Reading a vehicle history report

A history report is a list of events someone reported. What is missing matters as much as what is there (sample guide).
Check the title section first: salvage, rebuilt or flood brands change what a car is worth. Then follow the odometer readings in order; they should only go up.
Long gaps with no service or registration records are a question to ask, not always a problem. Every car on our lot has its report printed in the glovebox.