Carfax makes it possible to get a vehicle history report on the go with both Apple and Android mobile apps
Carfax Goes Mobile
Used car shopping

In a move that could be especially important to credit-challenged consumers, used car buyers now have the ability to pull up a vehicle history report on the majority of smart phones.

Here at Auto Credit Express we understand the importance of this statement because for over two decades we've been helping people with bad credit find dealers for a good chance at auto loan approvals. Since most of these consumers end up choosing a used car, it's critical that they understand just what they're buying - with a vehicle history report providing a vital first step in determining any past issues.

Vehicle history reports

One of the keys to a successful car loan, especially if you have credit issues, is trusting that the car you're buying is exactly what it's represented to be.

If it's a used car, the first place to start is a vehicle history report.

In November of last year Carfax, the leading provider of vehicle history reports, announced that it had launched a new mobile app for the iPhone and the first-ever mobile for vehicle history report information at http://m.carfax.com.

The company also stated that the Carfax Reports app for consumers would be a free download from the App Store. All iPhone users have to do is search 'Carfax Reports' or click this link: http://itunes.com/apps/CARFAXInc/carfax-reports/.

Then, back in July, Carfax unveiled an Android version of the Carfax Reports mobile app. Much like the iPhone app, the Carfax Reports app for Android is a free download on Google Play. All Android smartphone users have to do is search 'Carfax Reports' or click this link: http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.carfax.consumer.

Vehicle history report costs

Just like their web-based service, the cost is $39.99 for a single report, $49.99 for five reports or $54.99 an unlimited number of vehicle history reports by license plate and 5 reports by VIN over a 30 day period.

"Carfax is tailor-made to meet the demands of car buyers today," said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. "Especially when buying from a private seller, getting a Carfax Report is a critical step that now can be taken on-the-fly. We've designed our mobile site and app to give smartphone users the simplest and most direct access to Carfax information about their potential purchase. Confidence and peace of mind is only a screen tap away."

Step one

While it's a good start and you should run a vehicle history report on any used car you're seriously considering, these reports doesn't always contain all the information on a vehicle.

Once you've narrowed it down to the car you want, there's one more thing you should do.

Vehicle inspection

Once you've determined the car has a clean vehicle history, you should then ask the seller if you can have it inspected – both for mechanical as well as structural issues. Then then take it to an ASE certified master mechanic and to a body specialist to have these services performed.

Vehicle inspections are offered by both individual mechanics and companies. The cost typically runs between $100 and $200, but consider it money well spent, as a vehicle with hidden damage not listed on a vehicle history report means a lower resale value and could cost you thousands of dollars in repair bills.

If the seller refuses, just walk away from the deal.

As we see it

Vehicle history reports can be a valuable tool in deciding which used car to buy, as long as this is followed up by an appropriate physical inspection.

By creating an app for both iPhone and Android smartphones, the folks at Carfax have made it even more convenient to do this.

Here at Auto Credit Express we offer another convenience: for buyers that have had previous car credit issues, Auto Credit Express offers a service that can find a dealer for their best chance at approved car loans.

So if you're ready to reestablish your auto credit, you can start here by filling out our online car loans application.