Negotiation tips: making the most of the carVertical report

Used car prices aren’t engraved in stone. Therefore, every buyer expects to negotiate a better price with the seller and spend less on a vehicle. However, the more you understand about cars and the condition of the vehicle you’re interested in, the better the chances to significantly reduce its price.

Employing carVertical’s history report can give you leverage when bargaining with the seller. So how can you use a report to negotiate the price of a used car?

Why is carVertical’s report essential when negotiating the price?

A history report is an essential tool to explore the car’s historical records and evaluate its condition. Knowing about the vehicle’s past damages, mileage discrepancies, ownership changes, and other information makes a difference in negotiations.

It’s typical for cars to change owners every 3 to 5 years. The seller may not even know that the vehicle suffered severe damage several years ago or had its mileage altered. When you know the car’s history from the day it left the assembly plant, you get the upper hand when bargaining for a price.

A history report helps you identify hidden issues that may cause you trouble in the long run. You can then share this information with a mechanic in a service center so they can check certain parts more thoroughly.

Key sections of the carVertical report and how to use them in negotiation

Accident and damage history

carVertical’s damage section contains information about the type of damage the car has suffered, the date, and an estimated damage value. This way, you can see which parts of the vehicle were damaged and how serious the damage was.

Minor dents or cosmetic damage may not significantly impact a car’s value, but structural damage can affect safety and longevity. If the report shows major accidents, especially those involving critical components like the engine, suspension, or frame, you have a strong case for negotiating a lower price, as these repairs can lead to long-term maintenance issues.

Vehicles with past damages are more prone to wear and tear. When the report lists extensive past repairs, you can highlight potential future costs and argue that the price should reflect these additional risks, as they may require you to budget more for maintenance.

Some carVertical reports also contain photos, which may help you to understand better the damages the vehicle has suffered and negotiate a better price.

Mileage verification

A car’s mileage can reveal a lot about its overall condition. The more kilometers it has traveled, the more wear and tear it’s likely endured. For example, two cars manufactured in the same year – one with 100,000 km on the odometer and another with 500,000 km – will be in vastly different conditions.

This is why scammers sometimes alter a car's mileage to inflate its value, as a car with falsified mileage can sell for up to 25% more. If you find that a car’s mileage has been tampered with, proceed with caution – there could be other hidden issues.

Generally, the greater the discrepancy in mileage is, the stronger your position to negotiate. However, if the adjustment was recent, it could indicate a scam – so exercise extra caution.

Ownership and country of registration

Since we process millions of car history reports every year, we often encounter cars that changed over 20 owners throughout their lifespan or have been registered in 5-8 different countries. What does that say about vehicles that travel from hand to hand?

A vehicle with multiple owners in a short period can suggest that it was resold quickly due to unresolved issues. Bringing this up during negotiations can help you argue for a lower price, as it may imply higher risks and potential future costs.

Different countries have varying climate conditions, road quality, and regulations, all of which can affect a car’s long-term condition. For instance, vehicles imported from colder or saltier climates may have increased rust and corrosion issues. Using this information, you can reasonably argue for a discount if the car was registered in a country where it likely experienced harsher conditions.

Generally, cars with fewer previous owners are considered better maintained, as a single or long-term owner is more likely to keep the car in good condition. A car with multiple short-term owners, on the other hand, may not have received the same care and attention. If the report shows several previous owners, highlight this in your discussion to suggest that the car may require more upkeep, justifying a lower price.

However, sometimes people buy vehicles that require expensive maintenance, such as Porsche or BMW, and after the first visit to a service center choose to buy a car, which doesn’t suck up their money.

Other important sections in the carVertical report

Stolen vehicle check

A theft record can reveal if a car was ever reported stolen or has been recovered after a theft. This information alerts buyers to potential legal risks or unresolved ownership issues, which can impact the car's value and future resale potential.

Maintenance

Maintenance history highlights whether regular upkeep was done or skipped. Gaps in service indicate potential neglect, giving you a reason to request a price reduction to cover likely repairs or catch-up maintenance costs.

Purpose

A car previously used as a rental or taxi typically experiences heavier wear, which can reduce its value. Pointing out past commercial use can strengthen your negotiation stance, as the car may require more frequent maintenance due to its intensive usage.

Title check

Buying a car in or from the US? A title check reveals if the vehicle has been classified as salvage, junk, flood-damaged, and more. If it has, use this information to argue for a lower price, as these titles typically reduce the car’s market value due to safety or reliability concerns.

Recalls

If the car has recalls that haven’t been addressed, you can negotiate a lower price based on the inconvenience or cost of getting these fixed.

Specifications

Detailed specs give you clarity on what’s included with the car and allow you to compare it to similar models. If the car lacks features typically found on comparable vehicles, use this as justification for a price reduction.

Emissions

Higher emissions can lead to increased taxes and maintenance costs, especially in regions with strict environmental regulations. Use this as leverage to negotiate a lower price if emissions are higher than average.

How to negotiate like a pro with the carVertical report

Using a carVertical report effectively can strengthen your position in negotiating the price of a used car. Here are some practical ways to leverage the report’s insights for a fairer deal:

Be specific about the issues

Rather than vaguely mentioning concerns, reference specific details from the report, such as past accidents, mileage rollbacks, or multiple ownership changes. For example, if the report shows frequent damages, you could ask for a discount due to potential future maintenance needs.

Question any discrepancies

If the report shows mileage inconsistencies or severe damage, use these discrepancies as talking points. Questioning the seller about these findings signals that you’re vigilant about getting a fair deal, making it easier to request a price reduction.

Highlight safety concerns

If there’s a history of major accidents or recalls, discuss these issues with the seller to address any safety concerns. Emphasize the potential costs involved in making the car roadworthy, as well as any possible insurance implications.

Frame it as a win-win

Acknowledge any positives about the car and suggest a discount to account for the issues you’ve identified. Sellers may be more responsive when they feel that the negotiation is fair and that you’re genuinely interested in reaching an agreement.

Be prepared to walk away

If the seller is unwilling to negotiate, don’t be afraid to walk away. The carVertical report gives you a solid understanding of the vehicle’s condition and value, so if the deal doesn’t meet your standards, use your knowledge as confidence to seek a better offer elsewhere.