For mechanics
Cheap Carfax reports for mechanics & shops
Independent mechanics running pre-purchase inspections use CheapVins to pull a full history before the car is even on the lift. $4.65 per Carfax in the 17-pack ($79). Customer approves the inspection, you run the Carfax, you see service gaps and prior damage before the first bolt comes off.
$4.65 per Carfax
17-pack pricing. Bill the customer at retail, pocket the margin.
Instant PDF
Pulled while the car is still on the trailer.
No subscription
Credits never expire. Pay once, use when the next PPI shows up.
Service history visible
See exactly which maintenance was recorded. Fill in the gaps.
Prior damage flags
Structural work, airbag deployment, body shop visits.
Shareable PDF
Send to the customer as part of the inspection report.
Shop pricing
Pre-purchase Carfax at $4.65 per report in the 17-pack.
Single Report
$7.99
1 Report
Save $37.00 vs $44.99 retail
Your credits never expire
One-time purchase · No subscription
- Avoid hidden accident damage
- Verify odometer tampering
- Check for flood/salvage titles
Secure checkout
Money-back guarantee
One-time purchase · Secure checkout
Get 1 Report NowPrivate Buyer
$28
5 Reports
Save $11.95 vs buying individually
Your credits never expire
One-time purchase · No subscription
- Avoid hidden accident damage
- Verify odometer tampering
- Check for flood/salvage titles
Secure checkout
Money-back guarantee
One-time purchase · Secure checkout
Get 5 Reports NowFlipper
$79
17 Reports
Save $56.83 vs buying individually
Your credits never expire
One-time purchase · No subscription
- Avoid hidden accident damage
- Verify odometer tampering
- Check for flood/salvage titles
Secure checkout
Money-back guarantee
One-time purchase · Secure checkout
Get 17 Reports NowHow shops use CheapVins
A Carfax pulled before the lift is cheap diagnostic insurance. It tells you where the car has been, what's been fixed (and what hasn't), and where you should look first.
Pre-purchase inspection (PPI)
Customer brings a car they're about to buy. Run the Carfax before you touch anything. Accident history, prior frame work, and open recalls tell you where to spend inspection time.
New-customer intake
First-time customer with an unknown car. The service-event history on the Carfax gives you a starting baseline: last oil change, timing belt, major repairs. No more guessing.
Warranty disputes
Customer claims a repair wasn't done or was done elsewhere. The Carfax shows who did what and when. Resolves disputes fast.
Trade-in advice
Customer asking what their car is worth before trading in. The Carfax shows exactly what a dealer will see, and lets you set honest expectations.
What to look for on a PPI Carfax
The data points that change how you inspect a car.
Reported accidents (any severity)
Even "minor" accidents mean something to inspect: alignment, frame, airbag module history.
Structural or frame damage flag
Hard stop for a lot of buyers. Worth a longer lift inspection and a measurement.
Service gaps over 12+ months
Pay extra attention to timing belts, transmission fluid, and brake fluid that may be overdue.
Prior use as rental, fleet, or commercial
Different wear patterns. Check brakes, suspension, and interior wear more carefully.
Last service location
If recent service was at a chain quick-lube, double-check fluid specs.
Open manufacturer recalls
Note them for the customer report. Dealer will do them free; you shouldn't charge to repeat.
Shop FAQ
Can I bill the customer for the Carfax?+
Yes. Most shops bill the Carfax at retail ($20 to $45) as part of the inspection fee and keep the margin on the $4.65 cost.
Is the data detailed enough for diagnostic use?+
Service events, accident records, title history, open recalls, and mileage snapshots are all there. It's the same PDF the dealer sees.
Can multiple techs share one account?+
Yes. One login, shared credit pool. Any tech can pull a VIN from the dashboard.
Can I share the PDF with the customer?+
Absolutely. Most shops attach it to the digital inspection report they send over. Builds trust.
What if the VIN has no data?+
Instant refund. Happens with very new vehicles or some fleet-only VINs.
Add Carfax to every pre-purchase inspection.
For $4.65, your customer sees the full history before you quote the inspection. Builds trust and speeds up every job.