Summarize this article in one sentence.
If you're interested in a vehicle but really don't want to shell out for a VIN check, check to see whether the seller of the vehicle has a VIN check that they can produce. Sometimes, sellers will do potential buyers a favor by paying for it themselves, saving the PDF or printout, and sending a copy over to would-be buyers. Always keep your eyes and ears open and be cautious, since sellers could doctor the VIN Check and try to mislead you. When you're dealing with a purchase that ranges in the thousands of dollars, it's easy to be penny wise and pound-foolish. If you get an uneasy feeling, or simply don't trust the report, then paying a small fraction of the overall cost of the vehicle will give you peace of mind as well as the truth. This obviously isn't free, but as noted above very few options truly are free. Bottom line: if you're interested in potentially purchasing a used vehicle, factor in the cost of VIN checks into your total budget. The following sources will provide trustworthy VIN checks for a small fee: Carfax Edmunds AutoCheck (part of Experian) Gapless
Ask the seller of the vehicle to supply a VIN check. Shell out a little bit of money from a trusted VIN check provider.