How accurate is carfax?

[KMoore68]

Hi,

I've found another 911 and would appreciate your thoughts on this deal.

It is a 1986 911 Cabriolet, it has 194,000 miles (is that high?).

The concern I have is that the Carfax indicates the car was written off as a total loss in 1988. The salesman has forwarded me a copy of the title and it doesn't indicate anywhere on that title that the car is a salvage. Also, the salesman indicated that the previous owner has no idea about write-off because it was written off in Massachusets however he says it was never there.

This purchase would be through a dealer and I'd be importing the car into Canada.

Thoughts?

Kevin

[Matt Monson]

On a scale of 1 to 10 Carfax is a -3. However this is one instance where it caught a washed title. Not all states carry the S branding to a new state, and the shady people know that.

I own an S title car. I'm not afraid of it. However, I paid less than full market and will likely sell for less when I sell. How is your car priced? If it's not a good deal it would likely be a good idea to keep shopping unless it's exactly what you want and in great condition. To me, condition today matters more than what might have happened 10 years ago. Most buyers don't think that way and selling it may be an issue later.

[KMoore68]

The car is listed for $29k

[Alfasrule]

A FOX as it's spokesmen? That tells me enough. Come on get real! A dirtbag website!

[Unobtanium-inc]

Salvage title normally means deduct 30% off of fair market value. The miles also seem high.

---Adam

[juanbenae]

it's a racket! my current lady is looking for a 5-8 y/o somewhat low mileage all wheel drive car for here upcoming move to CO. will hate to see here go.....

she has shown me a couple of Carfax reports on cars that have been back & forth & back again to the dealers for problems that the report only states "safety check"!! not services, or anything of any substance, simply a "safety check"! I suspect that's the way of a dealer to keep a lemon unnoticed. I take Carfax with a grain of salt having looked at many reports over the last 5 years.

[Tonger]

Originally Posted by matt monson

on a scale of 1 to 10 carfax is a -3. However this is one instance where it caught a washed title. Not all states carry the s branding to a new state, and the shady people know that.

I own an s title car. I'm not afraid of it. However, i paid less than full market and will likely sell for less when i sell. How is your car priced? If it's not a good deal it would likely be a good idea to keep shopping unless it's exactly what you want and in great condition. To me, condition today matters more than what might have happened 10 years ago. Most buyers don't think that way and selling it may be an issue later.

+100

[juanbenae]

I didn't even bother car faxing a couple of older jeeps i was considering while shopping over the last few month even though I had a paid five card hand to run.... I ran three jeeps that were just over 10+ years old and it was worthless. not a bit of information garnered.

I took the last two and ran my 75S and it was crickets, and my diesel truck that turned 11 this year. nothing on the truck but two CA smog test results. since I do all the maintenance on my cars NOTHING is registered on any via CF.

if the vehicle is less than 10 years old it can be a tool, but old a tool.

[juanbenae]

it should be noted I did not CF the 93 wrangler I ended up buying. instead I drove 2 hours with a trailer & cash and inspected the rig in person.

[techweenie]

I had a bogus piece of information show up on a car reporting service last year. Not Carfax.

The reporting company will not typically respond in any way. It's a mark against the car that you may as well consider permanent.

Even if the "story" works for you, it may scare off potential future buyers and upset your insurer.

It's not fair, but the reporting companies have spent tens of millions self-promoting, and the seller is operating alone out of self-interest to prove a negative.

On the miles, yes, they are high for a cabriolet. Open cars' chassis tend to loosen up more as they pass through 100,000; 200,000 miles.

[maninblack]

Carfax isn't perfect. But it's the best we've got and I'd hate to be without it.

[hillskier]

Kevin,
As said earlier, the title has been washed and therefore the value is diminished and the salesman is not looking out for you.
Carfax is not great, however in this instance it has done its intended job. Miles are high as is the price, I would personally keep looking and based on the cars listed here, you can find a better deal.
Good luck.

[pu911]

Carfax saved me from buying a 993 twin turbo that had been in a wreck that seller somehow "forgot" about, accident did not show up on a an autocheck report.
Phil

[KMoore68]

Ok, thanks for the input, I think I'll pass on this vehicle

[Matt Monson]

Wise.