Car history guide
Car history: the complete checking guide
Before buying a used car, check its real history by VIN. Here's what a report contains, why it matters and how to avoid a costly mistake.
What a car history report is
A car history report gathers, based on the VIN, everything recorded about a car over time: mileage readings, damage and accidents, ownership changes, technical inspections, theft or leasing status and photos from previous listings. It turns an anonymous car into a verifiable story — exactly what a seller won't tell you.
What a full report shows
Real mileage
Odometer readings over time and rollback detection.
Damage & accidents
Where and when the car was hit, plus estimated repair cost.
Theft, leasing & lien
Whether the car is stolen, pledged or still on active leasing.
Owners & usage
How many owners it had and whether it was a taxi or fleet car.
Past photos
Images from previous listings to see the real condition over time.
Specs & inspections
Factory equipment, engine and official technical inspections.
Why it matters: market reality
1 in 10
used cars in Europe has manipulated mileage — higher for imports.
€ thousands
a major repaired-and-hidden damage can cost you at resale.
71%
of cars registered in Romania are used.
How to check history in 4 steps
- 1Find the VIN in the registration (field E), on the windshield or body.
- 2Enter the 17 characters and see for free what data exists.
- 3Generate the full report — mileage, damage, theft, owners.
- 4Use the info to negotiate or to walk away from a problem car.
Helpful guides
Guide
RAR AutoPass vs. VIN report: what each one shows
AutoPass is cheap, official and useful — but it only sees Romania. Here is its blind spot and how the VIN report covers it.
Guide
Documents Needed to Buy a Used Car in Romania 2026
Contract, vehicle card, tax visa and the transfer deadline — plus what to check by VIN before you sign, updated for the OUG 7/2026 rules.
Guide
Used Golf 7: What to Watch For Before You Buy
The most common VW Golf 7 problems by engine, plus the real import trap: rolled-back mileage and hidden accident repairs.
Frequently asked questions
What is car history?
It is all the records about a car — mileage, damage, owners, inspections, theft, leasing — gathered by VIN and presented in a report.
How do I check a car's history for free?
Enter the VIN and we show you for free what data is available. The full report with figures and details is purchased separately, from 89.90 lei.
Why not just rely on the registration and inspection?
They don't show foreign damage, real mileage from other countries or commercial use. The VIN report compiles sources from over 30 countries.
Can I check a car imported from Germany?
Yes. Most imports are from Germany, and the report includes records from the country of origin.
Tools & guides