When a serious buyer finds your car, one of the first things they'll ask for — or run themselves — is a vehicle history report. Getting one before you list puts you in control of that conversation. Here's what these reports contain and how to use them as a seller.
What Carfax and AutoCheck Actually Show
The two dominant vehicle history report providers in the US are Carfax (carfax.com) and AutoCheck (autocheck.com). Both aggregate data from DMVs, insurance companies, auto auctions, service facilities, and police agencies.
- Accident and damage history: Reported collisions, airbag deployments, and insurance claims.
- Title brands: Salvage, flood damage, frame damage, lemon law buyback, odometer rollback, and other title brands that significantly affect value.
- Number of previous owners: Carfax records owner count based on title changes in their database.
- Odometer readings over time: Service records and state inspections log mileage. A reading out of sequence flags a potential odometer rollback.
- Service history: Maintenance events reported by dealerships and some independent service facilities.
- Recall status: Open manufacturer recalls on the vehicle.
- Theft records: Whether the vehicle has been reported stolen.
Why Getting One Before You List Helps You as a Seller
- You know what's on it before the buyer does: If there's an incident on the report, you can address it proactively in your listing rather than being caught off guard at the negotiation stage.
- A clean report is a selling tool: 'Clean Carfax' is one of the most commonly searched phrases in US used car listings. Including the report removes a buyer's biggest objection before they've even contacted you.
- You can justify your asking price: A buyer who is debating between your car and a similar one without a report will often choose yours at a similar price, or accept a small premium.
- It reduces no-shows: Buyers who see a clean report upfront are more committed when they show up for a viewing.
What to Do If the Report Shows an Incident
- Minor incidents: A reported fender-bender with no structural damage and a clean title is common and manageable. Disclose it honestly in your listing and price the car accordingly. Most buyers will accept it if you're upfront.
- Salvage or rebuilt title: This requires explicit disclosure and significantly reduces your buyer pool and achievable price. Finance lenders typically will not finance salvage-title vehicles, limiting buyers to cash.
- Odometer discrepancy: This is a serious issue. If you believe the report is wrong, gather your own documentation (service receipts, inspection records) and be prepared to explain the discrepancy. Selling a car with an undisclosed odometer issue exposes you to federal liability under the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act.
- Open recall: Check whether the recall repair has been completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Completing open recall work before listing is a legitimate selling point.
How Much Does a Carfax Report Cost?
A single Carfax report costs around $44.99. For sellers listing one vehicle, a single report is the right purchase. Carfax also offers multi-report packages for buyers. AutoCheck single reports are priced similarly. Both can be purchased directly on their respective websites using the vehicle VIN.
The NMVTIS Check: A Free Alternative
The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) at vehiclehistory.gov is a federally mandated database of title, theft, and salvage information. NMVTIS reports are available from approved providers for around $3–7 per check. They are less comprehensive than Carfax or AutoCheck (they don't include service records or accident data from private insurers), but they do verify title status, theft records, and salvage branding at low cost.
