Community Forums

Pine Coast · 04-17-2025, 12:09 PM

I searched the forum and found this thread -

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f64/can-...ml#post2595843

I'm curious if the detailed CARFAX that was posted by rgvtexan is the same one that I would get if I paid the $45 on the website for a single report? I understand that some vehicles will have little to no information on the report - just wondering if there are different "levels" of reporting for individuals vs dealers, etc.

We are planning to pick up our new to us (2014 model) and first ever RV today and it is a private sale. I don't have any reason to believe there's anything being hidden, but I am still thinking of paying for a report just in case.

We are in a pinch for time so we've done our best to do our own inspection with a checklist from our inspector who is walking us through it. So just hoping to make a good decision and make sure we've covered the bases as best we can before we complete the transaction.

Gary RVRoamer · 04-17-2025, 01:03 PM

That is NOT a Carfax in that post - it's an auction sale ad. Carfax reports data from public or credible sources, primarily DMV title and registration data and any repair reports submitted by big insurers, which may include extended service contracts. However, RV dealers and RV insurers rarely contribute reports to Carfax (or similar services) so it's highly unlikely you will get much info except previous ownership changes or changes in the state where it is titled/registered. If the coach was covered by an extended service contract, there may be vague report entries like "electric system serviced & a date". Do NOT expect details or causes or cost of repair.

On the other hand, $45 is a small price for a chance there may be some useful gem of info.

Pine Coast · 04-17-2025, 02:01 PM

Ok, thanks for clarifying that for us. I just ran the carfax and it looks mostly clean - it has a "damage to front" reported 8 years ago but nothing that indicated any repair or anything. Now we have to decide whether or not to dewinterize it to inspect it or hope everything works. It is supposed to get below freezing tomorrow, so we'd have to learn how to winterize it and we are newbies. Seems worth the effort to me, but dh is not so sure about it.

Alan_Hepburn · 04-18-2025, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

Carfax reports data from public or credible sources, primarily DMV title and registration data and any repair reports submitted by big insurers, which may include extended service contracts.

...and they get it wrong in many cases. Both my Gladiator and my wife's Wrangler were purchased new from dealers when we lived in California. Last summer we moved to Tennessee and had the registration, and titles, changed to Tennessee - we are now listed as the second owners of both vehicles. Had to contact CARFAX to have them correct that little item...

Pine Coast · 04-18-2025, 10:10 AM

Oh that may explain why the carfax showed 5 owners on the coach but the seller was sure she was owner 2 or 3, as there were some confusing registrations in different states. When we took a second look at the front, looking for the carfax listed damage we noticed a crack in the hard plastic bug deflector that is attached to the hood.

Gary RVRoamer · 04-18-2025, 03:50 PM

I got a Carfax for my last coach (it was a freebie a year after I bought the used RV) and quickly realized that when a new title was issued they labeled it a new owner. My coach was originally titled in Montana (you can guess why), then in Florida but the same owner. The dealer where I bought it confirmed they sold it originally and bought it back from the same owner when he got tired of RVing.

Ray,IN · 04-18-2025, 06:43 PM

CARFAX does not contain everything that's happened to, or has been repaired for the vehicle, and omits things that happened but not reported.

reference: https://elmersautobody.com/do-auto-r...ort-to-carfax/
and: https://www.cherishyourcar.com/carfa...ted-no-damage/

Psp6158 · 04-18-2025, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pine Coast

Ok, thanks for clarifying that for us. I just ran the carfax and it looks mostly clean - it has a "damage to front" reported 8 years ago but nothing that indicated any repair or anything. Now we have to decide whether or not to dewinterize it to inspect it or hope everything works. It is supposed to get below freezing tomorrow, so we'd have to learn how to winterize it and we are newbies. Seems worth the effort to me, but dh is not so sure about it.

Make sure you ask about the damage if they owned it then. If it's on the car fax, something must have been turned into the police. There would be nothing to indicate repairs. De winterizing would require hooking up somewhere to check everything. Good luck, it's exciting, and can be overwhelming, glad someone is helping you.

Gary RVRoamer · 04-19-2025, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psp6158

If it's on the car fax, something must have been turned into the police.

I don't think that is the case. Most damage/repair reports come from insurers, but not all insurers contribute to the loss databases that some insurers share. Or make their own damage claim data available to Carfax.
Generally speaking, Carfax does a search for the vehicle VIN in whatever databases it has access to. All 50 states make their title & registration data available, and also their lemon vehicle records if they have a lemon law program. Those would include any title branding, e.g. Rebuilt or Total Loss. Some insurers make their loss records available, but usually just a brief summary rather than any details.

Psp6158 · 04-19-2025, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

I don't think that is the case. Most damage/repair reports come from insurers, but not all insurers contribute to the loss databases that some insurers share. Or make their own damage claim data available to Carfax.
Generally speaking, Carfax does a search for the vehicle VIN in whatever databases it has access to. All 50 states make their title & registration data available, and also their lemon vehicle records if they have a lemon law program. Those would include any title branding, e.g. Rebuilt or Total Loss. Some insurers make their loss records available, but usually just a brief summary rather than any details.

I agree, I try to tell people if I do a report for minimal, no damage, accident, it's going to show on a Carfax when they sell. I think it's a great service and a tool to use when buying.

egwilly · 04-20-2025, 12:29 PM

I've used Carfax at Carmax and when we bought our first toy hauler. Mostly vague info, some notations about registration and speedometer or flood damage. It does not tell the entire story in some cases.

I would rely on a rv inspector on-site inspection for more confidence in the condition. Roof issues and leaks are most probable in a unit 11 years old.

Supersail · 04-21-2025, 11:37 PM

I would give some extra scrutiny to a MH that has been owned by 3-4 parties already. There might be a good reason they are passing it on that you don’t know about. But I’m also a cynic…😀

Sam 3 · 04-21-2025, 11:59 PM

Our dealer let us take the pickup truck to our mechanic and body shop to get checked out. It all checked out very good.

4x4van · 04-22-2025, 07:54 AM

My Hummer H3 Alpha had a Carfax that the dealer provided me when I purchased; pretty clean with just previous owner and service records. I later discovered evidence of some major bodywork done to the right front end that was not listed. As others have said, Carfax only shows things that have been reported. Not all repairs/incidents/services are reported. I typically keep vehicles for at least a decade, and perform all of my own maintenance and repairs. I "report" none of it, so...