Looking for a cheap CARFAX report?

6 legitimate ways to pay less

1. Ask the seller. Many dealers include a free report link with every listing. Private sellers sometimes already bought one. Match the VIN and check the date.
2. Screen cars for free first. Decode the VIN, check open recalls on NHTSA and theft or salvage records on NICB VINCheck, so you only pay for a report on cars that pass.
3. Pay per car, not per bundle. Packages lower the price per report only if you use them all. If you are checking one or two cars, a single report is usually cheaper overall.
4. Compare the total, not the headline. Watch for subscriptions, auto-renewals and add-ons at checkout.
5. Choose an alternative report. A VinCode report costs $5.99 for one VIN, with title brands, accidents, total-loss events, odometer readings, owners and service records, and you see whether records exist before you pay.
6. Avoid unverifiable copies. Screenshots and PDFs from unknown sellers can be edited. Only rely on a report you opened yourself or one linked from a dealer’s own listing.

What you get for $5.99

When a cheaper report is not enough

No report shows every event. Repairs paid in cash, unreported accidents and very recent events may be missing from any provider. For an expensive car or a car with gaps in its records, combine the report with an independent inspection, and ask the seller for repair invoices.

For how CARFAX’s own prices and packages work, read how much a CARFAX report costs.

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