Buying a used car always carries some risk. To avoid unpleasant surprises down the road, it is essential to thoroughly check the vehicle’s history. Several services offer car history reports, and two of the most popular are Carfax and CarVertical. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at what these services offer, their advantages and disadvantages, and help you choose the one that best suits your needs.
Carfax is one of the most well-known and popular services for checking the history of used cars. Since its founding in 1984, Carfax has become a trusted tool for car buyers in the United States and Canada. The service gathers and processes data from various sources, such as insurance companies, government agencies, car dealers, and service centers.
Features of Carfax:
Carfax provides detailed reports that help buyers understand the condition of the vehicle and any potential problems it may have had.
CarVertical is a newer service, founded in 2017, that quickly gained attention for its innovative approach. CarVertical offers car history reports with a focus on using blockchain technology. This ensures a high level of data reliability, as the information cannot be altered or falsified.
Features of CarVertical:
CarVertical is focused on the international market and provides information about thousands of cars worldwide.
To help you choose the best service for checking a car’s history, let’s compare Carfax and CarVertical across several key factors.
| Factor | Carfax | CarVertical |
|---|---|---|
| Geographical Reach | Primarily the US and Canada, limited information for other countries | International reach, data on vehicles from many countries |
| Types of Data | Accident history, mileage, service records, title status | Accident history, mileage, legal issues, information on rebuilt cars |
| Data Availability | Best for vehicles from the US and Canada | More versatile for international vehicles |
Carfax specializes in the US and Canada, providing very detailed reports for vehicles registered in these countries. If you are looking for information about a car registered outside of these regions, CarVertical will be more helpful.
| Factor | Carfax | CarVertical |
|---|---|---|
| Data Collection Method | Uses traditional methods: insurance companies, government databases, and dealerships | Uses blockchain technology to ensure data accuracy |
| Data Reliability | Data is verified, but errors can occur | Blockchain guarantees that data cannot be altered or forged |
Carfax uses traditional data collection methods, making it a trusted resource, though not always error-free. CarVertical, with its blockchain technology, offers a higher level of protection against data manipulation and errors.
| Factor | Carfax | CarVertical |
|---|---|---|
| Report Price | $39.99 to $59.99 per report, depending on the volume of information | 9 to 30 euros, depending on the country and the volume of the report |
| Availability | Reports available online on the website, but prices may be high for many users | More affordable pricing makes CarVertical attractive for a wider audience |
Carfax can be expensive for some users, especially if multiple reports are needed. On the other hand, CarVertical offers more affordable prices, making it appealing to users with a limited budget.
| Factor | Carfax | CarVertical |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Simple and intuitive interface, but full reports may take more time to load | User-friendly interface with quick access to key data |
| Data Retrieval Speed | There may be delays in receiving the full report | Quick report generation, compact format |
Both services offer a user-friendly interface, but CarVertical provides a more compact and faster report format, while Carfax may take more time to process and display the information.
1. Geography
If you’re buying a car in the US or Canada, Carfax may be the better choice, as it offers more detailed information for those regions. However, if you are considering purchasing a car from another country or want to check a vehicle’s international history, CarVertical will be more useful.
2. Budget
If cost is a crucial factor, CarVertical may be the better option with its more affordable pricing, allowing you to get the necessary information without overspending.
3. Level of Detail
If you need a highly detailed report on a car’s condition, Carfax is likely the better choice. However, if you only need basic information, CarVertical provides a more convenient and cost-effective option.
4. Data Reliability
If you are concerned about the reliability of the data, CarVertical offers additional confidence with its blockchain technology. However, Carfax also has a long-standing reputation and many years of experience in the industry.
Both services, Carfax and CarVertical, provide valuable information for used car buyers, but each has its unique features. Carfax is perfect for those buying cars in the US or Canada and willing to spend more for a detailed report. On the other hand, CarVertical is more affordable, offers international information, and uses blockchain for data protection.
The choice depends on your specific needs and budget. Just remember that in addition to checking the car’s history, it’s also important to conduct a physical inspection and consult a mechanic to avoid any unpleasant surprises.