Car history reports are becoming increasing popular primarily as a result of the increased advertising by CARFAX. These reports may contain some value information for buyers of used cars, however the data in these reports is limited and should not be relied upon as complete resource regarding the ownership and repairs completed on a used car.
A used car history report such as CARFAX, should not substitute for thorough, inspections by a mechanic and or yourself prior to making a used car purchase. A car history is based only on information supplied to the company preparing report. Unfortunately, some information about the vehicle, including major and minor problems, may not have been reported to CARFAX or any car history reporting company.
CARFAX and other providers rely largely on insurance total loss records and, in some cases, police accident reports. A minor accident may not require the kind of response or records that generate data acquired by the car history reporting company. Used car history reports can miss major accident damage that can leave a car with the potential to have major repair problems and costs in the future.
According to the CARFAX web site, CARFAX Vehicle History Reports™ are available on all used cars and light trucks model year 1981 or later. The car history report is based on the unique 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) for the car. The car history records included in the report will reveal information about a car’s history, such as an odometer reading, existence of a branded title such as a salvage/junk title, or past registration as a fleet vehicle.
The key phrase from CARFAX is that their report may not include every event in a vehicle’s history, but will include the data that is reported to CARFAX for a specific vehicle identification number (VIN). CARFAX reports do not have all accidents as many have never been reported, or may only have been reported to a source to which CARFAX does not have access.
Anytime you buy a used vehicle do not depend fully on the CARFAX report. While the CARFAX report will give you some background information on the car, it may or may not be accurate due to the data is the simply unavailable to the company to process the report. A minor accident isn’t likely to show up on a vehicle history report and can lead to a costly repair down the road.
Buyers of used cars cannot be lulled into a false sense of security about the vehicles conditions because of the report and ignore doing a good job of thoroughly looking over the vehicle. The car lender is not going to rely on a faulty vehicle report to excuse late monthly payments on a car loan because of problems that may arise over mechanical difficulties.
A car history report can not tell you if there is an existing mechanical or electrical problem, or if the vehicle has been properly maintained. If the reports indicate there was an accident, it can not tell the extent of the accident damage or if it was ever repaired to industry standards. Only a physical inspection of the car workings can give the true condition of a used vehicle.
Use the report as one tool, along with a vehicle inspection and test drive, to make a better decision about purchasing a used car. Before signing on the dotted line for a used car or a used car loan, it is always sound advice to have a good mechanic check the vehicle over for prior damage by accidents and wear and tear and get a complete review of potential problems.
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