?

Yes. The full report is available online and as a downloadable PDF. Save it with the listing, service documents and independent inspection findings so you can refer to the same information when negotiating.

When should I buy a vehicle history report?

Order it while you can still compare alternatives, ideally before paying a deposit or traveling to collect the car. Use the findings to decide what paperwork to request and which questions to raise during the inspection.

Is the report useful for an imported car?

Yes. When a vehicle has European registration history, available earlier records can add context to its present-day listing. Compare the pre-import timeline with the seller's local records and check any switch between kilometers and miles.

Get the history before you make the offer

Start with the free VIN preview. Review the sample report, then get your full report for $9.90 USD when you are ready.

Checking several cars? Compare packages See the sample report