Considering the purchase of a used car? It’s essential to obtain a vehicle history report to prevent potential issues. These reports, provided by companies such as Carfax, AutoCheck, and Bumper, offer insights into a vehicle’s past, including details about accidents, repairs, changes in ownership, and any branded titles like salvage titles.A vehicle history report is a comprehensive document that reveals critical information about a car’s background. This includes its ownership history, accident records, service history, and more. Such reports are vital for prospective buyers as they help uncover hidden problems that may not be obvious during a visual inspection or test drive.
Vehicle History Report Price Comparison:
Carfax vs. AutoCheck vs. Bumper
| Feature | Carfax | AutoCheck | Bumper |
| Pricing Model | Per Report | Per Report or Multi-Report Package | Subscription |
| Report Price | $44.99 | $24.99 | $1 for a seven-day trial, after which there is a monthly fee of $22.99. |
| Multi-Report Package | 3 reports: $64.99 ($21.66) 5 reports: $99.99 ($19.99) | * 5 reports: $49.99 ($10.00) | $22.99/month (up to 50 reports) |
| Free Trial | No | No | Yes (7 days, up to 50 reports) |
| Best for | Occasional use, detailed reports | Multiple report purchases | Frequent report needs, budget-conscious buyers |
Overall, Carfax appears to be the more reliable and comprehensive option, albeit at a higher price point. Bumper’s subscription model could be beneficial for those needing multiple reports.
Carfax VS AutoChex
| Feature | Carfax | AutoCheck |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $39.99 for 1 report $59.99 for 3 reports $99.99 for 6 reports | $24.99 for 1 report $49.99 for 5 reports $99.99 for 25 reports |
| Established Reputation | Well-established and widely recognized in the industry | Known as a cheaper alternative, owned by Experian |
| Information Provided | Accident history, ownership history, title information, maintenance records | Accident history, ownership history, title information; does not include maintenance records |
| User Experience | Comprehensive and detailed reports | Offers a vehicle scoring system for quick assessment |
| Scoring System | No scoring system | Yes, provides an AutoCheck Score on a 100-point scale |
| Buyback Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Data Sources | Data from over 100,000 sources including DMVs and service shops | Data from auctions and insurance companies; may miss some incidents |
| Best For | Ordinary buyers seeking detailed vehicle history | Auction buyers and those looking for cost-effective options |
Top Vehicle History Report Services and comparison:
| Feature/Service | Carfax | AutoCheck | Bumper | VINCheck | VehicleHistory | instaVIN | ClearVin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $39.99 (1 report) $59.99 (3 reports) $99.99 (6 reports) | $24.99 (1 report) $49.99 (25 reports/30 days) $99.99 (unlimited/21 days) | $1 for a 7-day trial $19.99 (1 report) $33.99/month (unlimited) | Free basic reports | Free basic reports | $9.99 (basic) $19.99 (premium) | $24.95 (standard) $34.95 (premium) |
| Database Size | 22+ billion records | 20+ billion records | Multiple sources, size not disclosed | Limited (NMVTIS data only) | Limited (public records only) | 350+ million VINs | 40+ million records |
| Primary Data Sources | 100,000+ sources including DMVs, insurance companies, service shops | Experian, auctions, DMVs, insurance companies | DMVs, insurance, auctions, service stations | NMVTIS database | Public records, state DMVs | NMVTIS data, auction data | DMVs, auctions, insurance |
| Accident History | Excellent (detailed with damage indicators) | Very Good (with severity assessment) | Good | Basic | Basic | Good | Good |
| Title Information | Excellent | Excellent | Very Good | Good | Good | Very Good | Very Good |
| Odometer Verification | Excellent | Very Good | Very Good | Limited | Limited | Good | Good |
| Maintenance Records | Excellent | Good | Good | Not included | Not included | Limited | Limited |
| Recall Information | Yes | Yes | Yes (with real-time alerts) | No | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership History | Detailed (number of owners, length of ownership) | Detailed | Good | Basic | Basic | Good | Good |
| Unique Features | Buyback Guarantee Detailed service records | AutoCheck Score (1-100) Strong auction data | Price analysis Future maintenance predictions Ongoing monitoring | Free access Basic theft check | Free access Market value | Mobile friendly Affordable | Comprehensive dealer package Buyback protection |
| Vehicle Use History | Yes (personal, fleet, rental, etc.) | Yes (with detailed history) | Yes | Limited | Limited | Basic | Yes |
| Flood/Damage History | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Basic | Basic | Good | Very Good |
| Manufacturer Buyback | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Yes (with enhanced features) | No | Yes (basic) | Yes | No |
| Report Clarity | Excellent | Very Good | Excellent (modern UI) | Basic | Basic | Good | Good |
| Dealer Network | Extensive | Good | Good | N/A | N/A | Good | Good |
| International Vehicle Coverage | Limited | Limited | No | No | No | No | No |
| Report Delivery Speed | Instant | Instant | Instant | Instant | Instant | Instant | Instant |
| Customer Support | Excellent | Very Good | Good | Limited | Limited | Good | Good |
| Buy-Back Guarantee Value | Up to purchase price | Limited (buyback protection) | Not offered | None | None | Limited | Up to $10,000 |
| Additional Tools | Market value assessment | Score comparison tool | Market value analysis Cost-to-own calculator | None | Basic value estimate | Value range estimate | Vehicle specs and photos |
Why are they important?
Used car sellers might not always tell the whole story. A history report acts as a background check, giving you valuable insights into the car’s condition. It can help you:
- Avoid cars with major accidents: Reports typically reveal past accidents and repairs, allowing you to steer clear of vehicles with significant damage.
- Identify potential problems: Maintenance records in the report can indicate past issues the car may have had.
- Uncover odometer rollbacks: Some reports verify mileage readings, helping you avoid cars with tampered odometers.
What to Consider When Choosing a Report Provider
- Carfax: The most well-known provider, Carfax offers detailed reports with easy-to-understand information. It’s pricier than others, but its in-depth data can be invaluable.
- AutoCheck: Provides a vehicle score to predict reliability, but this score can be confusing. AutoCheck is generally cheaper than Carfax for multiple reports.
- Bumper: A newer subscription service with a user-friendly interface. It offers a free trial and a lower monthly cost compared to Carfax, but its data gathering abilities haven’t been fully evaluated yet.
Remember: No report is perfect.
- Reports rely on information that’s been reported.
- Minor accidents with no insurance claims might not show up.
- Repairs done outside authorized shops may not be included.
Additional Tips:
- Get a mechanic to inspect the car regardless of the report.
- Ask dealerships for a free vehicle history report, most subscribe to these services.
- Don’t rely solely on the report’s score – read the details carefully.
- By using vehicle history reports and getting a mechanic’s inspection, you’ll be in a much better position to make an informed decision when buying a used car.
What kind of information do vehicle history reports typically include?
- Accident history and repairs
- Number of previous owners
- Mileage readings and odometer rollback checks
- Maintenance records (on some reports)
- Branded titles (salvage titles, flood damage, etc.)
- Lemon law buybacks
What are the most popular vehicle history report providers?
Carfax and AutoCheck are the two most well-known companies, but Bumper is a newer subscription service gaining popularity.
Are vehicle history reports perfect?
No. Reports rely on information that’s been reported. Minor accidents without insurance claims or repairs done outside authorized shops might not be included.
What should I do besides getting a vehicle history report?
Always get the car inspected by a trusted mechanic before buying it. The report is a good starting point, but a mechanic can identify current issues the report might miss.
When shopping at a dealership, should I ask for a vehicle history report?
Yes! Most dealerships subscribe to these services and can provide a free report. If they refuse, it’s a potential red flag.
What are some things to look out for in a vehicle history report?
Major accidents with significant repairs, branded titles, and odometer discrepancies are big red flags. Look for a consistent maintenance history, which can be a sign the car was well-cared for.
Should I choose the report provider with the highest score (like AutoCheck)?
Don’t rely solely on the score. While it can be a quick reference, read the detailed information in the report to understand the car’s full history.
Free Reports (limited information):
- National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) – Offers a free VIN check that provides basic information on whether a vehicle has been reported as stolen or salvaged. Limited to 5 searches per day.
- VehicleHistory.com – Provides free vehicle history reports that include information on accidents, ownership history, recalls, and more.
- iSeeCars.com/VIN – Offers free VIN checks with information on accident history, price analysis, and depreciation. Limited to 5 searches per month.
- VINCheck.info – Provides free VIN lookups with basic vehicle information, though more comprehensive reports may require payment.
- National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) – The official website vehiclehistory.gov lists approved providers of vehicle history reports, some of which offer basic information for free..
Paid Reports (alternative options):
- VinAudit: Offers detailed vehicle history reports at a competitive price point compared to Carfax and AutoCheck.
- VinDecoders: Provides a variety of vehicle history report options, including basic and comprehensive reports.
- CheckThatVin: Offers vehicle history reports with a focus on uncovering potential odometer rollbacks.
- ClearVin: Provides detailed reports with information on accidents, repairs, ownership history, and more.
- EpicVIN: Offers a variety of vehicle history report options, including single reports and multi-report packages.
- GoodCar.com: Provides vehicle history reports alongside other used car information resources.
Additional Tips:
Compare Features: Look for reports that offer the information you need at a price that fits your budget.
Read Reviews: Before choosing a provider, check online reviews to see what other customers have experienced.
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