Glen

I figured I could post here to get some insight/tips...

How accurate is Carfax when it comes down to pinpointing a problem car? I have been searching for a long time for a 99+ GT or Cobra, and have not found many in Illinois that I want. From Florida and states of more desirable climates, I have found great deals, and even with shipping costs figured in, would cost considerably less than anything here.

Please post your experiences (if any) of buying a car from a distant location. My mom bought her 66 Ford Galaxie off of Ebay and went all the way to Vermont to pick it up, so I just don't want to feel guilty closing a deal in such a manner if I can't verify that the Mustang wouldn't need any major repairs.


- Glen

redass02gt

sorry, can't help, I've never met afar.

carfax will only show you reported problems/accidents, so anything under the table won't show. but you'd be insane to buy a car without checking the carfax.

Tac2cul

post where the cars at and someone clsoe to it may go look at it for ya

TC713

+1

Especially from down south with all the Katrina cars. You don't know what your getting. Then again, how accurate is Carfax? Its only so accurate as to say the things that are "reported" and that have gone through insurance. I was looking into a couple cars from the south, and it proved to be more of a hassle for us.
Just my .02, and good luck.

BBond007

Carfax won't pick up everything.

For example: my car was hit and run I fixed the damage myself.

The fender/turn signal were a bit messed up, and it could have been repaired, just I did not want bondo in my car.

That is an example of what Carfax won't pick up.

It only picks up accidents wich are reported to the police and perhaps some more reputable collision repair centers.

Next, I'm going to get the entire care repainted. Carfax won't show that either.

Carfax is good for odometer fraud/malfunction and MAJOR collisions, Salvaged titles, that sort of thing…

Its a good tool. Just not a substitute for a test-drive and inspection.

That being said, I did buy a car off Ebay a few years ago. A 1986 Lincoln towncar with 43K miles. I had good luck with that car!

TC713

Yeah, its a good tool. But as with anything, there is never a guarantee. You could have a car checked out by a mechanic and still have the car break down on ya in a week.
I guess there is a degree of luck involved....

I think the main reason I didn't go out of state is because I wanted to buy from a dealer somewhat close by so I got the "guarantee". -Even if its only for 6 months, it gave me the piece of mind I needed.