Free Rhode Island VIN Check & Vehicle History Report

Buying a Used Car in the State of Rhode Island? Read this before you buy!

Buying a used car in the state of Rhode Island can be somewhat of a daunting process full of pitfalls and risks. The used car market in the state of Rhode Island has many undesirable cars affected by the state's harsh weather and higher used car related fraud. Buying a used vehicle in Rhode Island requires some research and some careful consideration.

As the smallest state in the entire United States, Rhode Island's relatively high population density creates a competitive used car market. This competition can drive up prices and reduce the availability of high-quality, well-maintained vehicles. According to data from the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), the average price of a used car in Rhode Island is about 10% higher than the national average. Further exacerbating the problem is the state's small number of used car dealerships compared to larger states. According to the Rhode Island Automobile Dealers Association, there are fewer than 200 used car dealerships in the state, serving a population of over 1 million people. The limited dealer network does not only affect the selection of vehicles but can also limit the availability of extended warranties and financing options.

In addition to the challenges posed by limited access to a wide range of used car inventory, used car buyers in the state must also be aware of potential used car fraud. Title fraud and odometer tampering are more common in Rhode Island than in many other states. The Rhode Island Attorney General's office reports that title fraud cases have increased by 20% in the past five years. Among the most common types of vehicle fraud is odometer rollback. Odometer rollback is highly illegal and it occurs when the when the mileage on a vehicle is intentionally rolled back in order to artificially increase its value. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), odometer fraud costs consumers in the U.S. over $1 billion annually, with Rhode Island contributing to this statistic. Buying a car with a history of odometer tampering can pose significant issues to the new owner. Beyond overpaying for a vehicle that has been driven far more than displayed on its odometer, the new owner may also be affected by additional reliability issues and possible title problems once the issue is identified during the registration process.

Taking into account that Rhode Island has some of the strictest vehicle inspection and emission standards in the country, it is very possible that the used car you have purchased may not pass state mandated safety and emissions inspection without extensive repairs. According to the Rhode Island DMV, approximately 15% of used cars fail their initial inspection, requiring repairs and re-inspection.

In addition to all of the external human factors affecting the used car market in the state of Rhode Island, car shoppers must also account for vehicles with weather related damage. The state has frequent heavy rainfall, making street flooding somewhat a regular occurrence. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Rhode Island has experienced multiple significant flood events in recent years. Vehicles affected by flood damage may appear in good condition cosmetically but may suffer from substantial electrical system problems, rust and compromised structural integrity. Flood damaged vehicles are often sold without any disclosure or record of prior water damage, posing substantial risks to unassuming used car buyers.

3 Simple steps you must take in order to buy a good reasonably priced car in the state of Rhode Island:

1. The first step of buying a used car in the state of Rhode Island is to research the make and model of vehicles you are interested in purchasing. With some basic online research, you can find out which year of the model you should avoid and common issues to look out for. Comparing live listings of the year, make and model of the vehicle you intend to purchase and checking their resale values online can help determine the fair market value and overall market desirability. Once you have whittled down your list to a few candidates, you can move on to the second step of the process.
2. The second step of the process is to investigate the unique histories of each of the vehicles in your list of possible candidates. Understanding the vehicle's history can help you assess its value, safety and long-term reliability. All that is required to accomplish this is a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). A VIN is a unique serial number permanently imprinted on each road legal vehicle. This number cannot be changed and is used to track the vehicle and gain access to its history. A full vehicle history report in Rhode Island is an invaluable tool in the used car buying process and it may include everything from accident history and title brands to liens and odometer fraud.
3. While getting a vehicle history report in Rhode Island is an absolute must when shopping for a used car in the state of Rhode Island, it can never replace an actual in person professional vehicle inspection. By hiring a professional, trusted automotive technician to inspect the vehicle prior to purchase, you can help ensure you will get a better understanding of the vehicle's current condition and even help budget for upcoming repairs and service. A pre-purchase vehicle inspection may uncover issues never disclosed by the seller and never reported to any agency, repair facility or insurance company. It can identify hidden issues such as excessive corrosion, structural damage from previous collisions, electrical faults, unreported auto body repair(s) and more...

By following these three simple steps, you will ensure that you are making an informed decision when buying your next preowned automobile.