Please Help! Need A Carfax Run Today

wrecklessfool · 03-30-2015, 10:16 AM

Hi guys, I know there are a few forum members out there that have access to no-cost carfax reports. I have the chance to buy an E36 M3 today only for a steal, but I would like to have the carfax in hand for peace of mind. If anyone can help me that would be great. I can't stomach the thought of spending $40 for a single report when I have seen guys offer to run reports for members. THANKS SO MUCH IN ADVANCE!

avantegardestyle · 03-30-2015, 10:30 AM

Did you try googling the Vin number?
I have accessed carfax reports that way

Also, if you are getting such a deal the $40 should not be a big deal man....

Good luck!

Flying Ace · 03-30-2015, 11:33 AM

considering you're close to spending thousands, I would say suck it up and buy a report.

I get it if you don't want to spend $40 if you're just tire kicking and passively looking for shits and giggles, but if you are serious about this car, spend the money and get your report in a timely manner to make a decision.

One thing I've learned with car pricing, if it's too good to be true, something is wrong with it, you need to at least run that carfax and do other due diligence

MRV99 · 03-30-2015, 01:35 PM

If you can't pony up the money for a Carfax report which can help uncover costly issues then why are you buying the car. Penny shy pound foolish.

Honda · 03-30-2015, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRV99

If you can't pony up the money for a Carfax report which can help uncover costly issues then why are you buying the car. Penny shy pound foolish.

+1

jphughan · 03-30-2015, 02:58 PM

Pretty much what everyone else said.... OP, this really makes me wonder if you're being blinded by the low purchase price and ignoring the fact that an M3 will still have higher than average maintenance costs even if nothing is wrong with the car's history. Plus a car that old could very well need replacements for longer-term wear items now or in the near future, such as shocks, subframe bushings, wheel bearings, etc.

Bavarian Beast · 03-30-2015, 03:23 PM

Seems to me like he has the cash, but has issues with the cost for a single report. I tend to agree $40 is a bit much for a single car fax so I understand why he was looking for help from this forum. I would hope if nobody could assist that he would go ahead and eat the cost and figure he will. So, can anyone help him or is everyone just going to rail about him being cheap?

jphughan · 03-30-2015, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bavarian Beast

Seems to me like he has the cash, but has issues with the cost for a single report. I tend to agree $40 is a bit much for a single car fax so I understand why he was looking for help from this forum. I would hope if nobody could assist that he would go ahead and eat the cost and figure he will. So, can anyone help him or is everyone just going to rail about him being cheap?

Well maybe if more people actually paid for the Carfax reports they were using to inform their purchasing decisions rather than asking others to provide them using access that isn't really intended to be shared with random other people, the reports wouldn't cost $40....

Flying Ace · 03-30-2015, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bavarian Beast

Seems to me like he has the cash, but has issues with the cost for a single report. I tend to agree $40 is a bit much for a single car fax so I understand why he was looking for help from this forum. I would hope if nobody could assist that he would go ahead and eat the cost and figure he will. So, can anyone help him or is everyone just going to rail about him being cheap?

at least based on my use of Carfax in the past, I usually pay for single reports. I narrow my choices of cars down and run the single report(s) when ready to pull the trigger.

My approach is, I assume there is a clean carfax and tell the seller or dealer that I'm assuming the carfax is clean and negotiate the price based on that assumption. I will constantly remind them that I am expecting no surprises when I do PPI/personal inspection and running the carfax. I always make my deals contingent on the final inspection and a clean carfax, and I let them know it ahead of time.

If you tell them this, if something is blatantly wrong with the car, most seller would speak up, sellers who have nothing to hide themselves would sometimes provide you a report. But I always run my own again just to be safe. I've asked the forum before for a carfax run, but noticed that the turn times on the request is suboptimal, as the carfax check is my last decision point before I pull the trigger and plan my trip to view the car.

OP should reassess when he actually need to use the carfax and will see he won't need it quite often until when he's literally got all the other items buttoned up and ready to pull the trigger.

smyles · 03-30-2015, 03:51 PM

Have you checked Craigslist? Usually there're plenty of offers to run a report for $5..10. Also, any reputable seller would offer one himself (could be forged, though, so better run oneyrself anyway.

MRV99 · 03-30-2015, 03:58 PM

Or you could be smart and purchase an WWW.AutoCheck.com 30 day unlimited report for the same price and run 1000 if you want. FYI Auto Check draws on virtually the same data set if not more than CarFax. 90% of all commercial outfits from auctions, banks dealers etc use Autocheck. Carfax is focused on the general consumer, Autocheck is focused on the companies that process millions of transactions a year.

Epili · 03-30-2015, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRV99

Or you could be smart and purchase an WWW.AutoCheck.com 30 day unlimited report for the same price and run 1000 if you want. FYI Auto Check draws on virtually the same data set if not more than CarFax. 90% of all commercial outfits from auctions, banks dealers etc use Autocheck. Carfax is focused on the general consumer, Autocheck is focused on the companies that process millions of transactions a year.

+1 I used Autocheck for my car.

Anyway, OP, hit me up with the VIN. I recently bought an E92 M3 and bought the unlimited checks on Autocheck for a month. I'll check it out for you.

BzsBimmer · 03-30-2015, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Epili

+1 I used Autocheck for my car.

Anyway, OP, hit me up with the VIN. I recently bought an E92 M3 and bought the unlimited checks on Autocheck for a month. I'll check it out for you.

Good man! Scooby treat en route

Flying Ace · 03-30-2015, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BzsBimmer

Good man! Scooby treat en route

PM'd for said Scooby treats

BzsBimmer · 03-30-2015, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

PM'd for said Scooby treats

Scooby, not Snoopy. Anyway, you should have received a message

Beemdog · 03-30-2015, 07:54 PM

Scooby snacks??? Beemdog is IN.

Gsv77 · 03-30-2015, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRV99

Or you could be smart and purchase an WWW.AutoCheck.com 30 day unlimited report for the same price and run 1000 if you want. FYI Auto Check draws on virtually the same data set if not more than CarFax. 90% of all commercial outfits from auctions, banks dealers etc use Autocheck. Carfax is focused on the general consumer, Autocheck is focused on the companies that process millions of transactions a year.

I actually ran a Car Fax and Auto Check on my wife's car today out of curiosity that had a pretty significant accident last year ($16k repair on a $34k wholesale value suv). Auto Check was clean while Car Fax showed a minor accident. Food for thought.

BzsBimmer · 03-30-2015, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beemdog

Scooby snacks??? Beemdog is IN.

Fine you got one as well. Check your little white flag up top

For the rest of you Snoop Dogs... Scooby snacks are G O N E

ashtuzhed · 03-30-2015, 09:50 PM

I would hope if nobody could assist that he would go ahead and eat the cost and figure he will.

MRV99 · 03-30-2015, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gsv77

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRV99

Or you could be smart and purchase an WWW.AutoCheck.com 30 day unlimited report for the same price and run 1000 if you want. FYI Auto Check draws on virtually the same data set if not more than CarFax. 90% of all commercial outfits from auctions, banks dealers etc use Autocheck. Carfax is focused on the general consumer, Autocheck is focused on the companies that process millions of transactions a year.

I actually ran a Car Fax and Auto Check on my wife's car today out of curiosity that had a pretty significant accident last year ($16k repair on a $34k wholesale value suv). Auto Check was clean while Car Fax showed a minor accident. Food for thought.

There is different sync schedules which companies have with the two different companies. That is why Autocheck has buyback protection. If you were to purchase a car based on an Autocheck report and it in the future an report shows up which happened before you purchased the car you are protected.

I have done large testing samples and can say the same about Carfax about not having accurate data . Both companies are not 100% accurate 100% of the time they are a tool to help assist

Flying Ace · 03-30-2015, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BzsBimmer

Fine you got one as well. Check your little white flag up top

For the rest of you Snoop Dogs... Scooby snacks are G O N E

all users with dog related names get a scooby snack from Bzsbimmer today?

woof

wrecklessfool · 03-30-2015, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Epili

+1 I used Autocheck for my car.

Anyway, OP, hit me up with the VIN. I recently bought an E92 M3 and bought the unlimited checks on Autocheck for a month. I'll check it out for you.

Thanks for the offer. I ended up coughing up $10.99 for an Autocheck report. Turns out the car had been in an accident in '08. I bought the car anyway based on a bunch of different factors. One being the price and the other being that my sole motivation for the car is to strip the drivetrain for use in my E30. The car is now sitting in my garage and a "part-out" ad has been placed on CL.

I must say that the E30 forum (R3V) has spoiled me with the car enthusiast camaraderie. Thanks to those on here who reached out and offered to help.

BTW, anyone need any '98 E36 M3 vert parts??

03-30-2015, 10:16 AM	#1
wrecklessfool First Lieutenant 23 Rep 386 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: May 2014 Location: Chesapeake, VA iTrader: (14)	Please Help! Need A Carfax Run Today Hi guys, I know there are a few forum members out there that have access to no-cost carfax reports. I have the chance to buy an E36 M3 today only for a steal, but I would like to have the carfax in hand for peace of mind. If anyone can help me that would be great. I can't stomach the thought of spending $40 for a single report when I have seen guys offer to run reports for members. THANKS SO MUCH IN ADVANCE!
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03-30-2015, 10:30 AM	#2
avantegardestyle Captain 290 Rep 912 Posts Drives: E90 ///M3 SG Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: East Side iTrader: (0)	Did you try googling the Vin number? I have accessed carfax reports that way Also, if you are getting such a deal the $40 should not be a big deal man.... Good luck!
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03-30-2015, 11:33 AM	#3
Flying Ace Lieutenant General 4985 Rep 11,891 Posts Drives: G05 45e, 997.1 & 991.1 GT3s Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: SF, CA iTrader: (5)	considering you're close to spending thousands, I would say suck it up and buy a report. I get it if you don't want to spend $40 if you're just tire kicking and passively looking for shits and giggles, but if you are serious about this car, spend the money and get your report in a timely manner to make a decision. One thing I've learned with car pricing, if it's too good to be true, something is wrong with it, you need to at least run that carfax and do other due diligence __________________ 22 Phytonic/Coffee X5 45e (CoVID-free) 08 Speed Yellow 911 GT3 Sharkwerks 12 AW/Cinnamon X5d Sports Pkg (retired) 14 AW/Beige M6GC ZCP, MPE, V2 steering wheel, vorsteiner (retired) 08 SSII/Black E90 M3 (retired)
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03-30-2015, 01:35 PM	#4
MRV99 Major 254 Rep 1,067 Posts Drives: 2017 M3 ZCP / 2017 RRS SC Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Naperville iTrader: (1) Garage List 2017 BMW M3 ZCP [0.00]	If you can't pony up the money for a Carfax report which can help uncover costly issues then why are you buying the car. Penny shy pound foolish. __________________ 17 M3 ZCP -- 2017 Range Rover Sport SC --RIP-- 12 X5 50i Sport -- 11 M3 DCT -- 2011 X5 50i(Lemon) -- 2008 550 Msport -- 2007 x5 4.8 sport -- 2004 545 sport -- 2002 x5 4.4 sport -- 2001 540i Msport 2000 SL500 -- 1997 SL500
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03-30-2015, 02:58 PM	#6
jphughan Brigadier General 594 Rep 4,488 Posts Drives: '16 Cayman GT4 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	Pretty much what everyone else said.... OP, this really makes me wonder if you're being blinded by the low purchase price and ignoring the fact that an M3 will still have higher than average maintenance costs even if nothing is wrong with the car's history. Plus a car that old could very well need replacements for longer-term wear items now or in the near future, such as shocks, subframe bushings, wheel bearings, etc. __________________ '16 Cayman GT4 (delivery pics, comparison to E92 M3 write-up) Gone but not forgotten: '11.75 M3 E92 Le Mans \| Black Nov w/ Alum \| 6MT (owned 5/2011 - 11/2015)
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03-30-2015, 03:23 PM	#7
Bavarian Beast Too many wagons on the bahn..... 98 Rep 582 Posts Drives: LMB 2011 BMW e93 Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Hawaii iTrader: (1)	Seems to me like he has the cash, but has issues with the cost for a single report. I tend to agree $40 is a bit much for a single car fax so I understand why he was looking for help from this forum. I would hope if nobody could assist that he would go ahead and eat the cost and figure he will. So, can anyone help him or is everyone just going to rail about him being cheap?
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03-30-2015, 03:51 PM	#10
smyles Major 1023 Rep 1,168 Posts Drives: '21 X5 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: DC iTrader: (0)	Have you checked Craigslist? Usually there're plenty of offers to run a report for $5..10. Also, any reputable seller would offer one himself (could be forged, though, so better run oneyrself anyway.
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03-30-2015, 03:58 PM	#11
MRV99 Major 254 Rep 1,067 Posts Drives: 2017 M3 ZCP / 2017 RRS SC Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Naperville iTrader: (1) Garage List 2017 BMW M3 ZCP [0.00]	Or you could be smart and purchase an WWW.AutoCheck.com 30 day unlimited report for the same price and run 1000 if you want. FYI Auto Check draws on virtually the same data set if not more than CarFax. 90% of all commercial outfits from auctions, banks dealers etc use Autocheck. Carfax is focused on the general consumer, Autocheck is focused on the companies that process millions of transactions a year. __________________ 17 M3 ZCP -- 2017 Range Rover Sport SC --RIP-- 12 X5 50i Sport -- 11 M3 DCT -- 2011 X5 50i(Lemon) -- 2008 550 Msport -- 2007 x5 4.8 sport -- 2004 545 sport -- 2002 x5 4.4 sport -- 2001 540i Msport 2000 SL500 -- 1997 SL500
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03-30-2015, 07:54 PM	#16
Beemdog Woof! 352 Rep 1,323 Posts Drives: '11 M3 ZCP LeMans Blue Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Sonoma Cownty, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 Dodge Viper [9.00] 2011 BMW M3 E92 [9.50] 2009 Ducati Hypermo ... [10.00]	Scooby snacks??? Beemdog is IN.
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03-30-2015, 09:50 PM	#19
ashtuzhed New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: audi Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: a4 iTrader: (0)	I would hope if nobody could assist that he would go ahead and eat the cost and figure he will.
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