Difference between AutoCheck report and Carfax. Get facts and decide which vehicle history report is better for your needs. Compare price, accuracy, coverage
As a car buyer, one of the most important things you need to consider is the vehicle’s history. You want to know if it has been involved in any accidents, how many previous owners it has had, and whether it has a clean title. To obtain this information, you need to access a vehicle history report.
Two of the most popular vehicle history report providers are AutoCheck and Carfax. While both services provide similar reports, they differ in certain aspects. In this article, we will compare AutoCheck vs Carfax and determine which one is the best option for you.
What is AutoCheck?
AutoCheck is a vehicle history report provider that is owned by Experian. It was established in 1996 and offers reports that include information on accidents, title history, mileage, and more. AutoCheck’s database contains over 21 billion records and covers all 50 states.
What is Carfax?
Carfax is another well-known vehicle history report provider that was founded in 1984. It provides reports that include information on accidents, ownership history, title information, and more. Carfax has a database of over 22 billion records and covers all 50 states as well as Canada.
Price Comparison
One of the most significant differences between AutoCheck and Carfax is the pricing. AutoCheck offers a single report for $24.99, while Carfax charges $39.99 for a single report. However, Carfax offers a package deal of five reports for $99.99, which brings the per-report cost down to $19.99. AutoCheck does not offer any package deals.
Information Coverage
When it comes to the amount of information provided in the reports, both AutoCheck and Carfax offer similar coverage. Both services provide information on accidents, title history, mileage, and more. However, AutoCheck has a feature called the AutoCheck Score, which rates a vehicle’s overall history on a scale of 1 to 1000. This score takes into account factors such as accidents, ownership history, and more. Carfax does not offer a similar rating system.
Accuracy
The accuracy of the information provided in the reports is another important factor to consider. Both AutoCheck and Carfax obtain their data from various sources, including state DMVs, insurance companies, and dealerships. However, AutoCheck has a partnership with the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), which is a federal database that provides information on a vehicle’s title, odometer reading, and more. Carfax does not have a similar partnership.
Customer Support
When it comes to customer support, both AutoCheck and Carfax offer similar services. Both have customer support teams that can be contacted via phone or email. However, Carfax also offers a live chat feature on their website, which can be more convenient for customers who prefer online communication.
AutoCheck vs Carfax, which one is the best?
AutoCheck vs Carfax, which one is the best
After comparing AutoCheck vs Carfax, it is difficult to determine which one is the best option. Both services provide similar reports with similar information coverage. However, AutoCheck has a slightly lower price point and offers the AutoCheck Score feature, which can be helpful in determining a vehicle’s overall history.
On the other hand, Carfax has a larger database and covers Canada as well as the United States. Additionally, Carfax offers a package deal for multiple reports, which can be more cost-effective for car buyers who plan to purchase multiple vehicles.
Ultimately, the choice between AutoCheck and Carfax comes down to personal preference. If you are looking for a slightly more affordable option with a helpful rating system, AutoCheck may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a larger database and plan to purchase multiple reports, Carfax may be the better choice for you. It is important to consider your individual needs as a car buyer and weigh the pros and cons of each service before making a decision.
In addition to considering the differences between AutoCheck and Carfax, it is important to note that no vehicle history report provider can guarantee complete accuracy. While these services do their best to compile accurate information from various sources, there is always a chance that certain information may be missing or incorrect. Therefore, it is important to use these reports as a tool to supplement your own research and inspection of the vehicle.
Another important aspect to consider when purchasing a vehicle is the condition of the car itself. It is recommended to have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle before making a purchase. This can help identify any potential issues that may not be apparent from the vehicle history report alone.
In conclusion, both AutoCheck and Carfax offer reliable vehicle history reports that can be helpful in making an informed decision when purchasing a car. While they have some differences in terms of pricing, information coverage, and accuracy, ultimately the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and individual needs. Remember to use these reports as a tool to supplement your own research and inspection of the vehicle, and to have a trusted mechanic inspect the car before making a purchase.
Comparison table Autocheck vs Carfax 2023
| Parameter | Autocheck | Carfax |
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2010 | 1986 |
| Headquarters | Tallahassee, FL | Centreville, VA |
| Data Sources | Insurance companies, auto auctions, state DMVs, repair shops | DMVs, manufacturers, inspection stations, police reports, insurance claims |
| Vehicles in Database | Over 1 billion | Over 28 billion |
| Countries Covered | U.S. only | U.S., Canada |
| Vehicle History Reports | Check for accidents, damage, theft, lemon history, odometer fraud | Check for accidents, damage, theft, lemon history, odometer fraud, maintenance |
| Sample Report Price | $24.99 | $39.99 |
| Subscription Plans | 1 report – $24.99 5 reports – $99.99 Unlimited reports – $169.99/year |
5 reports – $49.99 Unlimited reports – $59.99/month |
| Additional Services | VIN check, title check | Recall check, maintenance reminders |
| Mobile App | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| User Reviews | Positive for low cost and ease of use. Concerns about accuracy. | Very positive for accuracy and detail. Considered industry standard. |
| Active Users | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Financing Services | Lien check, loan/lease check | Loan/lease check |
| Dealership Services | Inventory analysis, value assessments | Inventory analysis, value assessments |
In summary, Carfax remains the industry leader with larger vehicle history database, coverage in US and Canada, and more service offerings like recall checks and maintenance reminders. Autocheck offers a lower cost alternative but users cite concerns about accuracy compared to Carfax.