chip wrote:
> On Mon, 19 Sep 2005 20:04:08 -0700, jim beam <nospam@example.net>
> wrote:
>
>
>>RM wrote:
>>
>>>>afaik, carfax only shows up write-offs, as shown by insurance companies,
>>>>or dealer service records, or changes of ownership. yours clearly
>>>>weren't any of those.
>>>>
>>>>besides, how much detail do you want? otherwise carfax would be showing
>>>>up garbage like "replaced lost hubcap" or even "filled with gas at
>>>>rhonerts park casa de gasa, 57,327 miles". can't say /i/ care to have
>>>>records on how much bubblegum i buy at gas stations showing up on my car
>>>>history.
>>>>
>>>
>>>You would want to buy a vehicle that has had several repairs each over $5000
>>>to the front end? 3 of which required trips to the frame straightener. Thats
>>>info that should be in there. What about the flood damaged/totaled car?
>
>
>>like i said before, as far as carfax are concerned, if it's not written
>>off by the insurance company, as is the case with a $5k fix on a $20k
>>car, it doesn't get reported. you have a point about /wanting/ to see
>>damage data, but again, if the work was not reported by the dealer or
>>the insurer, how are car fax going to know? the only 3 possible data
>>sources are dealers, with their huge centraly computerized systems,
>>insurers, with their huge centraly computerized systems, and dmv.
>>monster joe's garage just isn't in the loop and isn't reporting a thing.
>>
>>you're right, it would be /nice/ to know more, but where's the info
>>coming from?
>
>
>
> When my wifes car got hit, I asked the insurance company if it
> would be reported to carfax. They said not if you don't want us to...
> Sold! Don't say a word. Carfax is basically what it seems, a public
> records search, but nobody is obligated to keep that stuff current.
> Don't ever trust it as a buying point over having the car checked
> over by a reputable tech.
> Chip


i was going to make that point earlier! so true - records have little
value in the face of a good physical inspection by a tech that knows
their business.