How to Check the History Of A Vehicle Using CarJam

Are you looking to buy a used car? Buying a used car is very stressful because you’re not sure about the car’s past, such as money owing, inconsistent odometer readings, and/or theft, but you can make the process super easy by checking a vehicle’s history on Carjam. Carjam is one of the most reliable and trustworthy platforms for checking a vehicle’s history, ownership records, money owing, and potential risks. Carjam states that “every year approximately 23,000 vehicles are stolen and 55,000 vehicles are sold illegally”. Because of these risks in the car market, thousands of New Zealanders visit the Carjam website every day to check vehicle reports.

In this guide, we will learn how to check a vehicle’s history to make a confident vehicle purchase.

Why is it important to check a vehicle's history?

When buying a second-hand car, it’s essential to obtain the vehicle’s key information to avoid surprises. A car you’re considering buying may have the following issues:

Stolen history: A car could have a stolen history of theft.

Money owed: On average, over 800,000 cars in New Zealand still have outstanding finance. It’s essential to check for any debts associated with the vehicle to avoid unexpected financial obligations.

Odometer fraud: The car’s odometer may have been tampered with, suggesting the vehicle’s actual wear and tear may be greater than reported.

Damaged vehicle: Some cars are imported after being damaged, which may mean they require repairs in the future or are not entirely safe to drive.

Failing to check a vehicle’s history can increase the risk of overpaying for a car. By reviewing the history, you can avoid being ripped off and gain peace of mind knowing that you have purchased a genuine vehicle. If you buy a car based on a CarJam report and it later gets repossessed, CarJam can cover your loss up to $250,000.

Step 1: Visit the CarJam website

To start, visit CarJam.co.nz. The homepage has a simple search interface. You’ll need to enter the vehicle’s registration number (rego) or plate number, VIN, or chassis number.

Step2: Enter The Vehicle’s Details

Once you enter the information:

• Carjam shows basic information such as make, model, and year of vehicle.
• You can also view Warrant of Fitness (WoF) status, registration expiry, and odometer readings.

This allows for a quick initial assessment to ensure the car matches the seller’s description.

Step 3: Review the Free Information

Carjam provides basic information for free. You can check basic information such as:

• Vehicle’s registration and WOF status
• Make, model, colour, and model style
• Year of manufacture
• Odometer reading
• Vin, plate, engine number, chassis, CC rating, origin, fuel type

While this is helpful, it’s only a summary. To get the whole picture, you’ll need to purchase the detailed report.

Step 4: Purchase a Full Vehicle Report

For complete assurance, buy a Full CarJam report. A full CarJam report usually costs around $13.95. Spending a little on a report can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in hidden problems. This report includes:

• Ownership history (current and previous owners)
• Money owing (finance check)
• Odometer readings over time to detect tampering
• Accident or damage history, including written-off vehicles
• Safety ratings and compliance
• PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) check for outstanding finance
• Import history of the car if it came from overseas

This detailed report helps you avoid costly mistakes and ensures transparency before buying.

Step 5: Review the Report Carefully

When the report is ready:

• Verify the ownership timeline matches the seller’s claim.
• Check for PPSR finance listings; if a car has money owing, the lender can repossess it.
• Look for inconsistencies in odometer readings.
• Identify any previous accidents, write-offs, or significant damage.

Save the report as a PDF and ensure it is not deleted — it can be helpful for insurance or resale in the future.

Step 6: Combine With a Mechanical Inspection

Even if CarJam shows a clean history, a professional mechanical inspection is essential. A history check reveals records, whereas a mechanic can assess the vehicle’s current condition.

Final Tips for Buying a Used Car in NZ

• Always verify information on CarJam using multiple platforms.
• Ask for a mechanical inspection to confirm the car’s current condition.
• Never buy a car with unresolved finance or a hidden write-off.
• Keep the report for future reference, insurance, or resale.
• Avoid buying a vehicle that has damage. If fixing it costs more than the car’s value, it won’t be worth it to purchase. In that situation, the final destination of a vehicle is where it will ultimately be sold to a car wrecker.