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The excitement of shopping for a used car can sometimes overshadow the need for vigilance. A major concern for used car buyers is the vehicle’s history, and one part of this is determining if it’s ever been stolen or broken into. While the data points from our vehicle history reports are an essential way to see if prior theft was reported on a vehicle, there are physical and paperwork-related signs you can look out for too.
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Just because a car was stolen or vandalized shouldn’t automatically disqualify it from consideration, assuming, of course, it’s been recovered by the rightful owner/repaired to its original state. It does, however, mean there are specific things you need to be aware of during the purchasing process, and a number of items you should double-check before committing to buying that car. One big red flag is if you discover a car has been broken into or stolen and the seller didn’t disclose that information to you upfront.
On the other hand, if you are tricked into buying a stolen vehicle from anyone other than its rightful owner, it can be repossessed by the police and you won’t be automatically due any compensation, unless you can successfully extract it from the seller. You may even face legal repercussions when attempting to register a stolen vehicle, so proper vigilance is crucial.
6 Things to Look For
1. Mismatched VIN Numbers
Every car has a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), a unique code used to identify individual motor vehicles. It’s usually found on the dashboard near the windshield or inside the door jamb, but it may also be located beneath the spare tire, in the back wheel, directly above the tire or in the front of the engine block.
Signs to Check:
- Multiple VIN stickers that don’t match, especially if one looks newer than the other
- VIN plates that appear tampered with, scratched or recently replaced. Any additional characters/digits or any written by hand are an instant red flag.
Tip: Use our VIN Decoder to try and ensure the VIN matches the car’s description and history. You can also search the VIN on the National Crime Insurance Bureau’s website to see if it corresponds to a stolen vehicle.
2. Damaged or Replaced Locks
Burglars typically target door locks, ignitions or trunks when breaking into a car. In most cases, they need both a point of ingress and a way to get the car started once they break in.
Signs to Check:
- Inoperable door or trunk locks
- Different key requirements for the doors and ignition
- Scratches around the keyholes or inside the door handle
- Loose or mismatched locks compared to the car’s age
3. Damaged Ignition
A common method used by thieves to start a car is to “hotwire” or bypass the ignition.
Signs to Check:
- A hanging bundle of wires beneath the steering wheel
- Ignition cylinder that turns with any key or even a screwdriver
- Debris beneath the steering wheel, such as stripped pieces of wire or plastic wire coating
4. Alarm System Issues
A damaged or hastily replaced alarm system can be a telltale sign of a previous break-in.
Signs to Check:
- Alarm system that doesn’t activate or does so inconsistently
- Wires hanging out from where the alarm system is installed
- Empty compartment where a previous alarm system has been removed
5. Signs of Forced Entry
Check the car meticulously for physical signs of a break-in.
Signs to Check:
- Title documentation that looks altered or lacks an official watermark
- Mismatched names or addresses across documents
- Keys that are copies and lack the original fob, particularly for newer vehicles
Tip: Use our car title search tool to try and verify the legitimacy of the car’s title.
Conclusion
While buying a used car can be an economical choice, ensuring its legitimacy and history is crucial. Being aware of the signs of theft or break-ins and leveraging tools like our market value and vehicle recall check tools could protect you from potential pitfalls.
Always be wary of sellers that are clearly in a big hurry to sell their vehicle or exhibit undue signs of nervousness or an unwillingness to address your questions and concerns. Extremely low prices can also be an indicator you’re not purchasing a legally owned vehicle. Your diligence will not only help you try to safeguard your investment but may provide peace of mind in your purchase. Safe and smart car hunting!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I be sure the used car wasn’t stolen?
Begin by checking the VIN in multiple locations on the car and ensure they match. Use tools like our VIN Lookup to help confirm the car’s available history. Always ask for documentation and check for signs of alteration. Ensure that VIN plates haven’t been tampered with, cut or altered, and that, in cases of multiple plates, they match.
What should I do if I suspect a car was stolen?
If your research or observation leads you to believe a car was stolen, report it to local law enforcement. It’s also advisable not to proceed with the purchase. You should also avoid indicating to the seller you discovered that the vehicle was stolen if possible.
Are certain car models more prone to theft?
Some models might be targeted more because of their value, demand for parts or ease of theft. As of 2021, the most stolen vehicles in the US were Chevrolet pickup trucks from 2004. Second on the list were Ford pickup trucks from 2006, with the Honda Civic close behind in third.
Does insurance cover previously stolen cars?
While insurance companies might provide coverage, a car’s history of theft can affect its premium, particularly if the theft resulted in damage to the vehicle that hasn’t been fully/properly addressed. It’s best to consult with insurance providers before purchasing.
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