Are you buying trouble? Buying a used car is a smart choice for millions of Americans, offering affordability and variety. In the U.S., 70–75% of car sales are for used vehicles. However, hidden risks—such as undisclosed accidents, salvage or junk titles, unpaid liens, and active theft records—can turn a great deal into a costly mistake.
Recent hurricanes have added to these risks, with 350,000 flood-damaged vehicles entering the market in 2024. These vehicles often suffer from corrosion and electrical failures, making driving unsafe. Meanwhile, vehicle thefts exceeded 1 million in 2023, continuing an upward trend. This increase highlights the need to check for theft and recovery records to avoid ownership disputes and legal complications.
That’s why vehicle history reports are essential. Buyers rely on them to avoid costly surprises, while sellers use them to build trust. To highlight their importance, VinAudit analyzed 1,000,000 vehicle history reports, uncovering key red flags every buyer should know.
The Used Car Market in the US: A Booming Industry
With 41 million used cars sold annually compared to 17 million new cars, the used car market drives billions into the economy. Buyers have plenty of options to choose from based on their budgets and preferences:
Franchise Dealers – Offer certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles with warranties and inspections for added reliability.
Independent Dealers – Provide affordable options, often without CPO benefits.
Online Platforms – Include car listing sites and fully online services with nationwide searches and home delivery options.
Private Sellers – Offer lower prices but no warranties, requiring buyers to verify history independently.
Rental Car Companies – Sell well-maintained vehicles with service records and limited warranties.
Auctions – Both public and online auctions may offer great deals but require careful research.
Buy Here, Pay Here Lots – Provide in-house financing for buyers with poor credit but often at higher interest rates.
Certified Pre-Owned Programs – Offered by major manufacturers with extended warranties and inspections.
Explore Automotive Market Trends and Insights
VinAudit tracks automotive market trends, including used and new car inventories, sales patterns, and market shifts. These insights provide valuable context for buyers and sellers navigating a dynamic market.
Top Issues Found in Vehicle History Reports
VinAudit analyzed 1 million most recently generated vehicle history reports to find out the most common risks buyers face when purchasing used cars, all of which can affect safety, reliability, and ownership.
1 in 10 vehicles has been in an accident
Involvement in a collision or crash can lead to structural damage or electrical malfunctions that compromise safety and performance.
Even repaired cars may hide underlying issues, making thorough inspections essential.
1 in 27 vehicles has a theft record
Vehicles stolen or recovered often face ownership disputes and registration problems. Confirming the title and ownership status
is vital to ensure a legal purchase and prevent complications.
1 in 10 vehicles has an active lien
Unpaid debts or ownership claims by a finance company can result in repossession risks or legal issues if the lien is not cleared before purchase.
1 in 12 vehicles has been classified as salvage or junk
A vehicle declared a total loss by an insurance company often sustains extensive damage where repair costs exceed its market value.
Some that are rebuilt and resold may retain mechanical flaws or safety concerns requiring careful evaluation.
What These Findings Reveal About Undisclosed Vehicle Risks
These results from a million vehicle history reports ordered through VinAudit represent only a small fraction of the millions of used cars bought and sold annually in the US market. While this data reflects trends among vehicles checked for potential risks, it highlights the broader concern that hidden issues may exist in many used cars nationwide and the critical role of reliable vehicle history reports.
Reports from sources like NMVTIS and industry studies also suggest that millions of vehicles have salvage titles, accident damage, or financial claims, making it highly important for buyers to verify a vehicle’s background.
A vehicle history report serves as an essential tool to check for undeclared problems, protect buyers from unexpected costs, and ensure they are making a safe and reliable investment.
Leading States with Vehicles Flagged for Liens, Accidents, Theft, and Salvage
How do vehicle histories vary across states? More theft, accident, and lien records were found in some states, reflecting possible patterns tied to population size, economic activity, and environmental events. The table below reveals high-risk states based on vehicle records found from 1 million VinAudit reports:
Risk Category
Top State
Ratio
Other High-Risk States
Lien
Georgia (GA)
1 in 5 vehicles
Arizona (1 in 6), Minnesota (1 in 6)
Accident
Florida (FL)
1 in 14 vehicles
Utah (1 in 25), Texas (1 in 26)
Theft
Texas (TX)
1 in 48 vehicles
Louisiana (1 in 49), Illinois (1 in 50)
Salvage / Junk
Missouri (MO)
1 in 60 vehicles
Texas (1 in 72), Illinois (1 in 75)
Factors like urban density, weather conditions, and financing trends contribute to regional record variations. VinAudit’s reports help buyers uncover hidden risks, verify ownership histories, and avoid costly surprises when buying used cars.
Secure Your Investment with These Smart Tips for Used Car Buyers
Start with a VinAudit vehicle history report—an affordable alternative to Carfax. Sourced from trusted data partners like NMVTIS, VinAudit provides insights into title history, ownership records, market value, and potential risks. A detailed report helps buyers focus on vehicles with clean titles and clear histories, saving time and avoiding costly surprises.
Inspect, Verify, and Test the Vehicle.
After reviewing the report, inspect the car in person for signs of damage, rust, or uneven repairs. Evaluate key areas such as tires, brakes, and the interior for wear and tear. To ensure added confidence, hire a mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection to uncover hidden issues. Finally, test drive the car to assess its performance and comfort.
Review Ownership Documents.
Double-check that all paperwork required for transferring ownership is accurate and complete to avoid legal, financial, or registration issues later.
Get the Facts Before You Buy—Run a VinAudit Report Now!
Avoid hidden surprises and protect your investment with a trusted vehicle history report
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A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique identifier assigned to a motor vehicle. It is a 17-character code comprising numbers and capital letters that represent various information about the vehicle, such as its manufacturer, model, year of production, and country of origin, among other things. You can find the VIN number on the driver’s side dashboard, driver’s side door jamb, and official vehicle documents, like the title and bill of sale.
VINs are often used for tracking, registration, and insurance purposes. That is why, when you visit among those considered the best site for vehicle history reports, you will almost always arrive at a free VIN check tool or other variants in order to access vehicle reports. Besides the license plate number, the VIN number is the most efficient means we have right now for accessing car data. Read more
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Did you ever wonder how many miles the average car travels in a year? From long road trips to daily commutes, the facts and numbers may surprise you and make you rethink how much you’re putting your own wheels to the test.
What is “Average Mileage Per Year”?
“Average Mileage Per Year” refers to the typical distance traveled by a vehicle over the course of one year. It is a measure commonly used in the automotive industry and by car owners to understand how much a vehicle has been driven on average annually. This metric can provide insights into the usage patterns of a vehicle and can be useful for assessing its condition, depreciation, and potential resale value.
https://test.vinaudit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/avg_miles.jpg6751080vinaudithttps://test.vinaudit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/vinaudit-logo-1.pngvinaudit2024-02-28 11:45:452025-03-13 03:29:36Average Mileage Per Year
US
CA
, Inc.
Hidden Dangers in the Used Car Market:
/by AdminWhat 1 Million Vehicle History Reports Reveal
Are you buying trouble? Buying a used car is a smart choice for millions of Americans, offering affordability and variety. In the U.S., 70–75% of car sales are for used vehicles. However, hidden risks—such as undisclosed accidents, salvage or junk titles, unpaid liens, and active theft records—can turn a great deal into a costly mistake.
Recent hurricanes have added to these risks, with 350,000 flood-damaged vehicles entering the market in 2024. These vehicles often suffer from corrosion and electrical failures, making driving unsafe. Meanwhile, vehicle thefts exceeded 1 million in 2023, continuing an upward trend. This increase highlights the need to check for theft and recovery records to avoid ownership disputes and legal complications.
That’s why vehicle history reports are essential. Buyers rely on them to avoid costly surprises, while sellers use them to build trust. To highlight their importance, VinAudit analyzed 1,000,000 vehicle history reports, uncovering key red flags every buyer should know.
The Used Car Market in the US: A Booming Industry
With 41 million used cars sold annually compared to 17 million new cars, the used car market drives billions into the economy. Buyers have plenty of options to choose from based on their budgets and preferences:
Explore Automotive Market Trends and Insights
VinAudit tracks automotive market trends, including used and new car inventories, sales patterns, and market shifts. These insights provide valuable context for buyers and sellers navigating a dynamic market.
Top Issues Found in Vehicle History Reports
VinAudit analyzed 1 million most recently generated vehicle history reports to find out the most common risks buyers face when purchasing used cars, all of which can affect safety, reliability, and ownership.
1 in 10 vehicles has been in an accident
Involvement in a collision or crash can lead to structural damage or electrical malfunctions that compromise safety and performance.
Even repaired cars may hide underlying issues, making thorough inspections essential.
1 in 27 vehicles has a theft record
Vehicles stolen or recovered often face ownership disputes and registration problems. Confirming the title and ownership status
is vital to ensure a legal purchase and prevent complications.
1 in 10 vehicles has an active lien
Unpaid debts or ownership claims by a finance company can result in repossession risks or legal issues if the lien is not cleared before purchase.
1 in 12 vehicles has been classified as salvage or junk
A vehicle declared a total loss by an insurance company often sustains extensive damage where repair costs exceed its market value.
Some that are rebuilt and resold may retain mechanical flaws or safety concerns requiring careful evaluation.
What These Findings Reveal About Undisclosed Vehicle Risks
These results from a million vehicle history reports ordered through VinAudit represent only a small fraction of the millions of used cars bought and sold annually in the US market. While this data reflects trends among vehicles checked for potential risks, it highlights the broader concern that hidden issues may exist in many used cars nationwide and the critical role of reliable vehicle history reports.
Reports from sources like NMVTIS and industry studies also suggest that millions of vehicles have salvage titles, accident damage, or financial claims, making it highly important for buyers to verify a vehicle’s background.
A vehicle history report serves as an essential tool to check for undeclared problems, protect buyers from unexpected costs, and ensure they are making a safe and reliable investment.
Leading States with Vehicles Flagged for
Liens, Accidents, Theft, and Salvage
How do vehicle histories vary across states? More theft, accident, and lien records were found in some states, reflecting possible patterns tied to population size, economic activity, and environmental events. The table below reveals high-risk states based on vehicle records found from 1 million VinAudit reports:
Factors like urban density, weather conditions, and financing trends contribute to regional record variations. VinAudit’s reports help buyers uncover hidden risks, verify ownership histories, and avoid costly surprises when buying used cars.
Secure Your Investment with
These Smart Tips for Used Car Buyers
Start with a VinAudit vehicle history report—an affordable alternative to Carfax. Sourced from trusted data partners like NMVTIS, VinAudit provides insights into title history, ownership records, market value, and potential risks. A detailed report helps buyers focus on vehicles with clean titles and clear histories, saving time and avoiding costly surprises.
Inspect, Verify, and Test the Vehicle.
After reviewing the report, inspect the car in person for signs of damage, rust, or uneven repairs. Evaluate key areas such as tires, brakes, and the interior for wear and tear. To ensure added confidence, hire a mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection to uncover hidden issues. Finally, test drive the car to assess its performance and comfort.
Review Ownership Documents.
Double-check that all paperwork required for transferring ownership is accurate and complete to avoid legal, financial, or registration issues later.
Get the Facts Before You Buy—Run a VinAudit Report Now!
Avoid hidden surprises and protect your investment with a trusted vehicle history report
To copy this infographic or its link: Right-click the image above. Select ‘Copy Image’ or ‘Copy image link,’
and then you can paste it into your desired platform! By selecting ‘Save Image As,’ you can also manually download the infographic.
What 1 Million Vehicle History Reports Reveal
Don’t Buy Without It: The Best Vehicle History Report
/by AdminWhat is a Vehicle Identification Number?
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique identifier assigned to a motor vehicle. It is a 17-character code comprising numbers and capital letters that represent various information about the vehicle, such as its manufacturer, model, year of production, and country of origin, among other things. You can find the VIN number on the driver’s side dashboard, driver’s side door jamb, and official vehicle documents, like the title and bill of sale.
VINs are often used for tracking, registration, and insurance purposes. That is why, when you visit among those considered the best site for vehicle history reports, you will almost always arrive at a free VIN check tool or other variants in order to access vehicle reports. Besides the license plate number, the VIN number is the most efficient means we have right now for accessing car data.
Read more
Average Mileage Per Year
/by vinauditDid you ever wonder how many miles the average car travels in a year? From long road trips to daily commutes, the facts and numbers may surprise you and make you rethink how much you’re putting your own wheels to the test.
What is “Average Mileage Per Year”?
“Average Mileage Per Year” refers to the typical distance traveled by a vehicle over the course of one year. It is a measure commonly used in the automotive industry and by car owners to understand how much a vehicle has been driven on average annually. This metric can provide insights into the usage patterns of a vehicle and can be useful for assessing its condition, depreciation, and potential resale value.
Read more