Buying a used car can be a great way to save money, but finding a vehicle that looks good and fits your budget is only part of the process. Before you buy, it’s important to learn as much as you can about the vehicle’s history.
Whether you’re shopping at a dealership, browsing online listings, or considering a vehicle from a private seller in Northern Utah, a CARFAX report can help you get a better picture of the vehicle’s past.
A CARFAX Vehicle History Report can provide you important information about a vehicle’s history, including reported accidents, title information, mileage, ownership history, and more.
While a vehicle may look great during a test drive, some details are not always easy to spot. As such, a CARFAX report can help you identify information that may be worth looking into before making a purchase.
For example, a report may help you learn if the vehicle has had regular oil changes or multiple owners. It may also provide information about certain reported accidents or title events. Having this information before you buy can help you ask better questions and make a more informed decision.
Many buyers find that a CARFAX report is worth it, as it helps you learn more about a car before making a major financial decision.
Even when buying used, purchasing a car or other vehicle is often a large purchase, and it’s helpful to have as much information as possible before signing the paperwork. A CARFAX report can provide additional context about the car you’re considering and help you determine whether there are details you want to investigate further.
That said, a CARFAX report should be one part of your research, not the only step. Not every event is necessarily reported or included in a vehicle history report, so a clean report does not guarantee that a vehicle is free from problems.
Even with a report, it’s still a good idea to take the vehicle for a test drive, thoroughly inspect the interior and exterior, and consider having it examined by a mechanic you trust.
When you’re shopping for a used car, you’re usually relying on information from the seller and the listing, and what you can see during a test drive. A vehicle history report gives you another source of information to consider.
The more you know before buying, the better prepared you’ll be to make a confident decision.
A vehicle history report may also help you:
The thing is, no used car is perfect. The goal is not necessarily to find a report with a spotless history. Instead, it’s to understand the information available and decide whether the vehicle is the right fit for you.
If you’re an Elevate Credit Union member and shopping for a used vehicle, you can request a CARFAX Report for just $14.99. The report can help you review important details about the vehicle before you buy, including reported accidents, title information, mileage, ownership history, and more.
And there’s an added benefit! If you finance that same vehicle with Elevate, we’ll refund the $14.99 CARFAX report fee once your loan is completed. See full terms and read more about it here.
It’s one more way your Elevate membership can help you make informed financial decisions and get more value along the way.
Buying a used car is exciting, but it’s important to do your research before making a decision. Reviewing a CARFAX report can help you ask the right questions and feel more confident about your purchase.
Just remember these reports are only one piece of the puzzle. Before buying, make sure to test drive the vehicle, look it over carefully, and consider asking a mechanic to look at it before buying.
When you’re ready to start your used-car search, Elevate is here to help you understand your financing options and take advantage of valuable member benefits along the way.
Learn more about our CARFAX member benefit, or check out the rest of our MoneySmart Tips blog for more money tips and topics!