[AKnowles]

I agree that CarFax is not perfect, but it can assist in the purchase decision. For example, if it shows a good history of maintnenace then you know the car was taken care of. If not, you'll need to see the OEM paperwork for service. Just to check off that item on your prepurchase list.

As an FYI, 4+ years of work on myFord Escape never showed up. Moved and went to a new dealer and all of the items show up from them. Obviously the previous dealer didn't report the maintennace work. On my wifes Prius none of her minor fender benders showed up. All were front-end related and all over $1000. Her dealer and Sears maintenence also did not show up either.

I only use CarFax to eliminaite the immediate duds (i.e. reported accident) and then still have to work my way through the positive items (like maintenance) and it time/opportunity permits a PPI would still be a good idea.