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Free Carfax Report?

Posted: Tue May 07, 2019 1:44 pm
by SlammedNiss
So, after owning a Matrix since they were introduced in 2002, I'm considering getting something a little newer with less miles. Which means I'll probably be selling my Xrs in the near future. It would be nice to be able to provide a Carfax for potential buyers, but at $40, I can't really justify the cost. Does anybody here work in the industry that can provide me with a free Carfax? If so, I'd be truly appreciative. If not, I won't be too concerned. Like I said, it's just something that potential buyers always ask for.

Re: Free Carfax Report?

Posted: Tue May 07, 2019 2:00 pm
by SeattleJeremy
I followed Samcrac's suggestions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X2CCnKDo70

Here are the links he suggests. Together they work as well as Carfax.
https://www.mycarfax.com/
https://www.vehiclehistory.com/

Also simply googling the VIN can bring up interesting stuff.

Re: Free Carfax Report?

Posted: Tue May 07, 2019 2:35 pm
by SlammedNiss
Yea, I've searched the alternative sites, but they don't really seem to be as detailed. Many of them will say "8 service records" but if you click to get more details they want $$. Carfax puts everything up in a nice little easy-to-read package so I guess that's why Carfax charges as much as they do. Was just hoping that somebody was "in the industry" and had access to a corporate Carfax acct. with unlimited checks. There was a hack where you used to be able to find a Carfax report ad just hack the url with your own VIN, but that doesn't seem to work anymore.

Like I said, if I can't get one I won't sweat it. Just something nice to add to the listing when trying to sell.

Re: Free Carfax Report?

Posted: Tue May 07, 2019 2:44 pm
by SeattleJeremy
That's the same reason why I was worried when I started watching that video originally. Vehicle History does not ask for any money or information, other than the VIN to check. I'm not sure how they are making money, not a bunch of ads, or information entered, but it works.

Here is a random car available for sale near me (alphabetically the first one that came up LOL). The auto trader listing states "Really nice local Washington State trade-in that has been well maintained." Actually looking up that vin, shows a different story.
https://www.vehiclehistory.com/vin-repo ... 6X2A005116

Here's the part of the report where it goes sideways :lol:
2017-07-06 Westchester IL Junk And Salvage SOLD

Re: Free Carfax Report?

Posted: Tue May 07, 2019 3:09 pm
by SlammedNiss
Found a post on reddit/r/carfax where somebody is offering either Carfax or Autocheck for about $5. Will consider that if nobody is able to provide one here. I guess the next question is which one is better? Carfax or Autocheck?

Here's the post. https://www.reddit.com/r/carfax/comment ... 252986565/

Re: Free Carfax Report?

Posted: Tue May 07, 2019 3:24 pm
by SeattleJeremy
As this reddit post points out https://www.reddit.com/r/carfax/comment ... is_a_scam/
It's always a good idea to have a mechanic do a pre purchase inspection (PPI).

Re: Free Carfax Report?

Posted: Tue May 07, 2019 4:02 pm
by SlammedNiss
SeattleJeremy wrote: Tue May 07, 2019 3:24 pm As this reddit post points out https://www.reddit.com/r/carfax/comment ... is_a_scam/
It's always a good idea to have a mechanic do a pre purchase inspection (PPI).
I completely agree, but that's on the buyer if he/she wants to do that. A Carfax/Autcheck is just a good baseline for info for anybody interested in purchasing the vehicle.

Re: Free Carfax Report?

Posted: Tue May 07, 2019 6:49 pm
by Bookworm
Frankly, it's difficult to find a mechanic that'll do an inspection on-site, and sometimes extremely difficult to get someone to let you take the car to a mechanic for a check (and the mechanic might be busy).

Luckily, I do enough of my own repairs to spot the really nasty things, so I've never been burned by any of my used cars (knock on wood)