carfax help please??

Hmmm...don't want to pay for the service provided by CarFax maybe?

Have you considered the possibility that someone might provide a cheapster like you with bogus information just out of spite? You may be buying a Katrina special.....

Be aware that Carfax has not been very accurate on the cars we have now. My son signed up to check out the Acura he eventually bought; it didn't indicate any accident history even though it's clear the hood isn't original and a front brace has wrecking yard markings on it. My daughter's car showed up as having originally been a fleet car, but the title shows no such thing.

Mike

Carfax is only as good as the information they are able to obtain. If you wreck your car and don't file a claim with the insurance company or the police, who will ever know? Most states don't have a provision on a title for "fleet vehicle".

John

Thanks for the people who helped. I just had a casual interest in a car.

I know...a Carfax just gets you closer at weeding out problems. At least it's a start, but I also plan to look at the fender lines under the hood for rippling, and under the car(hands&knees) to see if the car has been welded together. I'll also check all around where there might be panel misfits indicating a fix.

spodely wrote:

My truck was in 5 major accidents all insurance and repaired at dealers. Clean Carfax. Carfax is a ripoff crapshoot.

A visual check under the hood will tell you a lot, too. Remove the oil filler cap and peek at the metal you can see. If it is silvery where the oil isn't thick on it, that's a good sign of being treated well. A little yellow-brown varnish is okay, crusty black deposits are a definite no-no. Ditto with the radiator; you want to see the car when the engine is cold - not only so you can be aware of any cold running problems but so you can check the radiator. Remove the radiator cap and run your fingertip around the rim inside the radiator; there should be no trace of rust. The coolant should be up to the neck. Start the car and place the palm of your hand over the radiator neck, using the other hand to pinch the tube to the overflow reservoir - there should not be a steady rise in pressure in the next few seconds, and especially not a pulsation from the cylinders. Those are strong indicators of a failing head gasket and likely warped head - lots of dollars. There should be no black grease thrown around from either front axle (most often at the outer CV joint boot, those rubber bellows). Axle repair is worth about $300 US per side. A head gasket replacement with head milling will set you back about $1000 US, give or take.

Also ask when the timing belt was last changed and ask to see documentation if it isn't nearly due (or overdue!). If it isn't documented you have no choice but to have it changed - price varies fairly widely but is around $500 US.

If an automatic, be very critical of the shifting and of the operation in reverse. Honda trannies aren't known for smoothness, but they shouldn't slip or misbehave. Repair can be very expensive, up to $3000 US.

Body damage is not usually as important to me as mechanical condition. I can live with bent supports and ripples, but major defects are a bummer.

Mike (who prefers to buy cars with 100K miles or more)

Good News -- Vehicle qualifies for the CARFAX Buyback Guarantee! No severe problems (major accidents, fire, flood damage, major odometer problems or lemon history) were ever reported by a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for this 1993 HONDA CIVIC DX (2HGEH2461PH533538). If you find that any of these severe problems were reported by a DMV and not included in this report, CARFAX will buy this vehicle back.

You must register at

to activate this free guarantee!

CARFAX Talking CarTM The story of this 1993 HONDA CIVIC DX (2HGEH2461PH533538) according to our interpretation of the information reported to CARFAX: This hatchback has had at least 4 owners. The first title for this hatchback was reported to CARFAX by a California DMV in 1993. It has had no minor or moderate accidents reported to CARFAX. It has had no DMV-reported total loss events, like a major accident, fire or flood. It has not been reported by a DMV as having an Exceeds Mechanical Limits or Not Actual Mileage title. It has a consistent mileage history with no indication of an odometer rollback. It was driven an average of 14,235 miles per year, which is slightly lower than the industry average of 15,000. The last odometer reading, reported on 08/26/2005, was 172,789 miles. It was not reported by a DMV as a Manufacturer Buyback or LEMON. Go to the Detailed Vehicle History for the complete history and a glossary of terms.

Report Summary

1. ACCIDENT CHECK Total Loss Check No Severe Accidents Reported by a DMV - Buyback Guarantee! Other Accident Indicators No Accident Indicators Reported
2. MILEAGE ACCURACY CHECK Truth-In-Mileage Check No Odometer Problems Reported by a DMV - Buyback Guarantee! Odometer Rollback Check No Potential Odometer Rollback Found Mileage Consistency Check No Inconsistent Odometer Reading Found
3. LEMON CHECK® No Mfr. Buyback Reported by a DMV - Buyback Guarantee!
4. OWNERSHIP CHECK Number of Owners 4 Estimated Owner(s) Type of Owners Checked 8 Types of Vehicle Registrations
5. RECALL CHECK HONDA Does Not Report Recalls to CARFAX
6. WARRANTY CHECK No Data Reported to CARFAX DETAILED VEHICLE HISTORY 20 HISTORY RECORDS REPORTED Tell us what you know about this vehicle

Year/Make/Model: 1993 HONDA CIVIC DX Body Style: HATCHBACK 2 DR Engine: 1.5L L4 FI Fuel: GASOLINE Driveline: FRONT WHEEL DRIVE Manufactured in: CANADA Safety Equipment: Driver front air bag/passenger side active (manual) belt

Standard Equipment: Air Conditioning Optional, Power Brakes Optional, Tilt Wheel, 6-digit Odometer

FREE to you from CARFAX. Additional information to help you make the right decision when buying or selling a used car or truck.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How safe and reliable is this 1993 HONDA CIVIC DX? Find out with the CARFAX Safety & Reliability Report. Looking for other 1993 HONDA CIVIC DX vehicles like this one in your area? Get a complete, up-to-date list of CARFAX Hot Listings What are other CARFAX customers saying about this 1993 HONDA CIVIC DX?

Share what you know about this vehicle - Add a CARFAX Customer Rating & Comment.

Total Loss Check:

GOOD NEWS! No severe damage events were ever reported by a DMV for this

1993 HONDA CIVIC DX (2HGEH2461PH533538). If you find that any of the following severe problems were reported by a DMV and not included in this report, CARFAX will buy this vehicle back. You must register to activate this free guarantee!

Salvage Title Loss Due To Fire Title Junk Title Flood Damage Title Rebuilt/Reconstructed Title Hail Damage Title Dismantled Title Canadian Total Loss

Other Accident Indicators:

This 1993 HONDA CIVIC DX (2HGEH2461PH533538) had no accident indicators reported to CARFAX from its sources. This section checks for accidents and/or related damage reported from many public and private sources. Not all accidents are reported to CARFAX. A vehicle inspection completed by your dealer or professional mechanic is recommended.

No Salvage Auction Record Reported No Crash Test Vehicle Record Reported No Fire Damage Record Reported No Airbag Deployment Record Reported

No Automotive Recycler Record Reported No Damage Disclosure Record Reported No Frame Damage Record Reported No Collision Repair Facility Record Reported No Police Accident Record Reported

CARFAX depends on public and private sources for its accident data. Each one of these sources has different processing times. CARFAX can only report what is in our database on 23.Mar.2006 20:14:29. New data will result in a change to this report. Not all accidents are reported to the Police. Tell us if you know of other fender benders, accidents or damage.

Register FREE Guarantee | CARFAX Help Center

Truth-In-Mileage Check:

GOOD NEWS! No major odometer problems were ever reported by a DMV under the Truth-In-Mileage Act for this 1993 HONDA CIVIC DX (2HGEH2461PH533538). If you find that any of the following odometer problems were reported by a DMV and not included in this report, CARFAX will buy this vehicle back. You must register to activate this free guarantee! Not Actual Mileage Title - issued by DMV when the owner discloses mileage fraud or a broken odometer. Exceeds Mechanical Limits Title - issued by DMV when the owner discloses an odometer rollover.

Odometer Rollback Check:

CARFAX found no odometer rollbacks for this 1993 HONDA CIVIC DX (2HGEH2461PH533538). Rollbacks reported in this section originate from readings collected by a DMV or other verifiable source.

Mileage Consistency Check:

CARFAX found no inconsistent odometer readings in the mileage history of this 1993 HONDA CIVIC DX (2HGEH2461PH533538). Date: Mileage:

07/02/1996 34,749 01/17/1998 53,543 07/09/1998 59,271 01/15/1999 64,190 01/15/1999 64,191 01/28/1999 64,194 07/25/2000 111,847 08/20/2002 142,775 10/30/2002 145,980 03/07/2003 151,199 05/17/2003 153,915 06/09/2003 156,766 06/10/2003 156,791 08/26/2005 172,789

Average miles driven per year 14,235 CARFAX AdvisorTM Compare this vehicle's average annual mileage to the industry average of 15,000 miles per year. Use this comparison to determine how this vehicle was driven.

Do you know this vehicle's current mileage? Tell us and help protect others from mileage fraud.

Register FREE Guarantee | CARFAX Help Center

GOOD NEWS! No manufacturer buyback was ever reported by a DMV for this

1993 HONDA CIVIC DX (2HGEH2461PH533538). If you find that a manufacturer buyback was reported by a DMV and not included in this report, CARFAX will buy this vehicle back. You must register to activate this free guarantee!

Register FREE Guarantee | CARFAX Help Center

Ownership History:

CARFAX estimates that this 1993 HONDA CIVIC DX (2HGEH2461PH533538) had 4 owner(s). CARFAX analyzed this vehicle's title history and other supporting events to identify potential ownership transfers. In compliance with the U.S. privacy laws, CARFAX does not collect or report owner names or addresses.

Estimated Owners: Date: Location:

1st owner No data No data 2nd owner 07/30/1993 California 3rd owner 03/19/1999 California 4th owner 06/09/2003 California

CARFAX AdvisorTM The cost of ownership varies by vehicle. Go to Edmunds.com to check the recommended service schedule and estimated costs for this vehicle.

Types of Owners:

This 1993 HONDA CIVIC DX (2HGEH2461PH533538) was checked for 8 types of registrations.

No Personal Use Registration Reported No Fleet Registration Reported

No Lease Registration Reported No Commercial Registration Reported No Rental Registration Reported No Non-Profit Registration Reported

No Taxi Registration Reported No Built to Non U.S. Standards Record Reported

Do you have information about how this vehicle was used or driven? Tell us what you know.

Register FREE Guarantee | CARFAX Help Center

HONDA does not report recall information for specific vehicles to CARFAX. Go to the CARFAX SAFETY & RELIABILITY REPORT for recalls issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the 1993 HONDA CIVIC DX. You can also contact an authorized dealership or HONDA at

1-800-999-1009 to find out if this 1993 HONDA CIVIC DX (2HGEH2461PH533538) still has recalls that require repair.

Register FREE Guarantee | CARFAX Help Center

CARFAX cannot calculate the remaining coverage for this 1993 HONDA CIVIC DX (2HGEH2461PH533538) because no original manufacturer warranty information was reported to CARFAX by its source.

Estimated start date of warranty: 07/30/1993 Last reading reported on 08/26/2005: 172,789 miles Today's Date: March 23, 2006

Type of Coverage: Original Warranty: Basic No data reported to CARFAX Drivetrain No data reported to CARFAX Emissions No data reported to CARFAX Corrosion No data reported to CARFAX Transferable No data reported to CARFAX Roadside Assistance No data reported to CARFAX Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint No data reported to CARFAX Specific Components No data reported to CARFAX

CARFAX Warranty Check provides an estimate of this vehicle's remaining warranty coverage. It does not take into account some vehicle history events. For example, major accidents resulting in Salvage or Junk titles that may void the original manufacturer warranty or ownership transfers that may decrease warranty coverage. This warranty information is only valid for vehicles manufactured for sale in the US. Complete warranty coverage information is available for this vehicle at the HONDA web site.

Register FREE Guarantee | CARFAX Help Center

CARFAX searched more than 4 billion records from over 7,600 sources and found 20 record(s) for this 1993 HONDA CIVIC DX (2HGEH2461PH533538).

Date: Mileage Reading: Source: General Comments:

07/10/1993 Spreen Honda 909-799-7070 Vehicle sold 07/30/1993 California Motor Vehicle Dept. Title issued or updated New owner reported 07/02/1996 34,749 California Inspection Station Trona, CA Passed emissions inspection 01/17/1998 53,543 Spreen Honda 909-799-7070 Vehicle serviced Brakes checked 07/09/1998 59,271 California Inspection Station Redlands, CA Passed emissions inspection 01/15/1999 64,190 California Inspection Station Redlands, CA Passed emissions inspection 01/15/1999 64,191 California Inspection Station Redlands, CA Passed emissions inspection 01/26/1999 Dealer Inventory Redlands, CA Vehicle offered for sale 01/28/1999 Dealer Inventory California Vehicle sold 01/28/1999 64,194 California Motor Vehicle Dept. Blue Jay, CA Odometer reading reported for title or registration 03/19/1999 California Motor Vehicle Dept. Title issued or updated New owner reported Loan or lien reported 08/02/1999 California Motor Vehicle Dept. Blue Jay, CA Title issued or updated 07/25/2000 111,847 California Inspection Station La Mesa, CA Passed emissions inspection 08/20/2002 142,775 California Inspection Station Passed emissions inspection 10/30/2002 145,980 Service Facility Vehicle serviced Suspension system serviced Engine serviced Lubed oil and filter changed 03/07/2003 151,199 Service Facility Vehicle serviced Suspension system serviced Engine serviced Lubed oil and filter changed 05/17/2003 153,915 Service Facility Vehicle serviced 06/09/2003 156,766 California Motor Vehicle Dept. San Diego, CA Title issued or updated New owner reported 06/10/2003 156,791 California Inspection Station San Diego, CA Passed emissions inspection 08/26/2005 172,789 California Inspection Station San Diego, CA Passed emissions inspection Tell us what you know about this vehicle Register FREE Guarantee | CARFAX Help Center

CARFAX BUYBACK GUARANTEE If you find that any of these severe problems were reported by a Department of Motor Vehicles and were not included in this report, CARFAX will buy this vehicle back.

Severe Damage: Odometer Problems: Lemon History: Salvage/Junk

Rebuilt/Reconstructed

Dismantled

Fire/Flood/Hail

Canadian Total Loss Exceeds Mechanical Limits

Not Actual Mileage Manufacturer Buyback Your CARFAX Buyback Coverage: Vehicle: Transferable Coverage: Activation:

1993 HONDA CIVIC DX 2HGEH2461PH533538 03/23/2006 - 03/23/2007 REQUIRED --

That's huge exception for CarFax to escape liability.....