A record is a starting point
A CARFAX accident or damage entry may omit severity, airbag deployment, or repair quality. Unreported crashes, private cash repairs, and events outside US or Canadian sources may leave no record. Note dates and descriptions, then ask for photos, estimates, and invoices.
“No records reported” is not “never crashed”
When the checked source returns no matching event, VinSentry labels that outcome instead of calling the car clean. Many collisions never enter CARFAX. Use a body and mechanical inspection, especially on structural, sensor, and high-voltage repairs.
Inspect what data cannot show
Look for overspray, uneven gaps, disturbed fasteners, warning lights, and mismatched glass. A paid report can still arrive mainly as a PDF if CARFAX did not return structured HTML. Read that file; do not assume missing on-screen cards mean no damage.
Check the VIN, then decide on total cost
Run the VIN on this page. Buy a CARFAX report when North American accident records would affect price or safety. Weigh insurance, diminished value, and future repairs — not only the seller’s discount.