Carfax / VHR
A vehicle history report showing accidents, ownership, service records.
Why it matters
Carfax (and competitors AutoCheck, ClearVin, VinAudit) sell Vehicle History Reports based on data aggregated from DMV, insurance, repair shops, and auctions. A Carfax report shows reported accidents, title issues (salvage, flood, lemon), ownership history, mileage trail, and some service records. Carfax is NOT comprehensive — minor accidents repaired without insurance claims often don't appear. Always pair a VHR with a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic.
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