What goes into a CarFax report?

If you want to sell your vehicle or buy a used vehicle, a CarFax report can make or break a sale. Your vehicle's VIN is able to bring up information from different databases, compiling information that it can get about the history of the vehicle. Below is some of the information that you can find using CarFax:

Any Damage To the VehicleJust because a vehicle has a smooth exterior doesn't necessarily ensure it hasn't sustained damage in the past. This could include everything from an accident to other damage to the car accrued since it was first manufactured. For example, if the airbags have been deployed you'll see a record of that. You wouldn't want to buy a vehicle that has been in an accident resulting in it being totaled.

Odometer HistoryTo be sure of accurate mileage, CarFax can gather previous information on the odometer. If it's an older vehicle with a manual odometer, although unlikely, it is possible that it could have been altered. This becomes a problem because you would think that a vehicle is newer than it actually is.

Any Issues With TitlingThe title of a vehicle proves ownership, so if this is missing or there are issues with it, then it's best to walk away. Don't buy from a private seller who can't demonstrate that they own the vehicle.

"Lemon Status"When a dealer has recalled or repurchased the vehicle due to major issues, it gains what is known as "lemon status." It's probably best not to purchase a vehicle that's been recalled because of the potential future problems it could have.

Records of Previous OwnersIt's always good to know how many people have owned a vehicle. With a rental car, for example, you wouldn't have any idea who's been driving it, how much stress they put on the vehicle or how clean they kept it. Fewer owners, especially owners who've kept up with maintenance, signals that it might be a better vehicle in the long run.

Any Service or Maintenance RecordsWhen a vehicle has been properly maintained, you should be supplied with or be able to find a record of oil changes, tire rotations, and regular checkups performed throughout the years. These records from CarFax can provide insight into any issues the vehicle might have experienced in the past and whether or not they have been fixed.

Any Warranties Still ValidDepending on the age of the used vehicle, CarFax will be able to tell you if any warranties might still be valid. Since some maintenance might be covered under the warranty, this would be an added bonus of buying a used vehicle.

Model-Specific Safety InformationCarFax should have crash-test information on the specific make and model of the vehicle. Included under this umbrella are safety recalls and other relevant safety information. A potential buyer would want to know this about a vehicle for more peace of mind on the road.

If you'd like to learn more about the CarFax reports that we offer with our used inventory, please feel free to contact us directly or stop by Cobb County Toyota at 2111 Barrett Lakes Blvd., Kennesaw, GA 30144 or give us a call today. We look forward to serving customers from Marietta, Acworth and the Greater Atlanta Area.