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The Car Care Clinic

Used Car History

by Bob DeP.
AskBob@stretcher.com



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Dear Bob,
Is there any way to get a dealer to reveal the prior history of a used car?
Mary B.

Mary,
Maybe with a baseball bat? The only other recourse that you have is to have a VIN (vehicle identification number) search performed by your local DMV. This will tell you how many have owned the vehicle before and if it was in an accident. Other than that, I don't believe that they are obligated to tell you anything. Up until just recently, they did not even have to disclose the complete terms of a lease and all of the hidden fees, charges and surcharges. So if they don't have to tell you how much you are paying, why should they tell you what you are paying for? Ironic, huh?
Good Luck!
Drive Safely!
Bob, The Auto Answer Man


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