in a Glimpse You can look into the history of a used car you’re thinking about purchasing to see what you’re getting into. One way to learn about a used car’s history is to obtain a free Carfax report, which includes information such as the vehicle’s accident, damage, and ownership history.
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If you’re in the market for a used car, you probably don’t want to end up with a lemon.
Carfax provides vehicle history information for used car buyers and sellers in the United States and Canada, and there are three ways to obtain a free Carfax report.
When you look for a used car on the Carfax website or on sites like autotrader.com and cars.com, you’re getting a good deal.
On a car dealership’s website or in person
Using a private seller
Keep in mind, however, that not every online listing, car dealership, or private seller will provide a free Carfax vehicle history report. Also, keep in mind that a Carfax report may not cover every aspect of a vehicle’s history.
What information is on my vehicle records?
Examine My Vehicle Records Now
What exactly is a Carfax report?
How can I obtain a free Carfax report?
What alternatives are there to a free Carfax report?
What should a vehicle history report contain?
What should I do now that I’ve read the vehicle history report?
What exactly is a Carfax report?
Carfax creates a vehicle history report using information gathered from U.S. motor vehicle agencies, police departments, fire departments, collision repair centres, auto auctioneers, and other sources. Carfax claims to have more than 22 billion records in its vehicle history database.
Each report is based on information provided to Carfax for a unique, 17-digit vehicle identification number, or VIN, which includes information about a vehicle’s history.
Major mishaps
Previous occupants
History of maintenance
structural deterioration
Recalls by manufacturers
Readings from the odometer
Information on warranties
According to Carfax, its reports can help you avoid buying a car with hidden problems, such as damage from an accident.
“Accidents are always a major concern, and even minor accidents can be a deal breaker for many,” says Carfax spokesperson Jim Sharifi. “However, if a car has been in a minor accident and the damage has been repaired correctly, it could still be a great car.” As a result, we’ve gone above and beyond to explain the location and severity of accident damage on our vehicle history reports.”
How can I obtain a free Carfax report?
Carfax offers three options for obtaining a free Carfax vehicle history report.
- Ads for used cars
According to Carfax, every vehicle listed for sale on its website comes with a free Carfax report. Autotrader.com and cars.com may also include free Carfax reports with their listings. Carfax recommends requesting a free Carfax report from the seller if a used-car listing lacks a link to one. - automobile dealers
On their websites, many used-car dealerships provide free Carfax reports. If you don’t see a link to a free report, Carfax suggests contacting the dealer and asking for one. Reports may also be obtained by visiting a car dealership. - Individual sellers
If you’re thinking about purchasing a used car from a private seller, request a free Carfax report. Keep in mind that, according to Carfax’s website, the seller may not have a report or may be reluctant to share the vehicle’s history.
What information is on my vehicle records?
Examine My Vehicle Records Now
What alternatives are there to a free Carfax report?
Aside from obtaining a free Carfax report, there are several other methods for obtaining a free vehicle history report.
Obtain free information from another source.
Vehicle history information is also available from companies such as VINcheck.info and AutoCheck.
VINcheck.info provides vehicle history data based on data associated with a vehicle’s VIN or licence plate number, such as accidents, odometer readings, and damage. VINcheck.info promotes its vehicle history reports as free alternatives to Carfax and competitors’ reports.
AutoCheck only provides a free two- or three-digit vehicle history score, which grades the history of a vehicle. To obtain a car’s complete history, you must purchase a report.
Purchase a vehicle history report
Aside from the numerous websites that provide vehicle history reports, the federal government’s National Motor Vehicle Title Information System lists approved providers of vehicle history reports beginning at $2.95. These reports, which are only intended to provide data on indicators related to preventing auto fraud and theft, cover title information, previous damage, and odometer readings — but nothing more. The data for the system is gathered from three sources: auto recyclers, salvage yards, and junkyards.
The Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, advises that because information in one company’s report may be incomplete, you should consider obtaining a second report from another company.
If a report is out of date, or you suspect that information is missing or made up, the FTC recommends contacting the company that created the report for clarification.
What should a vehicle history report contain?
Following the receipt of a vehicle history report, here are some questions that some dealers recommend you ask.
Has the vehicle been in any accidents?
What is the extent of the car’s damage?
Has the vehicle ever been declared totaled?
Is there a recall from the manufacturer?
Is it possible that the odometer has been tampered with?
How many people have owned the car?
What kind of maintenance and repairs has the vehicle received?
What should I do now that I’ve read the vehicle history report?
A Carfax or other provider’s vehicle history report can help you decide whether to buy a car. However, it is not the only factor to consider.
The FTC, for example, states that a vehicle history report is not a substitute for a vehicle inspection by an independent mechanic, even if the car has been certified by a dealer or comes with a warranty. This inspection can detect hidden damage as well as other issues.
What comes next?
A vehicle history report, whether free or purchased, can be a useful tool when purchasing a used car. Although a vehicle history report may not reveal everything about a vehicle’s history, it can assist you in making a more informed purchasing decision.
Here are some additional steps to take if you are purchasing a used car.
Take a test drive.
Examine the maintenance records.
Determine the worth before negotiating a price.
Investigate the vehicle’s maintenance and repair costs.
What information is on my vehicle records?
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