Carfax vs. AutoCheck: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters for Used Car Buyers
Carfax vs. AutoCheck: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters for Used Car Buyers
When you're shopping for a used car, a vehicle history report is one of the most important tools you can use to make a confident decision. Two of the biggest names in the game are Carfax and AutoCheck, and while both provide solid insights, they go about it in different ways. Here’s a quick breakdown of how they compare—so you can make the call that feels right for you.
The Basics
Both Carfax and AutoCheck pull data from sources like DMVs, insurance companies, auctions, service shops, and more to give you a snapshot of a car’s past. That includes things like:
- Accident history
- Title issues
- Number of owners
- Odometer readings
- Service and maintenance records
You’ll find overlap in what both reports include, but the way the info is gathered, organized, and presented is where the differences start to show.
Where AutoCheck Has an Edge (Depending on What You’re Looking For)
1. Auction Data Coverage
AutoCheck is owned by Experian and has a stronger connection with major auto auctions across the U.S. That means if a vehicle’s been bought, sold, or moved through one of those lanes, AutoCheck is more likely to have that in its report.
2. The AutoCheck Score
AutoCheck includes a proprietary score from 1–100, which helps you quickly see how a car stacks up compared to similar vehicles. It’s especially useful if you’re trying to compare a few cars side by side and want a quick reference. Carfax doesn’t have a comparable scoring system.
3. Multiple Reports at a Lower Cost
For folks shopping around and comparing lots of cars, AutoCheck can be more cost-effective. It offers unlimited reports for a set period of time, which makes it easier to research multiple vehicles without paying per report.
What Carfax Brings to the Table
Carfax is a well-known name, and a lot of buyers trust it simply because it’s been around a long time. It sometimes includes more detailed service history (depending on the repair shops that report to them), and it's the go-to for some dealerships and private sellers.
So... Which Should You Use?
Honestly, both Carfax and AutoCheck are valuable tools—and if you’re serious about buying, checking both can give you the full picture. But if you’re comparing options, AutoCheck might give you access to broader auction data, a quick-reference score, and more bang for your buck when you’re researching multiple vehicles.
At the end of the day, no history report catches everything, so it’s always smart to combine these tools with a thorough test drive and a mechanic inspection.
Final Thoughts
If you're checking out one of our vehicles and want to dive into the history, let us know, here at Trevinos we're happy to walk you through an AutoCheck report and show you exactly what it means. No pressure, no hype—just facts.
