Do you have a clean CARFAX? in Mobile, AL
Clean CARFAX Report in Mobile, AL
Most people sell or trade in their old vehicle when they upgrade to a new car — one with more features or one that's more spacious. One of the first factors looked at when pricing a used vehicle is its CARFAX report. Do you know how your car's CARFAX report looks? And what should you look for in another used vehicle? To learn more about what goes into a CARFAX report and what makes for one that you want — a clean report — keep reading!
What goes into a CARFAX report?
Whether you're looking to sell your vehicle or are purchasing a used one, a CARFAX report can make a big difference in securing a deal. A vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) can pull up records from various databases, pulling together information about the history of the car. Below is some of the information you can obtain using CARFAX:
Any Damage to the Vehicle
Although a used vehicle's exterior may be attractive, that doesn't necessarily mean that there hasn't been any damage in the past. This can include anything from an accident to other damage the car has been through since it was first manufactured. For example, if the airbags have ever been deployed, you'll find a record of that. You wouldn't want to purchase a vehicle if it's been totaled (but repaired).
Odometer History
While unlikely, an older vehicle with a manual odometer has the possibility of being altered. You want to be certain of the exact mileage, and CARFAX can gather information on the odometer. Altered odometer readings are 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 is absent or there are problems with it, then just walking away from the deal 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 car, truck or SUV becomes what's known as a "lemon." It's best not to buy a vehicle that has been recalled due to potential future problems.
Records of Previous Owners
A good idea is to know how many people have owned a particular vehicle. With a used rental car, there's no way of finding out how many people have driven it, how much stress they put on the vehicle or how clean they kept it. A vehicle is a better investment in the long run if it's had fewer owners (especially ones who have kept up with maintenance).
Any Service or Maintenance Records
If a car has been maintained regularly, you should be able to find a record of oil changes, tire rotations and regular checkups performed over the years. These records from CARFAX can offer insight into any problems that the car may have currently or any issues the vehicle experienced in the past (and whether or not those issues have been handled).
Any Warranties Still Valid
CARFAX can tell you if there are still any valid warranties on a particular model, depending on the age of the vehicle. Because some maintenance may be covered under a warranty, this is an extra bonus.
Model-Specific Safety Information
You can also find crash-test information on the specific make and model of the used vehicle you're looking at on CARFAX. Safety recalls and other relevant safety information are included in this. We recommended taking a look at this for added peace of mind on the road.
A Clean CARFAX Report
So, what does it mean to have a clean CARFAX? No major problems have been reported. If you're selling your vehicle and have maintained it well without getting into any major accidents, you should have a clean CARFAX report. Looking to purchase a used vehicle? Be sure to consider all the information on the 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 Springhill Toyota at 3062 Government Blvd, Mobile, AL 36606. As always, we look forward to serving our customers from Mobile, AL, and Daphne and Spanish Fort.