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--- rv:assessment [2017/08/20 14:54]
frater_secessus [construction]
+++ rv:assessment [2021/08/18 15:56]
frater_secessus [calculating an offer]
@@ Line 14: / Line 14: @@
 ==== ask the seller the right questions ====
-  - do the vehicle have a [normal], non-salvage title in hand?
+  - do you have a [normal], non-salvage title in hand?
   - is it registered in your name (ie, the name on your driver's license)
-  - will I be able to look at the title when I come to see the vehicle?
+  - will I be able to see the title when I come to see the vehicle?
+  - can I have it inspected by a mechanic?
 If the answer to any of these questions is seems shady, complicated, or uninformed it may be wise to pass.
@@ Line 25: / Line 26: @@
   * "I lost the title but you can get a replacement easily", or
   * "it actually belongs to my mom/friend/dog/etc"
+==== run the VIN ====
+VIN checks are not perfect but can often provide usable information about a potential vehicle.  Individual checks can be expensive, so if you are in heavy hunting mode it can be much cheaper to get a bulk allotment of VIN checks or an unlimited number in a certain period.
+The most popular VIN check service is Carfax.
+Next in line is [[https://www.autocheck.com/|Autocheck]].
+  * paid services
+    * carfax
+    * [[https://www.autocheck.com/|autocheck]] - [[https://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/AutoCheck-vehicle-history-reports/25-Reports-for-21-Days/p/10025|bulk checks available]]
+  * free checks
+    * [[https://www.nicb.org/how-we-help/vincheck|National Insurance Crime Bureau]] check for stolen or salvage (totaled)
+    * [[https://www.vehiclehistory.com/|vehiclehistory.com]]
+    * [[https://www.carfax.com/press/resources/flooded-cars|Carfax flood check (free)]]
 ===== construction =====
@@ Line 45: / Line 72: @@
 ==== rust ====
-Phybere, discussing Ford vans, says this about rust:
+Rust-free is better than rusted, but body panel rust is less serious than frame rust (for example).  Your mechanic will be able to advise what is cosmetic and what is problematic.
-> "The spot to check on these is on the rear suspension, where the leaf springs attach to the body (the shackles). If something rusts off, that's gonna be first. There will be rust, but in general it's fine if the rusted thing isn't rotten/flaking apart."((https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/5gpib3/looking_at_a_2003_ford_e250_is_this_amount_of/dauxlhb/))
-===== Miles =====
+==== known issues ====
+All vehicle platforms have known issues;  these are weak points or problems that may happen more frequently on that platform compared to others.   There are no perfect vans, no perfect campers.
+Knowing what the common issues are can help you look for (or ask about) common problems.  [[rv:van_issues|Here]] is an attempt to collect known issues on various platforms.
+===== Miles =====
+FIXME
 ===== Your assessment =====
+FIXME
@@ Line 73: / Line 108: @@
 ===== calculating an offer =====
+FIXME

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