Raider

First time used car buyer and first time Lexus buyer. Looking to purchase a 1994, 131k miles. It appears to be in very good shape. I can't get it to a mechanic to inspect prior to buying. Is carfax worth it? Any ideas. I have the VIN number. I am curious if the car was up north for many years with possibility of rusting.

trukn1

Car fax is a good reference tool to use, but like anything else it is just that A TOOL, not the bible. Generally, a clean carfax report will be a good indication that the car is solid and in good standing and may even provoke you to invest the time to check the car out for yourself. As far as visual inspection, the only sure fire way to make sure that you will be throughly satisfied with your purchase is to actually check it out yourself.

mpatrizio

I was surprised to find that the carfax records the exact service history for a vehicle that was serviced at the dealer. The carfax told me that my timing belt had been changed, and that all the services were performed at a dealership that I knew. It justified me paying an extra $1000 for the car, since the timing belt replacement costs seem to be in that ballpark.

Good luck on your quest. I was looking for my car for 6 months.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

i still wouldn't buy a car at least without anyone else looking at it first, ever.