Is carfax an OK substitute for a mechanic inspection?

Question

I'm looking at a 2002 toyota celica with 80k miles on it. I checked out the carfax report and it said that there was only one owner and they didnt have to take it in for a single repair. I know toyotas make the most reliable cars on the road right now so should i be concerned with taking it in for an inspection before I buy or is that enough information?

Answer 1

Carfax only tells you what happened in the past...it does not tell you the current condition of the car.

Get an inspection.

Answer 2

No!

Read the text right under the SUMMARY heading on the Carfax report.  Right on the Carfax report they tell you to use the report ALONG with a an inspection.

Answer 3

NO!

carfax cant tell you  if the tranny is shot, the brakes are worn, the engine is about to let go.  Carfax cant look at belts and hoses.  it cant test the compression on the engine.  Carfax cant tell if the car has been taken car of, or beaten like a rented mule.

All cafax will tell you is if the title is clean, and if it has been in any *reported* accidents.

if the car is in a fender bender in the parking lot, and no one reports to to the police or insurance, Carfax wont know about it.  They could get cousin Jethro to fix it in his garage and pass it off to you.

Get a mechanic to inspect your car.  Its worth the $100 or so to protect your best interests