Through its reputation and service, CARFAX has pretty much become the industry standard for learning about any vehicle's past. In today's economy with expendable cash not as readily available as was when the economy was booming, car buyers have to make sure their hard earned cash is purchasing the best vehicle their money can afford.
Obtaining a Free CARFAX Report
There are several ways in which a consumer can obtain a free vehicle history report. It doesn't take much wrangling or heavy negotiating. In the past consumers would pay the fee in order to obtain the report, but in this economy, throwing in a free CARFAX car history report can be the difference between an automobile dealer making a sale and or watching an unsatisfied customer walk out the door.
Use the CARFAX Vehicle Search Service
CARFAX offers a free service for consumers looking for pre owned vehicles. On their website they have a database that is populated by vehicles from dealerships that are subscribing members to the CARFAX history report service. All the consumer has to do is put in the search criteria and look through the database. Each and every vehicle listed in the database provides a free vehicle history report. Therefore, consumers do not have to request or pay for such information. It's provided for free.
Consumers have the added benefit of the CARFAX buyback guarantee. If a vehicle purchased through the CARFAX database is later found to have a defective title, such as the vehicle was an insurance company salvage, had a fire or flood damage title or if the vehicle is titled as a lemon, CARFAX will buy the vehicle back.
Search for Member Auto Dealerships
Some car buyers prefer to touch and feel the car in person rather than view the vehicle online. Such buyers can search for local dealerships that subscribe to the CARFAX dealer online program. All the consumer has to do is visit the website, insert a zip code and the online service provides a listing of dealerships in the local area.
The consumer can then visit the dealership and browse the inventory. Once the choice has been made on which vehicle to buy, request a free vehicle history report to clinch the deal.
Finding Car History Information in Non Dealership Transactions
Free CARFAX history reports are easy to obtain when purchasing a car from a dealership. However, not all used car transactions occur at dealerships. Private owners may not be willing to throw in a free vehicle history report to seal the deal. In such cases the car buyer has the option of paying for a report, or compiling the readily available information on the vehicle for free. Read How to Obtain Free Information Before Buying a Used Car for tips on how to find out more about a used car's history.
More Free Car Information
In conjunction with obtaining the car history data, be sure to make a truly informed decision by reviewing the following free information to the vehicle prior to purchase:
Car Safety and Reliability Ratings
Related Article:
Canadian Used Car History Reports: Is CARFAX a viable option? The process of purchasing a used car varies slightly from country to country. This article investigates whether or not CARFAX is the best option for Canadian car buyers.
Felicia A. Williams - Felicia A. Williams is a full time freelance writer with over 20 years of business writing experience.
