Interesting CARFAX Policy

[DrumrBoy]

Hey we all know that CARFAX doesn't report alot of stuff that happens to a vehicle but did you know that CARFAX will actually ADD data as many as 5 or ten YEARS after the event. True (I found this out the hard way).

Imagine buying a car in 2008, in part because the CARFAX was clean, and then in 2011 the CARFAX is updated with an accident that happened in 2003!

We all know that a clean CARFAX doesn't mean an accident-free car, but the risk of buying that car and then having data added years and years after-the-fact solidifies a value reduction.

The condition of the car doesn't change, just the market value

Nice of them, eh? Had never heard of this and thought folks would want to know this tidbit of CARFAX history.

 

[plumcrazy]

carfax is a joke

 

[Catwood]

yes, I know it as fact.

 

[SkyBob]

We all know that a clean CARFAX doesn't mean an accident-free car, but the risk of buying that car and then having data added years and years after-the-fact solidifies a value reduction.

This also solidifies a value reduction of CARFAX, too. I guess I won't spend any more money with them.

 

[AZTVR]

I guess I won't spend any more money with them.

Seriously ?

I think that reviewing the Carfax report is a mandatory thing for me to do as long as it exists as a market force. Because of how it is perceived in the used car market by a large number of potential buyers, I will not buy a car with a "bad" Carfax because I know that it reduces the buyer pool and the perceived value when I go to sell the car.

If you aren't going to sell the car or don't care about the perceived diminished value, then there is no reason to look at the Carfax report. I would bet that trade-in value would also be affected at a dealership.

I whole heartedly agree that no one should believe that anything in the Carfax report is accurate, true, or complete. However, whatever is stated on there still has the same effect on the car's value in the private-sale marketplace no matter what its accuracy is.

I believe that is the OP's point, and I appreciate the heads up. That really does ****, that your car's value can change just as a result of a new database being added to the equation. I guess we are starting to see more downsides of increasing interconnectivity !

 

[plumcrazy]

id still run a carfax if buying a used car but i would not trust it. id check other ways as well. calling a dealer or chuck tator is a good place to start too.

 

[redtanrt10]

Seriously ?

I think that reviewing the Carfax report is a mandatory thing for me to do as long as it exists as a market force. Because of how it is perceived in the used car market by a large number of potential buyers, I will not buy a car with a "bad" Carfax because I know that it reduces the buyer pool and the perceived value when I go to sell the

Agree! Carfax may be less than accurate but their marketing has been great for them. "Show me the carfax" comes out of most potential buyers mouths. Recently helped a friend sell her '06 911 and all buyers asked me for one. Finally paid and posted it to the autotrader add.

a dealer buddy of mine runs a carfax and autocheck too on anything I look at. Plus as someone said get a dodge dealer to run the vin in the chrysler system.

As to the orginal poster, I don't have an issue with carfax going back. think about it, more than likely the only add back would be accidents, (the number of owners shouldn't change). I've seen folks buy a wrecked car that had a clean carfax then try to pass it on as never wrecked. Get the car visually checked out before you buy it if in doubt. Skilled shops always can tell prior collision damage.

 

[Jeffsss]

id still run a carfax if buying a used car but i would not trust it. id check other ways as well. calling a dealer or chuck tator is a good place to start too.

I'm sorry, I hear a lot about Chuck Tator. I'm new to the Viper world and I've heard his name tossed around a lot.

Why is he so significant? and no I'm not joking, I really don't know.. although I'm about to google his name.

 

[AZTVR]

Why is he so significant? and no I'm not joking, I really don't know.. although I'm about to google his name.

You'll find out with a search here; but, besides his experience and knowledge, he makes that extra effort to make himself available for advice, and makes you feel that you aren't being a bother. I can imagine that that could get to be a hassle or interfere with his business; but, I think that he realizes that it is also one of the core reasons why he gets many of the customers he gets, and it commands their loyalty.

There are also several other vendors here that go out of their way to offer their advice that makes owning a Viper much different and easier than I think is true for other specialty sports cars.

 

[VIPER GTSR 91]

The Wizard has been in the Dodge dealership business and service guru for many many years and is very knowledgeable when it comes to servicing Vipers. He does outstanding work and is always there to help with any questions you have regarding a Viper.

 

[past ohio]

When buying a Viper, we have this website to research a used car plus most Vipers need to be repaired at a Dodge dealer, so they are put in the data base, I don't particularly feel Carfax is that great BUT what else is there to take its place ??...My $.02

 

[JohnnyViper]

thats to bad

 

[plumcrazy]

I'm sorry, I hear a lot about Chuck Tator. I'm new to the Viper world and I've heard his name tossed around a lot.

Why is he so significant? and no I'm not joking, I really don't know.. although I'm about to google his name.

914-763-3136 ask for chuck.

simply cause the guy is so dang helpful. he has worked on a lot of vipers and does have some serious knowledge. he can run the VIN and tell you who worked on the car if ever serviced at a dealership and what was done for warranty work. if the car spent anytime in the northeast, he might know the car or have worked on it. and he has installed more Roe superchargers than sean roe has.

here is a quick search of "chuck tator" in the general viper forums (titles only) http://forums.viperclub.org/search.php?searchid=1407658
only 88 results (4 pages)....lol

 

[DrumrBoy]

Still worthwhile to see a carfax before buying....if there IS a history you'll at least have that info. BUT, you may want to check other sources with the VIN since if the car checks out (as mine did, not a Viper but no perceptible damage top or bottom) AND years later an accident shows up, the car becomes forever tarnished....when even inspection pre-sale showed nothing.

I'm guessing that the damage from the accident was cosmetic and fixed professionally....still can't find evidence of it, but when the carfax says "accident", buyers will run away or discount as though the frame was bent by the Hulk before he threw it in the quarry lake where it sat for a decade only to become radio-active from the heavy metal tailings......

It was just a heads up on something I didn't know could happen.

 

[Jeffsss]

Ok, I got a chance to speak with chuck today.. MY time was cut short because of the battery life on my cell phone. All I can say is wow... Super knowledgeable.. Spent over a half hour writing down part numbers for fluid changes... Part numbers for parts.. Service dates..etc... Truly an asset to the viper community. I couldn't call him back in time to finish our convo. Super nice and clearly knowledgeable.