Need a carfax report

[Brucelee]

I would argue that CF is not worthless. Normally, it will tell you where the car has lived and how many owners. Sometimes it will tell you of a salvage title and.or major wreck, lemon law etc. Sometimes the mileage data is useful.

CF is simply NOT the be all and end all. You still have to have someone go through the car who knows what to look for.

Some do, some don't.

[mptoledo]

+1 I agree with Bruce.

CF is actually a deterent also. If it didn't exist, people could and would get away with murder. Albeit there are still cars that fall throught the cracks, ie. if you take it to a local mechanic and he doesn't report it or its under a certain $$. Overall it forces people to disclose certain things about cars when they sell them. I can take a salvaged car to KY from ohio, apply for a lost title, and end up with a new title without salvage on it. Carfax would still report a salvaged title. There is more to it, but that is the gist. If it wasn't for CF you could even turn back mileage and re-title it.

While it isn't perfect by any means, it is still a useful tool when shopping. You still need a ppi or other inspection, but the ppi's can be worthless also. I have read on here how a pp inspector in florida missed half a dozen things. The 1st time boxster owner is now very disgusted and has regrets for buying a porsche.

[CRCGuy]

OK Bruce. you make good points.

So the conclusion is: CF does give lots of useful information when making a used car purchase. It does not guarantee everything negative has been captured. it is probably a very good value considering the cost of the vehicle and minimal cost of the report.