Do You Have a Clean CARFAX? | Lithia Springs GA
If you're looking to upgrade your current ride to something newer and nicer, definitely check out our new and used inventories. Whether you're just looking to sell your vehicle or are thinking of buying something pre-owned, it's important to know what determines a used vehicle's price. A CARFAX report is a major factor in pricing used cars, trucks and SUVs. But what exactly goes into a CARFAX report? How do you know what to look out for in a used car? We've put together this handy set of information about what to keep an eye out for and what constitutes a CARFAX report.
What goes into a CARFAX report?
Whether you're selling your old set of wheels or you're searching for a vehicle, a CARFAX report can make or break a deal. With a vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), CARFAX brings up records from various databases, pulling information about the history of that vehicle. To learn some of the included information, keep reading!
Any Damage to the Vehicle
Any used vehicle may show a perfectly shiny exterior, but that doesn't guarantee the car hasn't been in any kind of accident or experienced some kind of damage since it was first manufactured. Wondering if the airbags have ever been deployed? You'll see a record of that. It's also possible that the vehicle could have been close to being totaled but was repaired. In this case, you don't want a vehicle that's seen an extreme level of damage.
Odometer History
You'll also see information on the CARFAX report about the odometer, meaning you can be certain of the exact mileage. Although unlikely, there's a possibility that it could have been altered if the vehicle is older with a manual odometer. This is an issue because it's deceptive to you — you'd think a vehicle hasn't been driven as much as it really has.
Any Issues with Titling
A title proves ownership of a vehicle. Does the seller not have a title, or do they have problems proving ownership? Walking away from the deal is your best bet. Never buy from a private seller who can't show that they own the vehicle.
"Lemon Status"
When a dealer repurchases or recalls a car, truck or SUV (or any other vehicle) due to major problems, that vehicle becomes a "lemon." It's better not to purchase a car that's been recalled, as it may pose potential problems in the future.
Records of Previous Owners
A good idea is to check how many people have owned a vehicle. For example, there's no way of knowing how many drivers were behind the wheel of a used rental car, how much stress was put on the vehicle or if it was shown good care. It's smarter to consider a vehicle that's seen fewer owners, especially owners who kept up with routine maintenance and care, as it might be a better investment in the long run.
Any Service or Maintenance Records
If a vehicle was maintained properly, you should see (or be able to find) a record of tire rotations, oil changes and regular checkups performed over the years. These records can indicate if there were any problems with the vehicle in the past and whether or not those issues were taken care of.
Any Warranties Still Valid
Depending on the age of the vehicle, CARFAX can show if there are any valid warranties still on the car. Maintenance may be covered under any warranties, which means this could be an added bonus.
Model-Specific Safety Information
CARFAX will also provide crash-test information on the specific make and model of the vehicle. This information includes safety recalls and other relevant safety details. A potential buyer may want to know about these details, as it will provide them with added peace of mind.
A Clean CARFAX Report
To have a clean CARFAX report, it simply means your vehicle hasn't had any major problems reported. If you're looking to sell your car and have routinely maintained it (and haven't been involved in any major accidents), you should be in the clear. Looking to buy a used vehicle? Make sure you consider everything on the CARFAX report before making 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 Lithia Springs Ford at 870 Thornton Road, Lithia Springs, GA 30122. As always, we look forward to serving our customers from Lithia Springs, GA, and throughout Atlanta, Dallas, Douglasville and Smyrna.