CARFAX

Pros

• Effective at identifying major title issues, theft history, and reported accidents.
• Useful for detecting odometer fraud and mileage discrepancies.
• Provides a centralized record of maintenance, repairs, and open recalls.
• Often available for free through reputable dealerships or basic 'My CarFax' accounts.
• Users report success finding low-cost reports (under $10) through third-party platforms like Etsy.

Cons

• Reporting is voluntary; many accidents and DIY repairs never appear on the report.
• Mileage data can be inaccurate due to manual entry errors by service writers.
• Direct pricing for individual reports is considered expensive by many users.
• Lack of regulatory oversight means there is little recourse for consumers if a report is inaccurate.

Caveats

• A 'clean' CARFAX is not a guarantee of a perfect vehicle; it only reflects what was officially reported.
• Some users suggest that CARFAX has exclusivity deals with certain shops that may prevent data from appearing on competing services.
• Absence of evidence in the report is not evidence that the vehicle has a clean history.

Best for

• Initial screening of used vehicles before a physical inspection.
• Verifying the history of US-spec cars being sold in international markets.
• Checking for salvage titles or flood damage.

Avoid if

• You are relying on it as a substitute for a professional pre-purchase inspection (PPI).
• You expect a comprehensive record of every minor repair or oil change.