Methodology

DealCheck methodology

DealCheck is a pre-purchase vehicle-research report. It is informational and not a guarantee. Here is how it is produced and what it can and cannot tell you.

What DealCheck uses as inputs

A DealCheck report combines the VIN, mileage, asking price, ZIP code, and seller type you enter with data from licensed vehicle-data providers. The free snapshot uses only free public VIN-decode data; commercial provider data is used only for the paid report.

Factory configuration vs. current condition

Factory build data confirms how a vehicle was originally equipped — trim, engine, drivetrain, options, and original MSRP. It does not prove the vehicle's current condition or current equipment. A factory-verified option can still be missing or damaged on the actual car.

VIN decoding vs. vehicle history

VIN decoding identifies specifications. It is not a vehicle-history report: it does not establish ownership, accident history, or service records. A DealCheck report is not a substitute for a title/history service or a physical inspection.

Market value vs. guaranteed price

Market-value estimates and fair-price ranges describe what comparable vehicles are listed or selling for. They are estimates that change over time and are never a guaranteed sale price or an offer.

How comparable vehicles are selected

Comparables are drawn from current market listings for the same or closely matching configuration, filtered for relevance and de-duplicated. Comparable vehicles may still differ in condition, mileage, geography, and equipment.

How insufficient data is handled

When comparable coverage is inadequate or a provider is unavailable, the report says so plainly. It never presents unavailable data as a clean result, and it does not fabricate a price when reliable market data is missing.

What DealCheck cannot verify

DealCheck cannot confirm mechanical condition, accident or flood damage not reflected in available data, undisclosed prior use, or the accuracy of a seller's representations. Independently verify title, condition, ownership, and mileage, and consider a physical inspection before purchase.