A vehicle history report is the closest thing a used car has to a medical record. It will not tell you everything, but read properly it rules out most of the expensive surprises before you ever book a test drive.
Start with the title
A clean title means the car has never been declared a total loss. Salvage, rebuilt or flood titles are not automatically deal-breakers, but they change what the car is worth and how easy it is to insure.
Count the owners, then ask why
Two owners over eight years is normal. Four owners in three years is worth a question. Fleet and rental history is fine if the service record backs it up.
Match the odometer to the service log
Mileage should climb steadily between services and inspections. A reading that goes backwards, or a long unexplained gap, deserves a closer look before you sign anything.
