A lower-cost alternative to a CARFAX report

What to look for in any CARFAX alternative

• Title brands from state agencies: salvage, rebuilt, flood, junk, lemon and odometer brands.
• Insurance total-loss and auction records: the most common sign of a rebuilt car.
• Dated odometer readings: so you can spot a rollback.
• Owners and usage: rental, fleet, taxi or police history.
• A free availability check: you should know whether records exist before you pay.

Your options

• A report from the seller. Many dealers include one free. Always ask first.
• AutoCheck. Experian’s report, with the AutoCheck Score and strong auction data. See CARFAX vs AutoCheck.
• NMVTIS reports. The federal National Motor Vehicle Title Information System is run by the US Department of Justice. Approved providers are listed on vehiclehistory.bja.ojp.gov. These reports focus on title brands and total-loss records.
• Free screens. NICB VINCheck for theft and salvage, and NHTSA for open recalls.
• The VinCode report. Title brands, accidents, total-loss events, odometer chart, owners, service records and the VinCode Score on one page, for $5.99.

What no report can tell you

Every history report depends on what was reported. Repairs paid in cash, accidents that never involved insurance or police, and events from the last few weeks can be missing. A clean report is good news, not a guarantee. Ask the seller for documents, compare the VIN on the car and title, and book an independent inspection.

Want a checklist for comparing reports? Read how to compare vehicle history reports.

CARFAX is a registered trademark of CARFAX, Inc. AutoCheck is a registered trademark of Experian. VinCode is independent and not affiliated with either.