Don't be like me (CarFax is probably worth it) (2 Viewers)

[razzman1]

So, just to lead this off--this is my fault entirely for not using CarFax--I'm not blaming anyone else.

I've been looking for a 100 series for years now. I finally found one in the color combination I really wanted (black garnet with grey interior), in really good condition, absolutely rust free with OK miles (220K) with allegedly a good bit of maintenance done recently. The test drive went well, the truck looked fantastic, engine bay looked pristine, truck felt like new and the price was OK. Owner seemed like a good dude, and I had my rose-colored glasses on, and willingly ignored the lack of paperwork or documentation on maintenance. The timing belt sticker on the engine cover indicated the 90k maintenance had been done at 198k, and everything looked good. I was very happy with the truck, until a buddy who had CarFax access ran it, and low and behold, CarFax has maintenance history on it out to 360k miles. At some point the dash/instrument cluster must have been replaced with a much lower mileage unit.

I still love the truck, but it's going to be difficult to sell it any time in the future with the discrepancy, and now all of the maintenance is suspect--who knows if the TB/WP was actually done 20k miles ago. And of course I paid way too much for it, knowing now how many miles are on it.

So, don't be like me. CarFax is worth the $35 or whatever for a 1-time use.

 

[FxFormat]

Carfax is not $35, you can go to marketplace on FB and people will run them for you for $5 or less, i have a guy that i pay $3 to run for me each time im interested in a car. These trucks will make it to 600K+ miles easily so just enjoy it

 

[razzman1]

Carfax is not $35, you can go to marketplace on FB and people will run them for you for $5 or less, i have a guy that i pay $3 to run for me each time im interested in a car. These trucks will make it to 600K+ miles easily so just enjoy it

Well now I feel even stupider. I didn't realize people offered CarFax services like that.

 

[Jack90210]

For what it's worth, the "absolutely rust free" part of the equation is much more important than whether the vehicle has 220k or 360k miles.

 

[Super77]

Carfax is not $35, you can go to marketplace on FB and people will run them for you for $5

So, “protect yourself by entrusting your research to the lowest-bidding rando on FBM who is willing to violate their terms of service?” Makes sense.

 

[FxFormat]

So, “protect yourself by entrusting your research to the lowest-bidding rando on FBM who is willing to violate their terms of service?” Makes sense.

yep, this dude has ran like 30 reports for me over the last year and i bought a few cars from it to flip.

 

[97 AZ LC]

So, “protect yourself by entrusting your research to the lowest-bidding rando on FBM who is willing to violate their terms of service?” Makes sense.

A Carfax report is now $45 so there is a Robin Hood element to the black market.

PS - I now want the seller to run the Carfax report, at their expense. People who won't do it are usually hiding something. If the car is clean it's dumb not to spend the money as a seller.

 

[Super77]

A Carfax report is now $45 so there is a Robin Hood element to the black market.

PS - I now want the seller to run the Carfax report, at their expense. People who won't do it are usually hiding something. If the car is clean it's dumb not to spend the money as a seller.

Yeah, I hate paying for Carfax because it’s typically garbage information, so I do like the “stick it to the man” ethos. But I hate FBM just a little more.

Good idea putting it on the seller though. Especially since they only have to do it once.

 

[medtro]

Be careful if seller offers a carfax report.

Purchased 2000 Land Cruiser from Odometer Fraud seller. NEED HELP.

I am reaching out to seek advice from anyone who has experience with their Land Cruiser because I am in a hole. I just purchased a 2000 Land Cruiser in CA that was advertised as a single owner with 70,000 miles for $16,000. The ODO on the vehicle reads 70,000. But after purchasing we found a...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Exiled]

Just yesterday a River Rock Mica 1999 popped up here in Austin on FBM, with 170Kish miles and in what looked like great condition. A friend who's been looking for one jumped on it, arranged to go see it. When he ran the CarFax the truck came up as having more than 300K miles! Lots of scammers out there!

 

[excessive]

I'd take a 300k mile rust-free 100 series over a 150k mile rusted out one any day of the week. count your blessings where you can

 

[nissanh]

IF the vehicle was owned by a person who's name is NOT on the title, I'll check everything once again. Like Scotty says.. never TRUST a seller.

 

[Patassa]

Sucks to over pay but you likely got a great vehicle and miles dont matter much, as I'm just hitting 415k.

 

[Super77]

Be careful if seller offers a carfax report.

Purchased 2000 Land Cruiser from Odometer Fraud seller. NEED HELP.

I am reaching out to seek advice from anyone who has experience with their Land Cruiser because I am in a hole. I just purchased a 2000 Land Cruiser in CA that was advertised as a single owner with 70,000 miles for $16,000. The ODO on the vehicle reads 70,000. But after purchasing we found a...

forum.ih8mud.com

Never accept printed copy or a PDF. But if you can view it directly on the Carfax website, I don’t think the seller can doctor it, no?

Admittedly I’m not much of a Carfax user as mentioned above. I tend to buy from trusted friends and neighbors.