I'm going to go look at a 2001 Saab 9-5 Aero on Saturday, but before I go does anyone have the monthly Carfax pass that wouldn't mind running a check for me? Either respond here and I'll PM you the VIN, or just PM me directly. Thanks!

yes - email me the vin

Edited July 6, 200619 yr by evok

Sent.

Sent.

Done

Hmm, this report is confusing. It says it has only had one owner, but that was for 8 months and then it was sold on 12/31/01 and moved to MA from NH. Why does Carfax think it only has one owner when it clearly has had more than that? And what does it mean "loan or lien reported"? And when the registration was reissued/renewed it says "color noted as blue"; does that mean it was repainted? It's also been "offered for sale" since January, so is there something seriously wrong with this?

Hmm, this report is confusing. It says it has only had one owner, but that was for 8 months and then it was sold on 12/31/01 and moved to MA from NH. Why does Carfax think it only has one owner when it clearly has had more than that? And what does it mean "loan or lien reported"? And when the registration was reissued/renewed it says "color noted as blue"; does that mean it was repainted? It's also been "offered for sale" since January, so is there something seriously wrong with this?

"Loan or lien reported" means the car was financed, leased, etc something involving a financial institution. "Color noted" simply means color was noted, usually at point of sale or registration. "Carfax isn't worth much more than a cursory glance at a car. The reporting is schizophrenic at best and the information is often confusing.

Let me put it this way: I ran a trial CarFax for kicks on my car last month. Apparently, its been in no accidents.

Hmm, this report is confusing. It says it has only had one owner, but that was for 8 months and then it was sold on 12/31/01 and moved to MA from NH. Why does Carfax think it only has one owner when it clearly has had more than that? And what does it mean "loan or lien reported"? And when the registration was reissued/renewed it says "color noted as blue"; does that mean it was repainted? It's also been "offered for sale" since January, so is there something seriously wrong with this?

I should have warned you not to be dissappointed. Carfax is only OK for verifing milage, and knowing of any reported crashes.

And I believe they decode the VIN for a lot of factory info. OK I just reran the report and they do decode the VIN.

That is it. For the most part they just compile public "state" information as well as anyone who will sell info. Looks like Onstar sells activation info.

Edited July 6, 200619 yr by evok