Missing Service Records For Used Truck

[Liabi]

I am looking at a used Ford F-150 but the seller has absolutely no service records. He claims he did all the maintenance himself in his garage. The truck looks okay, but I am worried about hidden issues or past accidents that he is not mentioning. Is it safe to buy a vehicle without any paper trail, or should I walk away?

[Tive]

Self-maintenance is common, but it doesn't account for major repairs or accidents which are usually reported by insurance companies or police. I wouldn't buy it without verifying the VIN first to ensure it isn't a salvage vehicle. You can get a full history report for just three dollars here which covers accidents, title brands, and airbag deployments. It is a small price to pay to avoid buying a truck with structural damage.