What is the Purpose section in a vehicle history report?

The Purpose section in a vehicle history report provides information on how the car has been used. If the previous owner used it not for personal purposes but, for example, as a rental or taxi, this section will include a warning and any records found in official databases.

What you can learn from the Purpose section

If usage records are available, the Purpose section will show whether the car has been used as a:

• Taxi
• Rental
• Police vehicle
• Driving school vehicle
• Demo car
• Transportation vehicle

Any found record will be highlighted in yellow.

How to interpret usage information?

Understanding how a vehicle was previously used can provide insights into its overall condition, future performance, and potential issues.

For example, police vehicles might have been driven more aggressively or involved in high-speed pursuits, leading to additional strain on mechanical components. Meanwhile, rental vehicles typically experience a high turnover of drivers and may receive a different level of care than privately owned vehicles.

Although the Purpose section alone cannot help identify any specific issues, it can guide you in looking for potential red flags and avoiding problems in the future. If you’ve encountered a car with a usage warning:

• Assess its mileage patterns – try to understand if the car’s mileage aligns with normal usage. Check the Odometer section of the report for any inconsistencies or rollbacks
• Request service records – for example, commercial use typically requires more rigorous maintenance, so learn how well such a vehicle was cared for
• Inspect the car for signs of wear and tear – get a professional inspection before purchasing such a vehicle, as it can be challenging to assess the extent of potential wear on your own

What if the usage information is not available in the report?

The Purpose section may be excluded from the report if usage data is not available in your country.

Benefits of knowing how a vehicle had been used

Having access to the vehicle’s previous usage information can help you to:

1. 1.Understand the car’s daily usage patterns

2. 2.Better evaluate its wear and tear

3. 3.Predict future maintenance needs

4. 4.Negotiate a fair price

By understanding how a vehicle was used in the past, you can make a more informed decision, potentially saving money and avoiding unexpected issues in the long run.

Still have questions? If you need more help understanding the Purpose section of your report, feel free to reach out to our support team.