CarFAX Car Reports - Protecting Consumers
CARFAX was begun by Ewin Barnett III in 1984. Barnett hoped to become the leading source of vehicle history for both buyers and sellers. By 1986, he had accumulated 10,000 vehicle records and 14 customers. Ten years later, CARFAX.com was launched, allowing consumers to have access to the same vehicle information that was previously only available to automobile dealers.
Today, the CARFAX database boasts over three billion vehicle records and has become one of the top websites that consumers visit before buying a vehicle. Receiving millions of visitors each month, CARFAX provides valuable vehicle history details, including title information, odometer readings, accident history, lemon history, service records, lien activity, state emission inspection results, vehicle use information, and much more.
CARFAX collects their information from thousands of public and private sources. The majority is gleaned from the Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) in the United States and Canada, but CARFAX also collects information from vehicle inspection stations, auto manufacturers, auctions, rental agencies, fleet management facilities, fire departments, and police departments.
To get detailed information on a vehicle, consumers and auto dealers can request a CARFAX report. Using the seventeen digit vehicle identification number (VIN) that is unique to each vehicle, CARFAX will search their database looking for details specific to the requested auto. The information that is returned is then assembled into an organized report that will give buyers and sellers insight into the history of the vehicle.
The ground-breaking system used by CARFAX has removed some of the risk that inevitably comes with the purchase of a used vehicle. In addition to CARFAX Vehicle History Reports, consumers now have the opportunity to get more detailed information through CARFAX, including Safety and Reliability Reports and Lemon Checks.
Consumers looking for a more thorough check may also request a CARFAX Inspection and Road Test. Trained CARFAX inspectors will travel to the vehicle’s location and evaluate the condition inside and out.
During the road rest, the CARFAX inspector performs a two to five mile test that checks the suspension, engine response, brakes, transmission, steering, and more. Most vehicles are eligible for the road test, the exception being antique or classic cars, and exotic or commercial vehicles.
The CARFAX Inspection evaluates 150 critical points on the vehicle and is broken into four parts: the exterior, the interior, under the hood, and under the car. To check the exterior, inspectors look for damages, prior collision damage, tire defects, poor collision parts, panel alignment, modification, and more. The interior inspection covers odometer tampering, electrical equipment operation, heating and air conditioning operation, upholstery condition, a listing of accessories and modifications, etc. The inspection that occurs under the car and under the hood evaluates fluid leaks, corrosion, engine oil level and condition, exhaust system performance, structural parts, visible modification, unusual noises, and more.
The final thing that makes CARFAX unique is their exclusive CARFAX Buyback Guarantee. If CARFAX fails to include a DMV reported incident in your CARFAX Vehicle History Report, they will buy the vehicle back from you- at the full purchase price.
Experts recommend that consumers fully evaluate a used vehicle prior to purchase. If that is something that you can’t do on your own, CARFAX may be the perfect alternative.