CarFax
Is This Your Business?4.3
5.8
Overall Score
Author: Kaitlyn Short
In 1986, CARFAX started with the desire to be the authoritative source of information regarding the history of used cars for buyers and sellers. Years later, CARFAX has achieved its vision in North America, with the most comprehensive history report database available for cars and light trucks.
Millions of consumers visit CARFAX every year to research whether they are in the process of selling or buying a car. A history report can include information like:
- Accident indicators—like airbag deployment
- Estimated mileage driven per year
- Estimated miles
- Fleet history—if it was used in a taxi, law enforcement, or rental car fleet
- Flood damage
- Hail damage
- Lemon history
- Number of previous owners and length of ownership
- Odometer problems and readings
- Open manufacturer recalls
- Rebuilt
- Service history records
- State emissions inspection results
- Structural or frame damage
- Title information—salvaged or junked titles
- Total loss accident history
- Warranty coverage information
Over 100,000 data sources, including motor vehicle agencies, police and fire departments, auctions, car rental agencies, and collision repair shops send CARFAX information about used vehicles.
Keep reading for pros and cons, plus CARFAX reviews from real users.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Lemon Check Reports
- CARFAX Buyback Guarantee
- History-Based Value
- Great Filter Options
- Mobile Apps
Lemon Check Reports
Vehicle history reports can be obtained on used cars and trucks from 1981 or later, using the VIN number located on the vehicle in question. The VIN (vehicle identification number) is a 17-digit number is typically found on the side of the driver's door below the steering wheel.
CARFAX Lemon Check Reports help used car buyers to make smart financial decisions and avoid buying a branded or salvaged titled vehicle for a bad price.
CARFAX vehicle report fees range from one report for $39.99 to $99.99 for six reports.
CARFAX Buyback Guarantee
A unique CARFAX guarantee helps used car buyers with peace of mind when it comes to shopping for a pre-owned vehicle.
If you get a CARFAX vehicle report that doesn’t have a branded title reported, then purchase a car which turns out to have a branded title issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, then CARFAX may buy back the car for the full purchase price. This is a great way to add value and trust to their service.
History-Based Value
CARFAX offers a free history-based valuation with your zip code and VIN or license plate number. This valuation takes into account info from the car’s history without making you pay for the full report. While services like Kelley Blue Book take into account the make, model, year, and special features, CARFAX takes into account things like previous use, number of owners, accident history, registration history, and open recalls.
Great Filter Options
You can search for your next car on CarFax.com, which includes thousands of used and certified pre-owned car listings from local dealerships. Each listing includes a free CARFAX report, so consumers can search and filter results by a number of factors, including details from the vehicle’s history report. You can choose to find a car that has only had one owner or one with no previous accidents.
Search cars with service records or lease only. Narrow down the results until you get the exact car that fits your needs. Searches are done by your local area with an up to 500-mile radius.
Mobile Apps
You can also use the myCARFAX app on your mobile device to keep track of when you need to have maintenance performed on your car. Use your car's VIN number on the app and pull up service records, schedules for maintenance, and information on recalls.
CARFAX will even alert you when your car is due to be serviced and help you find a mechanic nearby with suggestions and consumer reviews of each repair shop.
The Bad
- CARFAX Report Pricing
- Advertising & Sales complaints
CARFAX Report Pricing
While there are lots of free tools for car shoppers to use at carfax.com, vehicle history reports are not free.
How much do CARFAX reports cost?
- $39.99 for 1 report
- $59.99 for 3 reports
- $99.99 for 6 reports
While you can save money when you purchase multiple reports, unlimited reports are only available for partner dealerships, not for private users.
Used cars listed for sale with CARFAX all include a free vehicle history report. Additionally, many car dealers and car finder sites provide free reports to car shoppers, including:
However, many car finders and dealerships offer a free vehicle history report with their shopping service, including the following:
Advertising & Sales Complaints
The majority of these complaints appear to be with advertising and sales issues and problems with CARFAX's products and services.
The Bottom Line
CARFAX is the place to go when you want to find out about a car’s history, whether it is a car that you own or a used car that you are looking to buy. When you want to find out what repairs have been done or if it has been in an accident, CARFAX will tell you in a few simple clicks.
Each CARFAX vehicle history report is extremely detailed and the company’s database of more than 17 billion records contains every VIN in the United States. The company’s buyback guarantee helps buyers to have a bit more peace of mind when buying a pre-owned car.
With CARFAX's mobile app, you can keep your current car properly maintained as well.
Know what you are getting into with your next vehicle purchase with CarFax.com's products and services today.
Gabe Burton Riverton, UT
5 years ago
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upnorthwi Bellevue, WA
4 years ago Edited January 3, 2022
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Maria Dolet Gaithersburg, MD
6 years ago
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Jon Posey Riverton, UT
6 years ago
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Lil' Savage New Orleans, LA
6 years ago
