Buying a Used Car

[Aimster]

If the carfax comes out clean and I later find out it was in an accident does carfax.com owe me money?

 

[RCN]

no...............not really......maybe



Answer
The CARFAX Buyback Guarantee protects you from purchasing a vehicle with severe problems as reported by a state or provincial Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) agency.

Here's how it works:

1. Run a CARFAX Vehicle History Report on a potential vehicle purchase.
2. Upon finding no severe problems (major accidents, fire, flood damage, odometer problems or lemon history) were reported by a DMV, the vehicle automatically qualifies for the Buyback Guarantee.
3. Register to activate your free Guarantee. Remember to keep the CARFAX Report... you'll need it should you decide to submit a claim.
4. If you later discover that a severe problem was reported by a DMV and not included in the Vehicle History Report, CARFAX will buy the vehicle back.

Interested in submitting a claim?

Just a few documents are needed to complete your claim.

1. A copy of your current title (front and back) and bill of sale to show proof of vehicle ownership.
2. A copy of the branded or problem title (front and back) that you feel CARFAX should have reported on but did not.
3. Full copy of the CARFAX Vehicle History Report run before the vehicle was purchased.
4. A notarized claim form.

Click here to view and print the claim form and the program's terms and conditions.

Once you've got your documents together please mail them (we're unable to accept faxed documents) to the address on the form. We'll be in touch in writing upon receipt of your claim.

 

[compuwiz1]

Originally posted by: Aimster
If the carfax comes out clean and I later find out it was in an accident does carfax.com owe me money?

Read the carfax and see if it qualfies for the buy back guarantee, then read the guarantee. An accident in itself may not constitute a buy back...it just depends on the extent of the damage.

Where I work, we run a car fax on all incoming trade ins, as well as cars we buy outright.

 

[Aimster]

Originally posted by: compuwiz1

Originally posted by: Aimster
If the carfax comes out clean and I later find out it was in an accident does carfax.com owe me money?

Read the carfax and see if it qualfies for the buy back guarantee, then read the guarantee. An accident in itself may not constitute a buy back...it just depends on the extent of the damage.

Where I work, we run a car fax on all incoming trade ins, as well as cars we buy outright.

Does your place sell new cars as well or just used cars?

This place has cars for dirt cheap. I don't know what to think:

http://www.autovilla.net/inventory/browse.asp?type_select=used

 

[compuwiz1]

We sell only new Mazdas. The rest of our inventory is late model, highline luxury imports. Most of those are lease returns, 3-4 years old, most of which have remaining factory warranty.

The only concern I have is once you start getting farther east, the more potential you have for body rust / rot. Ideal cars for sale in that part of the country would be ones that were acquired, but originally from the west coast, Washington, Oregon, California, and Arizona preferred.

 

[RCN]

Originally posted by: Aimster
This place has cars for dirt cheap. I don't know what to think:

http://www.autovilla.net/inventory/browse.asp?type_select=used

Really no difference it would seem than most lots. Cars bought at auction. Its a crapshoot except the odd really are in your favor. If the carafax checks out I wouldn't be scared...............

 

[compuwiz1]

Oh, and when in doubt, if you really like the car, why not pay and have it inspected by a 3rd party technician? That's your right to do that, and if the dealer balks at that idea, run away from the deal as fast as you can.

 

[Aimster]

Originally posted by: compuwiz1
Oh, and when in doubt, if you really like the car, why not pay and have it inspected by a 3rd party technician? That's your right to do that, and if the dealer balks at that idea, run away from the deal as fast as you can.

How does one find a 3rd party technician?

Just go to a dealership and tell the dude working on cars that I'll pay him $100 to inspect a car for me?

 

[compuwiz1]

Originally posted by: Aimster

Originally posted by: compuwiz1
Oh, and when in doubt, if you really like the car, why not pay and have it inspected by a 3rd party technician? That's your right to do that, and if the dealer balks at that idea, run away from the deal as fast as you can.

How does one find a 3rd party technician?

Just go to a dealership and tell the dude working on cars that I'll pay him $100 to inspect a car for me?

No, ask around. Find out what shops your friends use and trust, then call one of them. Do not have the car inspected at the same dealership you are buying from. They should have already done their own inspection and servicing, prior to putting the car out for sale.

 

[thomsbrain]

a car's title will only be "salvage" if the car was totaled by the insurance company. there are many cars driving around with clean titles that have been in accidents (mine included!). the last time i looked at carfax (for my car, actually), it was listed as a clean title and simply listed the previous owners. not really a big help, you know.