CarFax

[Chevelle3221]

I am getting ready to buy a car and in looking at CarFax I saw there was damage (not accident) reported on a specific date. Reached out to CarFax to try and find out what the damage reported was. In an email response they basically said they could not provide that information. So I ask, what is the point of listing an issue without providing specific information? I know CarFax can only report what is reported but when something is should they not provide info as to what they are referring to?

 

[skyactiv]

What vehicle are you looking at?

 

[Chevelle3221]

What vehicle are you looking at?

Not sure what that means as I am referring to incomplete info on a CarFax report

 

[PontiacHO]

I am getting ready to buy a car and in looking at CarFax I saw there was damage (not accident) reported on a specific date. Reached out to CarFax to try and find out what the damage reported was. In an email response they basically said they could not provide that information. So I ask, what is the point of listing an issue without providing specific information? I know CarFax can only report what is reported but when something is should they not provide info as to what they are referring to?

I have found that a dealer provided Car Fax can be much different than a report you pay for and generate on your own.

 

[mrsilv04]

I have found that a dealer provided Car Fax can be much different than a report you pay for and generate on your own.

Please elaborate...

 

[PontiacHO]

Please elaborate...

One word - false info. The word being false.

 

[skyactiv]

Not sure what that means as I am referring to incomplete info on a CarFax report

I wanted you to volunteer information such as the year, make and model. I understand you might not want to provide it.
Also if you post a link and a bunch of members click on it, the dealer will see more hits on it and you might not get as good of a deal on it. I think the thread starter knows that, but not everyone does.

 

[Chevelle3221]

I wanted you to volunteer information such as the year, make and model. I understand you might not want to provide it.
Also if you post a link and a bunch of members click on it, the dealer will see more hits on it and you might not get as good of a deal on it. I think the thread starter knows that, but not everyone does.

2015 Chevrolet with 3200 verified miles. If Carfax can't be specific on their comments as to reported damage I see no reason to pay for another report which I would have done if that's what they requested. I have been provided with ALL service records from Chevrolet and there is NO mention of any issues which is why I reached out to CarFax

 

[supton]

2015 Chevrolet with 3200 verified miles. If Carfax can't be specific on their comments as to reported damage I see no reason to pay for another report which I would have done if that's what they requested. I have been provided with ALL service records from Chevrolet and there is NO mention of any issues which is why I reached out to CarFax

They can only list the information given to them. I mean, if the PO does their own oil changes... then that service wouldn't be listed on the Carfax. They are only as good as the info they get.

That's why I find them interesting, but not the be-all, end-all. In person inspection is still pretty important. Not sure it's worth it to me pay for Carfax, although I'll read them all day long when they are free.

 

[atikovi]

Carfax has probably 100 million cars in it's database. No way it can list every minute detail of damage that a car sustains. Usually it says something like right front or left side impact, light, moderate, heavy, car not drivable, airbag deployed, etc. Sometimes it lists a police report number. It's up to you to inspect the car based on that. They won't know anymore than what is listed.

 

[GMBoy]

Carfax is just a tool to use when investigating a car but it is far from perfect.

 

[Chevelle3221]

Carfax is just a tool to use when investigating a car but it is far from perfect.

CarFax just emailed me that their information needs to be checked as they are NOT accurate on a regular basis. This is whether I paid for a report or viewed the dealer provided version which they said would be the same. Ironically, the Experian Auto Check Report provided by the dealer had the information I was looking for!