About to buy a used car, but the Carfax is confusing

[Colebert]

I'm about to buy a car from ebay for a very good deal (~2000 below bluebook). As I was about to pull the trigger, I ran the carfax and found some alerts that concern me.

Now, I'm no expert on this stuff and it could all be benign, but I wanted to solicit some friendly Anandtech help.

The seller lives within 2 hours of me. She has a FB rating of 1900+ and has been registered since 2002. 99%+ positive. Is selling supposedly because they don't need 2 cars for their business.

Here is the section of the carfax that concerns me: LINK
Here is the "Full history section": LINK
(NB: L2L is not my website, so amatuer stalkers are wasting their time)

Is there any consensus as to what this all usually means? What kind of precautions/questions should I take prior to inspecting the vehicle and purchasing? I was planning to pay cash, in-person if the car was acceptable.

 

[jagec]

It says watch out, because it could be a Katrina car.

 

[MikeMike]

where do you live?

i think it might be a flood damaged car.

are you down in the gulf region?

 

[Colebert]

Me: Arkansas
Her: Vicksburg, Mississippi

...which is North of where most of the damage was, IIRC.



Mapquest Pic for Y'all Yankees

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Avoid it.

 

[Colebert]

Originally posted by: jagec
It says watch out, because it could be a Katrina car.

Every car in that region/state got that tag, though. But I have considered that. Have already asked her. Waiting reply.

 

[Drakkon]

doesnt matter where you are...katrina cars are making it ALL over....they've had a few even come out as far west as AZ

 

[MikeMike]

Originally posted by: Drakkon
doesnt matter where you are...katrina cars are making it ALL over....they've had a few even come out as far west as AZ

but it seems ANY car in the gulf region got the possiblitiy on their title, so even if your car was in NY during the time, it still got the title change.

 

[Colebert]

Originally posted by: Drakkon
doesnt matter where you are...katrina cars are making it ALL over....they've had a few even come out as far west as AZ

Also good point. But wouldn't it be reasonable to allow for the possibility this car survived the damage, at least until I hear back from the owner and inspect the car?

At this point, I'm more concerned about the duplicate title and lein. What are the possible meanings/implications of them?

 

[GuitarDaddy]

The duplicate title and lien could be indication of multiple owners but a proper title transfer was never recorded when it sold. This could make it difficult or impossible to get the title transfered into your name, I would definately make them provide a clear title and file for a title transfer immediately so you have time for recourse if anything goes wrong.

 

[waggy]

hmm with the title problem and it being a katrina car i would avoid it. but good luck