If you're buying or selling a used car, you've likely heard a great deal about Carfax. Carfax reports are obviously important, but what exactly goes into them? We've broken it down for you to help simplify it, so keep reading to learn more.
What goes into a CarFax report?
Whether you're selling or buying, a used vehicle's Carfax report can make or break a deal. That vehicle's VIN is able to bring up records from different databases, compiling information that it can get about its history. Below is some of the information that you can find using Carfax:
Any Damage To the Vehicle
A used vehicle's shiny exterior doesn't guarantee it hasn't sustained damage before. This could include anything from an accident to other damage the car has accrued since being manufactured. For example, if the airbags have ever been deployed, there will be a record of that. You wouldn't want to buy a vehicle that has been totaled in an accident.
Odometer History
To guarantee accurate mileage, Carfax can gather information on the vehicle's odometer. If it's an older vehicle with a manual odometer, although unlikely, there is a possibility that it could have been altered. This could be problematic because you would think that a vehicle is less used than it actually is.
Any Issues With Titling
A vehicle's title proves ownership, so if it is missing or there are issues with it, then just walking away is the best idea. Don't buy from a private seller who can't prove that they own the vehicle.
"Lemon Status"
When a dealer has recalled or repurchased a specific model because of major issues, that model gains what's known as "lemon status." It's not a good idea to purchase a vehicle that's been recalled because of potential future problems it could have.
Records of Previous Owners
It's always helpful to know how many owners a vehicle has had. With a rental car, for example, you wouldn't have any way of knowing who's been driving it, how much stress they put on the vehicle or how clean they kept it. Fewer owners, especially owners who have kept up with maintenance, signals that the vehicle might be a better investment in the long run.
Any Service or Maintenance Records
When a vehicle has been consistently maintained, you should be supplied with or be able to find a record of oil changes, tire rotations and regular checkups performed throughout the years. These records from Carfax can provide insight into any issues the vehicle might have experienced in the past and whether or not they have been resolved.
Any Warranties Still Valid
Depending on the age of a used vehicle, Carfax will be able to tell you if it still has any valid warranties. Because some maintenance might still be covered under warranty, this would be an added bonus of buying a used vehicle.
Model-Specific Safety Information
Carfax should also provide crash-test ratings on the specific make and model of the vehicle. Included under this umbrella are safety recalls and other relevant safety information. A potential buyer would want to know this about a vehicle for added peace of mind on the road.
A Clean CarFax Report
A clean Carfax report signifies that there haven't been any serious problems reported. If you're selling your vehicle and have regularly serviced it without getting involved in any serious accidents, you should have a clean Carfax report. If you're buying a used vehicle, it's important to consider everything on the Carfax report before you make your final decision.
If you have any questions about the Carfax reports that we offer with our used inventory, please feel free to contact us directly or stop by Steve White Volkswagen at 100 Duvall Drive, Greenville, SC 29607. As always, we look forward to serving our customers from Greenville, SC, and throughout Asheville, NC, and Columbia, Spartanburg, Anderson and throughout the Upstate.