Call Us: 
Email Us: 
Carfax is reliable for basic vehicle history checks, but it has accuracy limits you should know about. The platform pulls data from more than 112,000 sources, but reports can miss unreported accidents, private repairs, and rental car damage. A clean Carfax report does not mean a problem-free car.
This guide explains Carfax clearly and simply. You will learn how the platform works, what you will pay in fees, and what real users say about their experiences. By the end, you will have a better sense of whether Carfax fits your used car search.
What You'll Learn
How Carfax works and what information it includes
How much Carfax costs for single reports and packages
Common pros and cons from real buyers
Tips to use Carfax effectively when buying a used car
How Carfax works and what information it includes
How much Carfax costs for single reports and packages
Common pros and cons from real buyers
Tips to use Carfax effectively when buying a used car
Key Takeaways
Carfax is the most recognized vehicle history report provider, with data from more than 112,000 sources dating back to 1984. Single reports cost $44.99, with packages available for multiple vehicles.
Carfax has an A+ BBB rating but mixed customer reviews. Trustpilot shows 1.5 stars, while the Carfax Car Care app has 4.8 stars from more than 113,000 App Store reviews. Reports may contain gaps due to unreported incidents, data entry errors, and delays in updates.
What Is Carfax?
Carfax is a vehicle history report service that compiles data about used cars based on their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The company started in 1984 and is now part of S&P Global Mobility.
Unlike general car websites, Carfax focuses on giving buyers and sellers detailed information about a vehicle's past. The platform collects data from state DMVs, insurance companies, repair shops, auto auctions, and law enforcement agencies.
When you enter a VIN, Carfax searches its database and generates a report. This report shows accident history, ownership records, service and maintenance records, odometer readings, and title information.
How Carfax Works
Carfax connects data from thousands of sources to build a history report for each vehicle. Here is what the process looks like for buyers:
Getting a Report
You enter the vehicle's VIN on the Carfax website or app. Carfax then pulls records from its database and generates a report. The report typically arrives within seconds.
What the Report Includes
Accident history: Number of accidents, severity, type of damage, and estimated repair costs
Ownership history: Number of previous owners and how the vehicle was used (personal, rental, commercial)
Service records: Oil changes, scheduled maintenance, and major repairs
Odometer readings: Mileage at various points to spot tampering or fraud
Title information: Clean title, salvage, flood damage, or rebuilt status
Recall alerts: Open recalls that have not been addressed
Accident history: Number of accidents, severity, type of damage, and estimated repair costs
Ownership history: Number of previous owners and how the vehicle was used (personal, rental, commercial)
Service records: Oil changes, scheduled maintenance, and major repairs
Odometer readings: Mileage at various points to spot tampering or fraud
Title information: Clean title, salvage, flood damage, or rebuilt status
Recall alerts: Open recalls that have not been addressed
Carfax Pricing and Fees
Here is what you will pay for Carfax reports:
Example: If you are comparing three used cars, you would pay $64.99 for three reports instead of $134.97 for three single reports.
Many dealerships offer free Carfax reports on their listed vehicles. If you are buying from a private seller, you will likely need to purchase the report yourself.
Carfax Ratings Across Review Platforms
Checking ratings on trusted review platforms helps you understand Carfax's reputation. Here is how Carfax scores across different sites:
The gap between platform ratings and app ratings shows that users are generally happy with the Carfax Car Care app but have concerns about report accuracy and customer service.
Carfax Pros and Cons
How Accurate Is Carfax?
Carfax is only as accurate as the data it receives. Here are the main accuracy concerns:
Data Relies on Third-Party Reporting
Carfax depends on mechanics, dealerships, insurance companies, and other sources to share information. If a repair shop does not report to Carfax, that service record will not appear. Small "mom and pop" shops often do not participate in the Carfax network.
Reports Are Not Real-Time
There is a delay between when something happens and when it appears on a Carfax report. An accident that happened last week may not show up until next month. This lag can be a problem if you are looking at a car that was recently in an accident.
Not Everyone Reports to Carfax
Rental car companies are often self-insured. When a rental car is in an accident, the in-house insurance may not report the claim to Carfax. This means rental cars can have accidents that never appear on their history reports.
Human Error Happens
Data entry mistakes occur. A mechanic might enter the wrong mileage, or a clerk might type the incorrect information. Carfax cannot verify every record so errors can slip through.
What Does Carfax Not Tell You?
Carfax reports have limits. Here is what you might miss:
Unreported accidents: If no one filed a police report or insurance claim, the accident will not appear
Private repairs: Work done by independent shops or DIY repairs are usually not recorded
Cosmetic damage: Minor dents, scratches, and paint work often go unreported
Mechanical issues: Current problems with the engine, transmission, or other systems
Rental car history: Damage repaired through self-insurance programs
Pending problems: Issues that have not been discovered yet
A clean Carfax report does not mean the car is perfect. It only means no one reported any problems.
Carfax vs. AutoCheck vs. Bumper
When to Choose Carfax
Choose Carfax if you want the most detailed service and maintenance records. Carfax provides more information about past repairs and scheduled maintenance than other services.
When to Choose AutoCheck
Choose AutoCheck if you are on a budget or shopping for multiple cars. AutoCheck costs about $15 less per report and offers better value on multi-report packages. The AutoCheck Score also gives you a quick way to compare vehicles.
When to Choose Bumper
Choose Bumper if you are looking at many vehicles. The subscription model gives you 50 reports per month, which works well for dealers or serious shoppers.
Is There a Better Option Than Carfax?
No single service captures everything. The best approach is to use multiple sources:
Carfax: Best for service records and detailed accident information
AutoCheck: Best for auction data and budget-conscious buyers
NMVTIS: The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System provides official title data
Your insurance company: May have access to accident data not on public reports
Call your insurance carrier and give them the VIN of a vehicle you are considering. They may have information that does not appear on Carfax.
How to Use Carfax Effectively
Follow these steps to get the most value from a Carfax report:
Step 1: Review Accident History First
Look at the number and severity of accidents. Check the type of damage and whether it was repaired. Multiple accidents can indicate a problem vehicle.
Step 2: Check Ownership History
Many owners in a short time can be a red flag. Look at how long each owner kept the vehicle and whether it was used for personal or commercial purposes.
Step 3: Examine Service Records
Regular maintenance suggests a well-cared-for vehicle. Look for oil changes, tire rotations, and scheduled services. Gaps in service records may indicate deferred maintenance or unreported repairs.
Step 4: Verify Odometer Readings
Check for consistency in mileage over time. A sudden drop in mileage could indicate tampering.
Step 5: Review Title Information
Look for salvage titles, flood damage, or rebuilt status. These can affect the vehicle's value and safety.
Should You Trust a Clean Carfax Report?
A clean Carfax report is a good starting point, but it should not be your only check. Here is what else you should do:
Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection
Have a qualified mechanic inspect the vehicle before you buy. A professional can spot problems that Carfax cannot detect, such as frame damage, mechanical issues, or signs of unreported accidents.
Request Additional Documentation
Ask the seller for service records, receipts, and maintenance logs. These can fill gaps in the Carfax report.
Cross-Reference with Other Sources
Check AutoCheck or NMVTIS for additional information. Different databases may have different records.
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels wrong, it probably is. A deal that seems too good to be true often is.
Who Carfax Works Best For
Best For:
Used car buyers who want a detailed vehicle history
Shoppers comparing multiple vehicles
Buyers who value service and maintenance records
Anyone purchasing from a private seller
Used car buyers who want a detailed vehicle history
Shoppers comparing multiple vehicles
Buyers who value service and maintenance records
Anyone purchasing from a private seller
Not Best For:
Budget-conscious buyers (consider AutoCheck instead)
Buyers who expect a report to reveal every problem
Those who skip pre-purchase inspections
Shoppers looking at auction vehicles (AutoCheck has better auction data)
Budget-conscious buyers (consider AutoCheck instead)
Buyers who expect a report to reveal every problem
Those who skip pre-purchase inspections
Shoppers looking at auction vehicles (AutoCheck has better auction data)
Final Thoughts
Carfax is reliable as a starting point for used car research. The platform has the largest database and provides the most detailed service records. However, reports can miss unreported accidents, private repairs, and rental car damage.
Success with Carfax requires realistic expectations. Use it as one tool in your research, not the only tool. Always combine a Carfax report with a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic. Ask sellers for additional documentation and cross-reference with other vehicle history services.
Once you find the used car you want, you will need a reliable way to bring it home. Older vehicles often have parts and finishes that need extra care during transport.
Ship Your Car with AmeriFreight Auto Transport
AmeriFreight Auto Transport offers reliable, affordable car shipping services across the United States. We connect you with licensed and insured carriers to help your vehicle arrive safely.
What We Offer
When it’s time to move, we help ensure you can move your valuable vehicle safely across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Carfax reliable?
Yes. Carfax is reliable for basic vehicle history information. The platform has data from more than 112,000 sources and has been in business since 1984. However, reports can miss unreported accidents, private repairs, and rental car damage. Always combine a Carfax report with a pre-purchase inspection.
How much does a Carfax report cost?
A single Carfax report costs $44.99. You can get three reports for $64.99 or five reports for $99.99. Many dealerships provide free Carfax reports on their listed vehicles.
Is Carfax accurate?
Carfax is as accurate as the data it receives. Reports may miss incidents that were not reported to insurance companies, law enforcement, or participating repair shops. There can also be delays between when something happens and when it appears on a report.
What does Carfax not tell you?
Carfax does not show unreported accidents, private repairs, cosmetic damage, current mechanical issues, or problems with rental cars that were self-insured. A clean report does not mean the vehicle is problem-free.
Is AutoCheck better than Carfax?
It depends on your needs. AutoCheck is cheaper ($29.99 vs. $44.99) and has better auction data. Carfax has more detailed service records and maintenance history. Many experts recommend checking both services for the most complete picture.
Can you trust a clean Carfax report?
A clean Carfax report is a positive sign, but it does not mean the car has no issues. Always get a pre-purchase inspection, request service records from the seller, and cross-reference with other vehicle history services.
