The Weekly Update #4

When buying auction cars, a Carfax report is essential for understanding a vehicle’s history, including accidents, title issues, and other potential red flags. However, Carfax reports can be costly, especially if you’re purchasing multiple vehicles at auctions. Fortunately, there are ways to access these reports at a lower price without compromising quality. Here’s a guide on where and how to buy cheap Carfax reports for auction cheap carfax.

1. Carfax for Dealers and Bulk Purchases

Carfax offers a bulk pricing plan designed for dealers and businesses that frequently need vehicle history reports. If you’re in the habit of buying cars at auctions, you may qualify for these deals. Dealers can purchase multiple Carfax reports at a discounted rate by subscribing to a Carfax for Dealers account, which gives them access to discounted pricing on single reports and report bundles.

Carfax Subscription Plans:

• Single Report Purchase: Typically costs around $39.99 for one report.
• Bundle Deals: Carfax offers bundles where you can get five reports for about $49.99 or 10 reports for $89.99. If you’re looking at multiple auction cars, this is a cost-effective option.
• Carfax for Dealers: If you are a licensed dealer, you may qualify for even deeper discounts. Reach out to Carfax for customized pricing based on your needs.

2. Auction Websites Offering Free or Discounted Carfax Reports

Some online car auction platforms provide free Carfax reports with their listings, helping buyers evaluate the history of vehicles before placing a bid. These reports may be included as a part of the auction’s fees or as an added bonus for registered users. Here are a few auction platforms where you can find Carfax reports at a lower cost or free of charge:

Popular Auction Sites Offering Carfax Reports:

• Copart: As a large auto auction platform, Copart includes Carfax reports for many of their listings, often for free when you’re bidding on specific vehicles.
• Manheim: This platform is known for providing Carfax reports on many of its vehicles. While some vehicles may require an additional fee for a report, they often provide discounts for frequent bidders or dealers.
• IAA (Insurance Auto Auctions): IAA offers Carfax reports for a majority of their vehicles, and the reports can be accessed directly through their site for discounted prices if you’re a registered buyer.

3. Buy Carfax Reports from Third-Party Resellers

There are third-party services and online marketplaces where you can purchase Carfax reports at a discount. These resellers offer Carfax reports for auction cars at a lower price than buying directly from Carfax, making them a viable option for those who need reports but want to save money.

Third-Party Websites:

• VINCheckPro: VINCheckPro offers Carfax-like reports at a fraction of the price. They may not provide the full Carfax details but often give you key data on accidents, title issues, and more, which can be enough for many auction buyers.
• AutoCheck: If you’re open to using alternatives to Carfax, AutoCheck provides comprehensive vehicle history reports at a lower price. While it might not always have the same level of detail as Carfax, AutoCheck is a reliable and affordable alternative for auction cars.
• eBay: Occasionally, sellers on eBay auction sites offer discounted Carfax reports for their vehicles. Check the listing descriptions for any mention of Carfax report access or deals.

4. Use Carfax’s Vehicle History Report Preview

Carfax offers a free “preview” of a vehicle’s history before purchasing a full report. While the preview doesn’t provide all the details, it can offer key insights such as title problems or major accidents. This can be especially helpful if you want to get a quick look at the vehicle’s history before committing to a full Carfax report.

How to Use the Preview:

• Simply visit Carfax’s website and enter the vehicle’s VIN number to access the preview.
• The preview can help you determine if the vehicle has major issues that may affect your decision to bid at the auction.

5. Ask Auction Houses for Discounts

Some auction houses or dealerships offer special promotions for Carfax reports, especially for repeat buyers or those who bid on multiple vehicles. If you are planning to bid on a series of auction cars, it’s worth inquiring about any discounts or packages that include Carfax reports. By negotiating directly with the auction house, you might be able to secure reports for a discounted price or even for free.

6. Use Carfax Reports From a Previous Owner (If Available)

If you’re buying an auction car directly from a private seller or a specific seller with a known history, check if they already have a Carfax report for the vehicle. In some cases, previous owners or sellers may have obtained a report when they purchased the car, and they may be willing to share it with you. While this won’t guarantee the same level of detail, it can provide helpful information about the car’s history at a reduced cost.

Final Thoughts

When purchasing cars from auctions, having access to a Carfax report is crucial for understanding the vehicle’s background. By exploring bulk pricing, third-party resellers, auction platforms with free reports, and negotiating with sellers or auction houses, you can find affordable ways to get the necessary Carfax information without overspending. Always balance cost with the quality of the information you’re getting—after all, a small investment in a report can save you from expensive surprises down the road.