Do You Have a Clean CARFAX?

Looking to upgrade your current ride to something newer and nicer? We have plenty of new Kia models in our inventory. You may, however, be looking for something used. One of the more important things that helps determine a vehicle's price is its CARFAX report. But what goes into a CARFAX report? How do you know what to look for in a used vehicle? To help, we've put together some information about what to look for and what makes up these reports.

What goes into a CARFAX report?

No matter if you're trying to sell your old car or are on the hunt for a vehicle, a CARFAX report can make a difference in securing a deal or not. With a vehicle's VIN, you can bring up records from various databases, putting together information about the history of that particular vehicle. Find some of the information included in a CARFAX report below!

Any Damage to the Vehicle

A used vehicle may have a pristine exterior, but that doesn't necessarily mean it hasn't seen any damage in the past. This may include anything, such as an accident or minor damage, since it was first manufactured. If the airbags have ever been deployed, you'll also see a record of that. It's possible for the vehicle to have been almost totaled but repaired, and you don't want a vehicle that has been through that kind of damage.

Odometer History

CARFAX will also gather information on the odometer, so you can be certain of exact mileage. If the vehicle is older with a manual odometer, although unlikely, there's always a chance that it could have been altered. Why is this a problem? It means you'd think a vehicle hasn't been used as much as it really has.

Any Issues with Titling

Titles prove ownership. If the title is absent or there are issues with it, walking away from the deal is your best option. Never buy from a private seller who can't prove that they own the vehicle.

"Lemon Status"

Whenever a dealer recalls or repurchases a vehicle because of major issues, that vehicle becomes what's known as a "lemon." It's a good idea not to purchase a vehicle that's been recalled due to potential problems it may pose in the future.

Records of Previous Owners

It's smart to know how many people have owned a vehicle. With a used rental car, for example, there's no way of knowing how many people have driven it, how much stress was put on the vehicle or what kind of care it was shown. It's more responsible to consider a car that's had fewer owners, especially owners who have kept up with maintenance, as it might be a better investment in the long run.

Any Service or Maintenance Records

If a vehicle has been maintained regularly, you should be supplied with (or be able to find) a record of oil changes, tire rotations and regular checkups performed over the years. These records can show insight into any issues the vehicle may have had in the past and whether or not those problems were fixed.

Any Warranties Still Valid

Depending on how old the vehicle is, CARFAX can tell you if there are any warranties on the car that are still valid. Because some maintenance may be covered under any warranties, this could be an added bonus of purchasing a used vehicle.

Model-Specific Safety Information

CARFAX will also have crash-test information on the specific make and model of the vehicle. Included in this information are safety recalls and other relevant safety details. A potential buyer may want to know this about a vehicle for added peace of mind.

A Clean CARFAX Report

What does it mean to have a clean CARFAX report? Simply put, there haven't been any major problems reported on the vehicle. If you're trying to sell your vehicle and have properly maintained it (without being involved in any major accidents), you should be in the clear. When looking to buy a used vehicle, remember to consider everything on the CARFAX report before making your final decision.

If you have any questions about the CARFAX reports that we offer with our used inventory, please feel free to contact us directly or stop by DeLand Kia at 2322 S. Woodland Blvd., DeLand, FL 32720. As always, we look forward to serving our customers from DeLand, FL, and throughout Deltona, Daytona and Orlando.