ALT-1 Carfax Friend or Foe when Buying a used Car
When looking to purchase a used car we want information. Knowledge is the key to making an informed decision. But what type of information is going to be the most useful to us?
Carfax, a vehicle information database, provides such information. But are they providing you all the information?
Carfax is a compiled database that uses information from insurance companies and local Motor Vehicle Department information on registrations. But what happens if something such as a small fender bender isn't reported to an insurance company? You don't get that information. Carfax, unfortunately, is only as good as the information that is reported, and if you don't have the vehicle itself looked at, you won't know many things about the vehicle.
Though Carfax could be a good starting point to get information, it should not be your only avenue. Nothing will replace the knowledge of a well-qualified and experienced mechanic. Bringing that vehicle to have it looked at first hand will always tell you more than what any information database could ever provide. A mechanic will be able to tell you whether or not the vehicle has been in an accident and whether or not it has been repaired properly. Carfax however, will not be able to tell you whether or not the vehicle is in sound mechanical condition.
You local Motor Vehicle Department can also provide you with similar information, at no cost to you. The DMV can provide you with information such as the last time the title was issued, the status of the title (whether or not there are any liens) and whether or not the vehicle has any limitations or brands such as exceeds mechanical limits, odometer discrepancies and whether or not it has been branded a salvage vehicle. All this can be done with a simple phone call.
Another website that can give you some information on the vehicle that you are interested in is the National Insurance Crime Bureau at NICB.org. This website will allow you to search using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to see whether or not an insurance company has reported anything involving that specific vehicle. This site even keeps a database of vehicle involved in the New Orleans Floods. This information is also free of charge.
A very large percentage of the information contained in a Carfax report is information provided by the DMV and the NICB, which is provided free of charge. Don't pay for something that you can get for free.
In the end, Carfax can be eliminated from the picture. If a qualified mechanic gives the vehicle a good bill of health and the DMV and NICB tells you the same, the information contained in a Carfax report is just as good as useless.
