Comparison
CARFAX and AutoCheck are the two best-known US vehicle history brands. They overlap a lot, but they are built differently and can show different records for the same car. Here is how to choose, and where the VinCode report fits.
Neither report is complete on its own. Both rely on records that DMVs, insurers, auctions, police, dealers and repair shops choose to report. CARFAX is known for detailed service and maintenance entries from dealers and shops. AutoCheck, owned by the credit bureau Experian, is known for its auction data and its AutoCheck Score, which compares a vehicle with similar vehicles of the same class and age.
| CARFAX | AutoCheck | VinCode report | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owned by | CARFAX, Inc. (S&P Global Mobility) | Experian | VinCode |
| Known for | Service and maintenance records | Auction records and a score | One-page summary and score |
| Summary score | No | AutoCheck Score | VinCode Score (0–100) |
| Title brands, accidents, odometer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free check before paying | Varies | Varies | Yes |
| Price | See carfax.com | See autocheck.com | $5.99 |
Ask for the report the dealer already has. Many dealers provide one free with each listing. Read the full report, match the VIN and check the report date.
Private sellers rarely include a report, and this is where title washing and odometer fraud are most common. Run your own report and compare it with the title and the seller’s story.
Auction history, total-loss records and commercial use matter most. Look for salvage brands, insurer ownership and auction sales soon after storm dates.
The VinCode report puts title brands, accidents, total-loss events, odometer readings, owners and service records on one page, adds the VinCode Score with every deduction explained, and costs $5.99 for one VIN with a free availability check first. See the sample report.
CARFAX is a registered trademark of CARFAX, Inc. AutoCheck is a registered trademark of Experian. VinCode is independent and not affiliated with either. Check each provider’s own site for current features and prices.
VinCode report · $5.99
Title brands, accidents, total-loss events, odometer readings, owners and service records for the VIN, scored with the VinCode Score.
Neither is better for every car. They draw on overlapping but different sources, so one can show a record the other misses. Read whichever report you get in full.
Each company has its own data agreements with DMVs, insurers, auctions and service shops, so the records reported to each can differ.
No. VinCode is an independent report with its own layout and the VinCode Score.
For a high-value car or a car with gaps in its history, two independent sources can help. For most buyers, one full report plus an inspection is enough.