Every used car has a story, and the last thing you want is a surprise ending. That’s why at Folsom Auto Mall, we make it easy to understand exactly what you’re getting before you sign anything. Whether you’re shopping for your first car, upgrading the family SUV, or hunting for a reliable commuter for the drive down Highway 50, knowing a vehicle’s history is one of the smartest steps you can take.
Step 1: Locate the VIN
Before you can dig into a car’s past, you’ll need its VIN—short for Vehicle Identification Number. Luckily, it’s not a scavenger hunt. You can usually spot it on the dashboard near the windshield, on the driver’s side door frame, or on paperwork like insurance cards or registration slips. If you’re walking the lot at Folsom Auto Mall, our team can point it out for you in seconds.
Step 2: Run a Vehicle History Report
Once you have the VIN, the real story begins. At Folsom Auto Mall, we take the guesswork out of this step by providing a free Carfax or AutoCheck history report for every used and Certified Pre-Owned vehicle—no need to pay extra or track one down yourself. These reports lay out the details you actually care about: past accidents, title status, number of previous owners, and whether the odometer readings line up. Think of it like checking the background of a house before you buy it. You want to know what’s happened over the years so you can feel confident about what you’re driving home.
Step 3: Look for Red Flags
While most used cars have pretty straightforward histories, there are a few things worth watching for. Salvage or rebuilt title: This usually means an insurance company once declared the vehicle a total loss. Not always a deal breaker, but definitely something to understand before moving forward. Major accident history: A fender bender isn’t typically a big deal, but multiple big collisions might be a sign to slow down and ask more questions. Odometer inconsistencies: Mileage should go up, not jump around. Any odd readings may indicate tampering or reporting errors. Our team is happy to walk through the report with you if anything looks confusing—no pressure, just real answers.
Step 4: Confirm With an Inspection
A history report is one piece of the puzzle. An inspection is the other. At Folsom Auto Mall, every used car goes through a multipoint inspection by our service technicians, so you’re not left wondering what’s going on under the hood. If you prefer, you can also bring your own mechanic for a second look. Many shoppers do, and we’re happy to help coordinate it.
FAQ
Do all cars at Folsom Auto Mall include a history report?
Yes. Every used and CPO vehicle on our lot comes with a free Carfax or AutoCheck report.
What does a salvage title mean?
It means the car was once declared a total loss by insurance, usually after major damage. It doesn’t automatically make the car “bad,” but it’s something to consider carefully.
Conclusion
Buying used doesn’t have to feel risky. Between free history reports, thorough inspections, and a huge lineup of vehicles across our dealerships, Folsom Auto Mall gives you peace of mind from the minute you start browsing to the moment you drive off. When you know the history, you can feel good about the future.
Step 1: Locate the VIN
Before you can dig into a car’s past, you’ll need its VIN—short for Vehicle Identification Number. Luckily, it’s not a scavenger hunt. You can usually spot it on the dashboard near the windshield, on the driver’s side door frame, or on paperwork like insurance cards or registration slips. If you’re walking the lot at Folsom Auto Mall, our team can point it out for you in seconds.
Step 2: Run a Vehicle History Report
Once you have the VIN, the real story begins. At Folsom Auto Mall, we take the guesswork out of this step by providing a free Carfax or AutoCheck history report for every used and Certified Pre-Owned vehicle—no need to pay extra or track one down yourself. These reports lay out the details you actually care about: past accidents, title status, number of previous owners, and whether the odometer readings line up. Think of it like checking the background of a house before you buy it. You want to know what’s happened over the years so you can feel confident about what you’re driving home.
Step 3: Look for Red Flags
While most used cars have pretty straightforward histories, there are a few things worth watching for. Salvage or rebuilt title: This usually means an insurance company once declared the vehicle a total loss. Not always a deal breaker, but definitely something to understand before moving forward. Major accident history: A fender bender isn’t typically a big deal, but multiple big collisions might be a sign to slow down and ask more questions. Odometer inconsistencies: Mileage should go up, not jump around. Any odd readings may indicate tampering or reporting errors. Our team is happy to walk through the report with you if anything looks confusing—no pressure, just real answers.
Step 4: Confirm With an Inspection
A history report is one piece of the puzzle. An inspection is the other. At Folsom Auto Mall, every used car goes through a multipoint inspection by our service technicians, so you’re not left wondering what’s going on under the hood. If you prefer, you can also bring your own mechanic for a second look. Many shoppers do, and we’re happy to help coordinate it.
FAQ
Do all cars at Folsom Auto Mall include a history report?
Yes. Every used and CPO vehicle on our lot comes with a free Carfax or AutoCheck report.
What does a salvage title mean?
It means the car was once declared a total loss by insurance, usually after major damage. It doesn’t automatically make the car “bad,” but it’s something to consider carefully.
Conclusion
Buying used doesn’t have to feel risky. Between free history reports, thorough inspections, and a huge lineup of vehicles across our dealerships, Folsom Auto Mall gives you peace of mind from the minute you start browsing to the moment you drive off. When you know the history, you can feel good about the future.