Snag a free car-history report from eBay Motors

Looking to buy a used car or truck? On eBay, consumers can snag a free vehicle history report thanks to Experian's AutoCheck.

Buying a used vehicle can be tricky and over the years consumers have been known to complain of rebuilt lemons and cars with "secret" histories. And eBay isn't trying to exclude rebuilt cars or vehicles with different histories. All eBay is trying to do is let the vehicle's real history be known.

According to a New York Times article, Nicholas Franchet, senior director at eBay Motors says, "Previously such vehicle background reports were offered by some sellers, but now eBay will provide them on all used vehicles after the 1981 model year."

Experian's AutoCheck places an emphasis on the importance of consumer awareness and knowledge, especially when it comes to the history of vehicles for safety purposes.

However, some don't believe the disclosure is actually useful. Anthony Giorgianni, an associate finance editor for the Consumer Reports Money Advisor newsletter states, "Don't trust it. Don't trust it." Giorgianni has evaluates many services that check vehicle identification numbers and histories. What has he found? Numerous flaws.

Franchet argues that “the history on a used car is not a perfect science." But he says that he believes the Experian information can be a great help to buyers. “In our experience it is very, very good data,” Franchet adds.

What does the consumer learn from the report? Mileage, any damage the vehicle has accrued and a history of where the vehicle has been registered. This is certainly valuable information, however the information cannot be trusted 100 percent.

The best advice for consumers? Check out a range of resources and educate yourself in order to have total confidence when making a purchase.