A new online data-base can help reveal secrets harbored by a car's vehicle identification number (VIN). The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, created by the U.S. Department of Justice, has gathered information from 36 states, including departments of motor vehicles, salvage yards and insurance carriers. The data let potential buyers know whether a used car is stolen or has been in a flood or a major accident.
• To access the data go to www.nmvtis.gov and link to one of the providers, currently Auto Data Direct Inc. and the CARCO group. Enter the VIN and follow the prompts. The cost is about $2.50 for each search.
• But don't stop there. "We recommend that you also take the car to an independent mechanic before you buy," says Linda Sherry, spokeswoman for Consumer Action, a national nonprofit advocacy organization. - by Cathie Gandel
From: AARP Bulletin - April 2009
Share This Website
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
0 comments:
Post a Comment