Is it possible to get a free vehicle history report?

[KarmaJoy]

I am buying a new (used) car and would loke a carfax report but don't want to pay the 20 bucks. I know that they are public records that they are reporting so is it possible to get a free one?? They always say "free" but won't tell you anything until you pay.

TIA

[oldgirl,newtricks]

Actually, I don't think they are using public records. I think they are gathering information from insurance companies.

Pay the $20. Right now there are lots of cars on the market from post-Katrina. We've found it well worth the money. The last car we purchased had a accident report through carfax and we used it as a negotiating tool with the dealer. Caught them with their pants down, so to speak. $20 is a pretty decent insurance policy and don't you get like 3 reports for the money?

[touka]

$20 will get you unlimited reports for a period of 30 days. I found it immensly helpful when we were on our own used car hunt (I can't tell you the number of reports I downloaded!)

An alternative to paying, if you're game, is to find a large car forum (brand specific is usually easiest) and put up a post asking if someone can help out. A lot of the posters on those sites are afficianados who are constantly researching and might have a lifetime (or currenltly active 30-day) account.

Good luck!

[momto l&a]

The $20 can be very much worth it.

[KarmaJoy]

thanks for your advice...I got the report and found out the seller lied, he said he was the only owner but actually it had been a fleet car.