Robert P. Allred
Automotive writer at EpicVIN (VIN checks & vehicle history)
I help used-car buyers feel more in control by breaking down VINs, spotting red flags early, and explaining what vehicle history reports can (and can’t) actually prove.
Topics I Cover:
VIN basics • Vehicle history reports • Car title & ownership transfer • Buying used cars • Porsche/VIN guides
Quick Facts:
- Graduated with a journalism degree from The George Washington University
- Born and raised in Washington
- Lifelong car and motorcycle enthusiast – gearhead since childhood
- Written 77 articles on EpicVIN
- Drives a black 2003 Subaru Forester – still reliable, still fun
About Robert
Hi, I’m Robert – a journalism grad from The George Washington University, born and raised in Washington, and a lifelong car and motorcycle enthusiast.
At EpicVIN, I focus on what matters most when you’re staring down a potential deal: how to decode a VIN without getting overwhelmed, how to read vehicle history reports without overtrusting them, and how to spot red flags that sellers don’t always mention.
How I Work
My approach is pretty simple: keep it useful, make sure it’s accurate, and show where the info comes from. I stick to solid sources and skip the guesswork. When state laws or DMV rules shift, I update the guide and link directly to official info.
My Workflow
- Start with the real buyer question: “What’s the fastest way this can go wrong?”
- Look up the official rules, then dig into common failure points – VIN mismatches, odometer gaps, missing signatures, title issues, that kind of thing.
- Cross-check the big claims across reliable sources, and keep the takeaways conservative – no hype, no shortcuts.
- If something changes, I update the article. Look for the “Updated” tag at the top.
What I Cover
- VIN & Vehicle Basics. Where to find the VIN, how to break it down, and what it tells you about how the vehicle was built – and sometimes, what it’s hiding.
- Vehicle History Reports.
Not all reports are created equal. I walk through how to read each section, compare services, and know which details you’ll still need to verify on your own. - Car Title & Ownership Transfer.
I explain the paperwork you need, the fields people often miss, and the small errors that can get your title rejected or delayed. - Buying a Used Car (Without Surprises).
From VIN cloning to title washing, I cover the red flags that can turn up – and how to catch them before you buy.
Also Published On
Some of my automotive articles also appear on trusted partner sites, including myAutoloan.
Corrections/Contact
If you spot something out of date, a state-specific rule that needs a second look, or even a small typo – I’d really appreciate you letting us know. Accuracy matters.
Suggest a correction
