Thinking of buying used and relying on carfax?

[telcoman]

You may want to check out the latest issue of Consumer Reports July 09page 51.

The article points out that Carfax, Auto Check, VIN Check,as well as the National Motor Vehicle Title Information Systems data base may all have incomplete or missing information.

Let the buyer beware.

I no longer purchase used vehicles. Too many scams out there.

Telcoman

[SVTCOBRA]

Thanks!will check it out....I only use carfax as an additional tool. Still must crawl all over/under it.

[Nazc0]

same here had my car fully examined before buying and then checked carfax

[pfarmer]

Thanks!will check it out....I only use carfax as an additional tool. Still must crawl all over/under it.

I agree, carfax is only a tool that helps to determine if you want to procede further. To me it should be one of the first things utilized, if it turns out ok, then you look further. If it turns out bad, then you stop and move on elsewhere.

Perry

[wmailhos]

The first G35 my girlfriend and I looked at came in with a "clean" Carfax... Matter of fact the (shady) dealer was waving it under my nose telling me how great the car was. Only when I saw some previous bill of sale and it noted "subframe damage" did I know something was up. Of course he didn't know anything about that.....

[pfarmer]

The first G35 my girlfriend and I looked at came in with a "clean" Carfax... Matter of fact the (shady) dealer was waving it under my nose telling me how great the car was. Only when I saw some previous bill of sale and it noted "subframe damage" did I know something was up. Of course he didn't know anything about that.....

That is why you get the car fax not the dealer.

Perry

[jmcohen23]

personally, I prefer to buy used, but when I do, I make sure that is certified by the parent company. most companies will not certify a car that has been in an accident, so generally, they would know better than a carfax report.

of course, that's not to say that is full-proof, but just an extra measure of piece of mind.

[snwbrdr435]

If you don't have to go through insurance for an accident then it wont show up on carfax

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

most people do use insurance to fix the car!

I always buy used and think you are stupid for buying new! Let some other retard take the 10k hit when they drive it off the lot. I buy 1-2 years old. I never buy off lease... Only private owners and in cash!

That way it is plain and simple!

DJ

[pfarmer]

most people do use insurance to fix the car!

I always buy used and think you are stupid for buying new! Let some other retard take the 10k hit when they drive it off the lot. I buy 1-2 years old. I never buy off lease... Only private owners and in cash!

That way it is plain and simple!

DJ

I have purchase both ways. Never buy off lease or 'program cars' whatever that may mean locally. It is hazardous sometimes since you really don't know what the car has been through so to me the idea is to buy cheap enough that you can afford to fix it if necessary. If you do not then that is money in the pocket.

Buying new on the other hand and you know everything that has occured, any problems caused by driving is caused by you.

Perry

[jmcohen23]

just curious as to why ya'll say never to buy a previously leased car?

I understand an assumption is that people tend treat items that they own better than items that they rent. But my thought was that if you buy a previously leased car, then you know that the car has been maintained (or at least been in for routine check-ups), as per the conditions of a lease.

Thus, a properly maintained car is less likely to have problems than one that has not, right?

[pfarmer]

just curious as to why ya'll say never to buy a previously leased car?

I understand an assumption is that people tend treat items that they own better than items that they rent. But my thought was that if you buy a previously leased car, then you know that the car has been maintained (or at least been in for routine check-ups), as per the conditions of a lease.

Thus, a properly maintained car is less likely to have problems than one that has not, right?

A leased car is often maintained only as necessary to fullfill the requirements of the lease. Often miles are put on in a hurry and timed in such a way to again fullfill the requirements of the lease. You can get away with a lot by leasing a car if you know how to play the game. I once looked at one that have 3 different types of tires on it, good shape and they almost looked the same, but they were not.

Once turned in some dealers will also play with them as well.

The other thing to consider is that not all leased cars originate with a dealer, but are leased from a 3rd party. You really need to track everything if you purchase one.

To me if buy used the best way is a low mileage car from a private party. A good chance such a car can be easily documented and you will not pay a dealer markup on it.

Perry