CARFAX Report Example — What to Expect

1. Vehicle Information

Make, model, year, engine, and body style — decoded from the 17-digit VIN.

2. Title History

Current and past title brands across all states. Look for salvage, rebuilt, or flood designations. All brands explained →

3. Accident History

Reported collisions with severity and damage locations. Run an accident check →

4. Odometer Records

Mileage at every recorded checkpoint. Detect rollbacks →

5. Service Records

Dealer-reported maintenance — oil changes, tire rotations, major repairs.

Based on millions of reports, here are the most common findings that change buying decisions:

• Unreported ownership count — sellers frequently claim "one owner" when the report shows 2-3. Each additional owner increases wear risk
• Service gap periods — consistent service that stops abruptly often indicates deferred maintenance or a change to a less careful owner
• Minor accidents the seller "forgot" — parking lot incidents, fender benders, and minor collisions are the most common unreported events
• Open recalls — many buyers discover their potential purchase has unresolved safety recalls. These are free to repair but indicate potential safety risks
• Prior rental or fleet use — higher-than-average wear from commercial use affects long-term reliability

None of these are necessarily dealbreakers, but all of them affect fair market value. A $5 report gives you the leverage to negotiate accordingly. Run your VIN now →