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Why Carfax Report is a Must
When you’re shopping for a used car, one of the first questions you may ask is: how much is a Carfax report? That’s because a vehicle history report is often considered essential to uncover accident records, title problems, odometer rollbacks, service history, and more. A Carfax report helps you buy with confidence — but it comes at a cost.
Below, you’ll find the latest Carfax pricing table, a fresh comparison with VinAudit vs Carfax cost (and your potential savings), updates on Carfax subscriptions, plus FAQs and internal links to relevant content.
Cost of a Carfax Report
Carfax offers various pricing options for accessing vehicle history reports, catering to the needs of different users:
| Package | Total Price | Cost per Report | Best For |
| Single Report | $44.99 | $44.99 | One-time buyers checking a single vehicle |
| 2-Report Package | $59.99 | $30.00 | Buyers comparing 2 cars |
| 4-Report Package | $109.99 | $27.50 | More extensive searches or family purchases |
- The Single Report package is the most basic package and includes one Carfax report. As of October 25, 2025, a single Carfax report cost $44.99. It covers all the features of what is known as the Carfax report: accident data, ownership history, service history, type of use, among other details. This is a good choice for those who are only interested in obtaining information about a single vehicle.
- The 2-Report Package is a better value as it includes two reports for a reduced price of $30.00 per report, bringing the total package cost to $59.99. This package is ideal for those who are considering multiple vehicle options or who plan to purchase more than one vehicle in the near future.
- The 4-Report Package is the most economical option, offering four reports for a reduced price of $27.50 per report, bringing the total package cost to $109.99. This is a great option for buyers for whom the other two packages are too restrictive. Two more reports can make a difference if you want to compare more vehicles.
Is it possible to get a free Carfax report?
Obtaining a free Carfax report can be challenging as Carfax typically charges for their vehicle history reports. However, there are several methods you can try to access a Carfax report without paying directly:
Dealerships: Many reputable car dealerships offer free Carfax reports for the used cars they sell. If you’re interested in a vehicle from a dealership, ask the salesperson for a Carfax report. Most dealers subscribe to Carfax services and provide these reports as a courtesy to potential buyers.
Carfax Used Car Listings: Visit the Carfax website and browse their used car listings. Many of the cars listed on their site come with a free Carfax report. This is a convenient way to find vehicles with verified histories.
Certified Pre-Owned Programs: Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) programs often include a free Carfax report as part of their certification process. These programs ensure that the vehicle has undergone a thorough inspection and meets certain quality standards.
Private Sellers: Some private sellers might already have a Carfax report available for their vehicle. If you’re buying from a private seller, ask if they have a recent Carfax report. They may have purchased one to reassure potential buyers about the car’s history.
Online Promotions and Offers:Occasionally, Carfax or partner websites run promotions where they offer free Carfax reports. Keep an eye out for these promotions, as they can be an opportunity to get a report without cost.
Auto Lending Institutions: Some banks and credit unions offer free Carfax reports to their members when applying for an auto loan. Check with your financial institution to see if they provide this service.
Car Buying Services: Some online car buying services, such as AutoTrader or Cars.com, may offer free Carfax reports as part of their listing service. Look for vehicles on these platforms that include a free Carfax report.
Carfax Discounts
Occasionally, Carfax may offer coupons on its website during flash sales or seasonal holidays. Some organizations may also offer Carfax coupons to their members. However, be cautious of websites or services claiming to offer free Carfax reports by VIN or discounts. Beware of scams or phishing attempts disguised as free car report offers.
Carfax for Dealers
Carfax offers new and used car dealerships its brand and vehicle data for use in their operations, from purchase and sales to service and trade-in. To request more information, contact or visit the Carfax for Dealers page.
Why VinAudit vehicle history reports are a great alternative to Carfax
Paid and Free VinAudit reports
At a lower cost, VinAudit also provides comprehensive vehicle history reports. Carfax can be quite expensive, even if you choose the cheaper packages. Check out why our pricing is one of the most (if not the most) competitive in the vehicle data industry:
| Provider | # of Reports | Total Price | Price per Report |
| VinAudit | 1 Report | $9.99 | $9.99/report |
| 5 Reports | $19.99 | $4.00/report | |
| 10 Reports | $29.99 | $2.99/report | |
| Carfax | 1 Report | $44.99 | $44.99/report |
| 2 Reports | $59.99 | $30.00/report | |
| 4 Reports | $109.99 | $27.50/report |
How You Save with VinAudit
Need multiple reports? With VinAudit, you get more reports for less money, making it the smarter choice for budget-conscious car buyers.
- Using a VinAudit discount coupon, a single NMVTIS-approved VinAudit report can only cost a fraction of one Carfax report.
- A single VinAudit report costs just $9.99, which is less than 25% of the cost of a Carfax report ($44.99).
- 10 VinAudit reports cost only $29.99, which is one-third the price of 5 Carfax reports (approx. $99.99).
For dealers, VinAudit offers 24/7 instant online and mobile access to full NMVTIS-authorized reports for a subscription fee of $20 per month and $1 per report generated. Bulk access to vehicle data is also available to business clients.
VinAudit: One-Stop Shop for Buyer and Auto Business Needs
Clearly, VinAudit is a compelling Carfax alternative for reliable, affordable, and easy-to-use vehicle history reports that offer vehicle data from the most authoritative data sources.
Choose VinAudit and make the smart choice for your next vehicle purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Carfax so expensive?
Carfax charges premium prices due to:
- Brand recognition: It’s one of the oldest and most widely marketed vehicle history report providers.
- Extensive partnerships: Carfax partners with dealerships, OEMs, and service shops.
- Data sourcing: It aggregates from thousands of sources, including DMVs, service centers, and auctions.
But that doesn’t mean it’s the only option — or the best value for your money.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Carfax?
Yes — VinAudit is a trusted, NMVTIS-approved provider offering vehicle history reports that include:
- Title history
- Salvage, junk, and insurance records
- Accident history
- Odometer readings
- Recall data
VinAudit vs Carfax:
- $9.99/report vs $44.99/report
- NMVTIS-authorized (same government source Carfax uses)
- Optional bulk packages and dealer subscriptions
Backed by authoritative sources like state DMVs and insurance carriers
Why VinAudit is a Smart Alternative
- More Reports for Less: Get 10 reports from VinAudit for less than the price of one Carfax report
- Trusted Data: VinAudit is a licensed NMVTIS data provider – same federal source Carfax uses
- Dealer Access: Monthly plans start at $20/month + $1 per report
- No-nonsense pricing: No upsells, no inflated prices, just accurate reports at honest rates
Is a Carfax report really necessary?
While not legally required, a vehicle history report like Carfax (or VinAudit) is highly recommended when buying a used car. It helps uncover hidden problems like accident damage, title issues, odometer fraud, and more. Whether you use Carfax or a reliable alternative like VinAudit, it’s a crucial tool for avoiding costly surprises.
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