Why You Should Never Pay Full Price for a Carfax Report
When shopping for a used car, getting a vehicle history report is essential to ensure you’re making a sound investment. Carfax is one of the most well-known services for providing these reports, offering details about a car’s past accidents, ownership history, and more. However, while a Carfax report can be extremely helpful, there are several reasons why you should never pay full price for one cheap carfax. Here’s why.
1. Carfax Reports Can Be Expensive
One of the main reasons to avoid paying full price for a Carfax report is its cost. A single report can range anywhere from $40 to $60, depending on the service you choose. If you’re looking to run multiple reports—say for different cars you’re considering—this can quickly add up.
2. Discounts and Promotions Are Often Available
Carfax frequently offers discounts and special deals on their reports. They run promotions that allow you to access a report at a reduced price or even offer a multi-report package at a discounted rate. Sometimes, Carfax even gives free access to certain reports through affiliated dealerships or car-selling websites.
Before paying full price, it’s a good idea to check if any discounts, special deals, or bundles are available. Dealerships often provide Carfax reports for free when you buy a used car, so don’t hesitate to ask if one is included in the price.
3. Free Alternatives Provide Similar Information
You don’t always have to rely on Carfax to get essential vehicle history information. There are free alternatives that provide similar insights. Some popular options include:
AutoCheck: AutoCheck offers a comparable service to Carfax, often at a more affordable price, and in some cases, even free with certain dealership purchases.
VINCheck: Provided by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), VINCheck is a free tool that checks whether a vehicle has been reported as stolen or has a salvage title. While it doesn’t offer as much detail as Carfax, it’s a good starting point.
While these services may not have all the features of Carfax, they still give you valuable information for free, which could help you make a decision without paying for a Carfax report upfront.
4. Dealerships May Include Carfax Reports
If you’re buying a car from a dealership, many will provide a Carfax report for free as part of the sales process. Since dealerships often want to offer as much transparency as possible, they may use a Carfax report to demonstrate that the car has a clean history. Be sure to ask the dealership if a Carfax report is available before considering purchasing one yourself.
5. Subscription Services Offer Multiple Reports for a Lower Price
If you plan to buy several vehicles or want to run multiple reports over time, a subscription service might be a more cost-effective solution. Carfax offers subscription plans that allow you to access multiple reports at a lower price per report. This can be an especially useful option if you’re a frequent buyer or need to check several cars before making your final decision.
6. Carfax Reports Aren’t Always 100% Complete
While Carfax is a trusted source, no vehicle history report is entirely foolproof. Carfax relies on data from various sources, and there are sometimes gaps or delays in the information provided. For instance, not all accidents, repairs, or service records make it into the Carfax database. Additionally, some private sales may not be reported, which can lead to missing details on a car’s history. This means that paying full price doesn’t guarantee you’ll get all the information you need to make the best decision.
7. Some Dealerships Offer a Free Carfax with an Extended Warranty
Certain dealerships that offer extended warranties or certified pre-owned vehicles may include a free Carfax report as part of the deal. If you’re buying a certified pre-owned car or one with a manufacturer warranty, always ask if the Carfax report is included. This can save you the extra cost of purchasing the report separately.
Conclusion: Get More for Less
While a Carfax report is an essential tool for checking a car’s history, you don’t have to pay full price to access it. By taking advantage of discounts, looking into free alternatives, or asking dealerships for free reports, you can make sure you get all the information you need without paying a premium. Always check for deals or bundled packages, and remember that there are often other options available that offer similar insights at a lower cost. When it comes to buying a used car, being savvy about your purchases, including vehicle history reports, can save you money while still providing peace of mind.