Autos of Chicago sales consultant helping customers review vehicle details in the showroom

CARFAX REPORTS

Buy a pre-owned vehicle with confidence

Understanding a CARFAX report is essential when purchasing a pre-owned vehicle. These reports provide a detailed history, from accidents to service records, giving you the insights needed to make an informed decision. At Autos of Chicago, we prioritize transparency and want you to feel confident about your next purchase.

REPORT DETAILS

What to review before buying

A CARFAX report can include important details about a vehicle’s past, including total loss records, accident damage, manufacturer buybacks, and odometer history.

Total loss

A vehicle may be classified as a total loss when repair costs exceed about 75% of its pre-damage value, or when it is stolen and unrecovered. Some total loss vehicles may not carry branded titles like Salvage or Junk.

Accident damage

Previous incidents, including collisions, salvage auctions, or fire damage, may appear on a CARFAX report. These records can affect a vehicle’s history, condition, and future resale value.

Manufacturer buyback vehicles

Buybacks happen when a manufacturer repurchases a vehicle due to defects or customer satisfaction concerns. These vehicles are often inspected before being resold.

Odometer checks

CARFAX reports review mileage history to help detect possible fraud or reporting errors, including rollbacks, rollovers, and inconsistencies in mileage records.

BUYBACK FACTS

Understanding lemon law vehicle history

Manufacturer buybacks can be misunderstood. A buyback history does not always mean a vehicle has serious ongoing problems, so it is important to review the details and understand the full context.

Myth: All buybacks have serious issues

Reality: Many are repurchased for minor concerns or as goodwill gestures, showing the manufacturer’s commitment to quality.

Myth: Buying a buyback means inheriting problems

Reality: Manufacturers must address all issues before reselling the vehicle, and these cars often undergo rigorous inspections.

Myth: Lemon law titles are hard to resell

Reality: Transparency about the vehicle’s history can build trust during resale or trade-ins.

ADDITIONAL INSIGHTS

Details that can affect safety and value

Beyond title and mileage history, a CARFAX report may reveal details that help you better understand a vehicle’s condition, safety background, and remaining value.

Airbag deployment

If airbags have been deployed, it indicates prior collisions. Replacement should be performed by certified technicians to help ensure safety.

Structural damage

Even minor accidents can cause structural damage that affects a vehicle’s integrity. Always verify the structural condition before purchase.

Basic warranty

Active warranty coverage can add value. CARFAX reports often reveal whether a vehicle has remaining factory coverage.

Customer signing vehicle paperwork with Autos of Chicago team member during the buying process

SHOP WITH CONFIDENCE

Transparency for your next pre-owned vehicle

At Autos of Chicago, we believe a CARFAX report is more than just a history. It is a tool to help you make confident buying decisions. Explore our premium selection of pre-owned vehicles in Arlington Heights, IL, and let us help you find the right car with complete peace of mind.