Buying a used car can be an exciting yet daunting process. Among the crucial steps to ensure you’re making a sound investment is checking the vehicle’s history. Carfax has become synonymous with vehicle history reports, offering detailed insights into a car’s past. But this comprehensive service comes at a cost, leading many to wonder: how much does a Carfax report cost, and is it truly worth the investment?
Carfax is recognized as the industry benchmark for vehicle history reports, having established itself since the late 1980s. Known for its thoroughness and user-friendly reports, Carfax, however, is also the priciest option available. As of the latest pricing, a single Carfax report will set you back $44.99. If you’re planning to compare a few vehicles, Carfax offers package deals: three reports for $64.99, and five for $99.99.
What justifies this cost? Carfax reports are renowned for their depth and organization. They meticulously detail vehicle ownership history, clearly separating and labeling information for easy understanding. One of Carfax’s standout features is its extensive maintenance records. These records can be invaluable, providing insights into a vehicle’s upkeep and any potential issues it may have encountered. A robust maintenance history is often a positive signal, suggesting that previous owners were diligent about vehicle care.
In a direct comparison, consider a 2014 Porsche Boxster examined using both Carfax and AutoCheck. Carfax unearthed 15 service records dating back to 2014, while AutoCheck only showed three, all occurring in 2024. For performance vehicles like a Porsche, maintenance history is paramount. Furthermore, Carfax identified five owners for the same Boxster, whereas AutoCheck listed only three. This discrepancy arose because Carfax included dealerships that held the car in inventory between owners, offering a more complete ownership timeline, unlike AutoCheck which solely counted individual purchasers.
Our Verdict: While Carfax is undeniably the most expensive option, its detailed and user-friendly reports make it a worthwhile investment. For many discerning used car buyers, obtaining a clean Carfax report is the essential first step towards finding a reliable vehicle.
Exploring AutoCheck Costs and Value
AutoCheck, a service from credit reporting giant Experian, presents itself as a more budget-conscious alternative to Carfax. AutoCheck distinguishes itself by providing a vehicle “score,” a numerical rating within a range, for instance, 85 out of 70-90. This score is purported to predict the likelihood of a vehicle remaining roadworthy for the next five years, acting as a quick filter to weed out potentially problematic cars based on factors like mileage and accident history.
When put to the test, using the VIN of a 2017 Honda Accord with a salvage title, AutoCheck did reveal two accident records, including the insurance declaration of total loss. However, Carfax’s report was more comprehensive, not only documenting the same two accidents but also uncovering front-end damage from November 2024 – an incident not yet reflected in AutoCheck as of early December 2024. This suggests Carfax may have faster data acquisition.
In terms of cost, AutoCheck is positioned as more affordable. A single AutoCheck report costs $29.99. Recognizing that used car shopping often involves evaluating multiple vehicles, AutoCheck offers a plan providing five reports within 21 days for $49.99.
Our Verdict: While AutoCheck may not quite match Carfax’s depth of detail, it still provides valuable information at a lower price point. The vehicle score offers a convenient quick assessment, though it shouldn’t be the sole determinant. AutoCheck delivers good value, especially when considering multiple reports at roughly half the cost of Carfax for a similar quantity.
Bumper’s Subscription Model and Report Depth
Bumper is a relatively newer entrant in the vehicle history report market, adopting a subscription-based model. For a nominal $1 for a seven-day trial, users can generate up to 50 reports. Following the trial, the subscription costs $24.99 per month. Bumper sources data from the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), but its presentation and comprehensiveness differ significantly from Carfax and AutoCheck.
In testing with the 2017 Accord that Carfax identified with three accidents, Bumper’s initial summary strangely indicated seven accidents. However, delving into the report revealed inconsistencies. Clicking the “accidents” icon led to a US map stating “0 Accidents Reported,” followed by a “0 Damage Reports” section. The “7 accidents” seemed to refer to instances of “salvage title” listings, some of which were duplicates and inaccurate. Crucially, Bumper lacked the detailed information on damage specifics found in Carfax and AutoCheck reports.
Our Verdict: Bumper boasts a sleek, user-friendly interface, arguably more intuitive than Carfax or AutoCheck. The $1 trial for 50 reports is undeniably a bargain. However, the value of these reports is diminished by the lack of detail compared to AutoCheck or Carfax. While cost-effective for bulk checks during initial screening, it may not provide the in-depth insights needed for a final purchase decision.
NMVTIS: The Basic, Budget Option
The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) is managed by the U.S. Department of Justice and aggregates title data from state motor vehicle registries. It’s unique as the only publicly accessible system mandated to receive regular reports from insurance carriers, auto recyclers, and salvage yards. The NMVTIS website lists third-party providers offering history reports, with prices ranging from free to around $20.
These NMVTIS-based reports are a lower-cost alternative but, as experience suggests, you often get what you pay for. Expect no vehicle scores or detailed histories. Testing NMVTIS reports with our test VINs yielded disappointing results. Neither free nor paid NMVTIS reports offered much beyond confirming branded titles and title issuance frequency, indicative of ownership changes. They lack the narrative depth crucial for understanding a car’s history.
Our Verdict: NMVTIS is best used as a basic check for branded titles, serving as a secondary verification rather than a primary source. For comprehensive vehicle history, investing in AutoCheck or Carfax is recommended.
Securing Free or Reduced-Cost Vehicle History Reports
While individual Carfax and AutoCheck reports can cost between $30 and $100, depending on the quantity, there are avenues to obtain them at no cost or reduced expense, particularly when purchasing from dealerships. Most reputable used car dealerships, and some online car marketplaces, provide complimentary Carfax or AutoCheck reports. Platforms like Edmunds’ used car inventory and dealership websites often feature vehicles with free reports readily available.
When browsing used car lots, proactively inquire about vehicle history reports. Dealerships typically subscribe to Carfax or AutoCheck and will generate a free report for serious buyers. This dealer-provided report offers valuable third-party validation. Conversely, a dealer’s reluctance to furnish a vehicle history report or offering an outdated one should raise a red flag.
Whether buying privately or from a dealer, understanding the scope and limitations of vehicle history reports is crucial for informed used car shopping.
Vehicle History Reports: A Crucial Starting Point
A vehicle history report isn’t a foolproof guarantee of a perfect used car. A professional mechanical inspection remains essential. Suspected structural or frame damage warrants a body shop assessment to prevent costly errors. However, obtaining a vehicle history report is an invaluable initial step, saving both time and money by potentially averting the purchase of a car with hidden issues or a problematic past. It’s a fundamental tool in responsible used car buying.
