Do You Have a Clean Carfax? | Dothan AL
When selling your vehicle or looking for a used one, history matters. That's why getting a detailed report matters. The best way to do this is through Carfax. But what exactly goes into a Carfax report? Keep reading to find out, and discover why these reports matter so much.
What goes into a CarFax report?
Whether you're selling or buying a used vehicle, a Carfax report can make or break a deal. A vehicle's VIN is able to find records 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 Vehicle
A clean exterior on a used vehicle doesn't guarantee a clean history. This includes anything from accidents to other damage the car may have accrued since it was first manufactured. For example, if the airbags have ever been deployed you'll see a record of that. You wouldn't want to buy a vehicle that has been totaled in an accident.
Odometer History
To be sure of accurate mileage, Carfax can gather records on the odometer. If it's an older vehicle with a manual odometer, although unlikely, there's always the possibility that it could have been altered. This becomes a problem because you would think that a vehicle is less used than it actually is.
Any Issues With Titling
The title of a vehicle proves ownership, so if it's missing or there are issues with it, then just walking away may be your best option. Don't buy from a private seller who can't prove that they own the vehicle.
"Lemon Status"
When a dealer has recalled or repurchased a vehicle because of major issues, that vehicle gains what's known as a "lemon status." It's best not to purchase a vehicle that's been recalled because of potential future problems it could have.
Records of Previous Owners
It's always good to know how many people have owned a vehicle. With a used rental car, for example, you wouldn't have any idea who drove 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 the vehicle might be a better investment in the long run.
Any Service or Maintenance Records
When a vehicle has been regularly serviced, 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 taken care of.
Any Warranties Still Valid
Depending on the age of the used vehicle, Carfax will be able to tell you if any warranties are still valid. Since some maintenance might be covered under the warranty, this would be an added bonus of buying a used vehicle.
Model-Specific Safety Information
Carfax should also have crash-test data on the specific make and model of the vehicle. Included under this umbrella would be safety recalls and other relevant safety information. A potential buyer would want to know this about a vehicle for added peace of mind on the road.
A Clean CarFax Report
. A clean Carfax report means that there haven't been any major problems reported. If you're selling your vehicle and have properly maintained it without getting involved in any serious accidents, you should be in the clear. If you're buying a used vehicle, it's important to consider everything on the Carfax report before you make your final decision.
If you have any questions about the Carfax reports that we offer with our used inventory, please feel free to contact us directly or stop by Toyota of Dothan at 2285 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan, AL 36301. As always, we look forward to serving our customers from Dothan, AL, and throughout Ozark and Enterprise.