Should the buyer or seller pay for CarFax?

[MrSlacker]

This thought has been on my mind lately. I keep getting asked if I have carfax for a car that I am selling (not e30). But when I buy a car, I always run the carfax myself. So what do you think? Who is responsible for buying carfax- buyer or seller?

[Rigmaster]

if you want a carfax, you should be willing to pay for it.

Doesn't matter if you're the buyer or the seller. I would think that buyers are more likely to want a carfax, but some sellers might pay for it so they can show how upfront and honest they are about the car, and that they're not trying to hide anything.


So, I didn't vote either way.


;)

[blefevre]

Private party - Buyers. If they want it then they should get it.

Dealers - They should provide it to enhance customer service.

[slammin.e28]

Private party - Buyers. If they want it then they should get it.

Dealers - They should provide it to enhance customer service.

This. Buyer beware.

[samiam3356]

Depends on who's more desperate.

person needs a car- they pay

Person wants a car - you pay

Big difference in how those 2 customers buy cars.

[Asrial Dune]

Most decent dealers will give you a carfax if you ask for it, so I'm gonna assume that you're talking about a private sale.

Buyer should expect to pay for the carfax if he wants one. If the seller wants to show how awesome his car is, he's welcome to get one himself, but the buyer shouldn't expect the seller to provide it. The only situation I can think of where I'd ask the seller to pay would be if he's claimed something about the car (e.g. no accidents, low milage, original owner, etc.) that's reported on carfax but evidence in the car doesn't support. But even then I'd still pay for it myself if the seller didn't want to and I was considering buying the car.

[Dominic49]

if only the sellers provided the carfax then it would prevent multiple car faxes on the same vehicle, probbably cut a significant bit in to their profits

[MrSlacker]

I was talking about private sales. The way I see it is this - As a seller, I want to provide carfax if I have nothing to hide so it will help me sell the car. However, as a buyer, I am the one who needs it so I feel its my responsibility to get it...

[Mercury[BKM]]

it depends actually.
I feel a seller will provide it if they feel it will add to the value of the car to show that it is clean on paper, if they do not have it, then it is the buyer's responsibility to obtain one and make an informed decision on the vehicle.

i see more rolled back odometers, CA Cars that spent 150k+ in salt states, rebuilt/salvage titles etc etc on craigslist ads that list the car as "clean"

[acolella76]

If I ever decide to sell my car, I will be sure to include a CarFax. Not sure why since the CarFax has like 12 different odometer readings from swapping clusters. Just something that makes the buyer feel like they're not getting a car that was previously totaled/flooded/stolen/fucked in some way. I also have a list of every single receipt for parts and labor in a 3 ring binder for the same reason.

[Mercury[BKM]]

yeah old cars, its good to have the maint history... thats so important

[Shangsta]

I didnt vote either way. If I am selling a car and im trying to get top dollar for a car that I am saying is worthy of the price I am asking then why not spend money(its not like it cost that much) to help show the buyers that I have nothing to hide. If I am a seller and I really want a car and the buyer doesnt have a carfax then I am going to spend the money to make sure that the money I spend is worth it

[BlueIX]

If you are selling your car and you comfortable with what the carfax show or not show than it could add to the legitimacy of the condition of your car.

[DeM3n]

If I was selling, I'd buy one to have to show people.

If I was buying, I'd expect buyer to have it. But if he didn't... might be worth the extra bit to pay for it.

Either way, PPI is in order.

[jdvorwe]

Just give him the vin # and have him make a fake ebay auction and then cancel it.

/problem solved.