As someone pointed out early in this thread, Autocheck comes back saying
that the VIN is for a Carat.  With that, even if the seller is wrong, he
thinks he is right.  But, Autocheck also shows 17 different records/entries
in it's file.  That would not be consistent with original owner status
unless there are several accidents or virtually yearly smog checks.  As I
pointed out earlier, the seller has little credibility because of the
omissions in his description, like the missing trim panel and what looks
like body damage in that area, the left rear.  But he does have a good third
party source saying that it is a Carat.