Even the data that IS contained in Carfax reports is so full of errors as to be highly suspect. There are far, far better way to determine the history and/or condition of a vehicle.
Besides owner records, what other methods are there to determine a car’s history?
Besides owner records, what other methods are there to determine a car's history?
Visual inspection. Just for examples. If the trans fluid is black, it hasn’t been replaced in a while and/or trans has big problems. Layer of “pond scum” in the radiator or coolant reservoir, coolant hasn’t been changed much or ever. There are a lot of “tells” about how a vehicle was cared for if you look enough.
That is not what I meant as history. You suggested determining the current condition. It’s is the most important thing to me, but it is not what I asked for.
That is not what I meant as history. You suggested determining the current condition.
Current condition is based on it’s history. There’s a great deal you can tell about it’s history by it’s current condition. It’s done all the time in science.
Yeah, I understand the shortcomings of Carfax, but still I like to know where the car has been. Maybe not accurate but if it says it went from Florida to New Jersey to Pennsylvania or multiple state transfers, its a red flag. I like to see if its had normal ownership, either bought new and traded at normal intervals or leased and turned over for sale in a normal period.
Back when the had the 30 day all you can eat reports and paid the $20 or whatever, I checked my own cars and there was nothing inaccurate in it.