Carfax Reports vs Autocheck Reports 

When you're purchasing a used car, should you get a Carfax report or an Autocheck report? Image from Flickr.

Purchasing a used car can be a very nerve-wracking and difficult process – but Carfax or Autocheck reports can help make the process easier. Nowadays, a vehicle history report is a standard tool in used car shopping. So which should you get – a Carfax Report or Autocheck report?

What is included in vehicle history reports

A full vehicle history report should include a few major elements. Lemon check, a report that lets you know if a vehicle has major mechanical problems, is very important. A clear history of registration and titling of the vehicle is also important – big gaps in the history raise red flags. Odometer rollback, accidents, and salvage titles should also be a part of the vehicle history report.

Why a Carfax report may be better

Carfax reports have been around since about 1984. A Carfax report comes in two flavors – a free report that tells you the basics of vehicle history, and a full, paid report. Many times, car lot or pre-owned vehicle salespeople will provide a free Carfax report for any vehicle they sell. With partnerships with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, NHTSA and J.D. Power and Associates, Carfax is a well-known and well-respected vehicle history report provider.

Why an Autocheck report may be better

Autocheck is a relatively new service owned by Experian, an agency better known for providing credit reports. A 2009 market study found that Autocheck reports tend to report about twice the number of accidents as Carfax reports. Autofax also provides more vehicle history reports about cars from automotive auctions. The free Autocheck report provides about the same information as the free Carfax report.

Should I get Carfax or Autocheck reports?

Both Carfax and Autocheck are relatively well-credentialed and well-respected vehicle history report providers. If you are not sure which type of vehicle report you should get, you should use the free reports from both Carfax and Autocheck. If your used-car dealer provides a free full report from either one of these providers, that is the ideal situation. If you are paying for your own vehicle history report, then either one is a reliable option.