Well, my kitty has definitely seen some serious body work, and a new paint job, both of which need to be completely redone. I wanted to know just exactly what had happened so I ran a carfax report.
It states no accidents, no nothing! I am pissed. So now I know nothing more than I did before.
Terri Clark
'89 XJS V12 Coupe
Submitted by NE52-32043 on Mon, 07/11/2005 - 09:48
Submitted by dougdwyer@adel… on Sat, 07/09/2005 - 23:36
Carfax Report
I'd go the the Carfax webpage and investigate what sort of damage is reported, and how it is reported.
I could be wrong but I think only "total loss" cases are reported. Even if I am wrong, I'll wager the reporting requirements vary from state to state.
And I think Carfax gets their data from state records. The state gets its info from insurance companies. So, of no insurance company was involved....well....
At any rate, I can assure you that every time a car is in a body shop for repairs it is not reported to Carfax or the state.....
Doug Dwyer
Longview Washington USA
1987 XJ6 Ser III
1988 XJS V12 Coupe
Most states have reporting requirements that mandate the filing of a police report if damage exceeds a stated limit. In NJ, it's $500. That is supposed to be entered into the state system and reported. But, as noted, it is not uniformly enforced. And if the damage repairs were paid for privately, not through insurance, chances are it won't show up on Carfax.
Read the Carfax report carefully. Look at the transfers, mileage, etc. Sometime, a skillful shop can "wash" the title when it should be showing up as "salvage", by registering the car in a different state after a total loss and repair.
You should also check the state consumer fraud laws in your state. There are special sections that cover the sale of autos, even when supposedly sold "as is." And they apply to private sellers and dealers. If they knew or should have known that the car was in a major accident and failed to disclose (especially a dealer), you may have a claim for treble (triple) damages over what you paid, or other remedies depending on your state's laws.
Steve Weinstein