CarFax vs. AutoCheck: Vehicle History Reports Compared

Choose the car history report card that meets your needs and budget.

David Gluckman & Ashley Bradshaw | 

Jun 23, 2022 | 4 min read

Updated March 12, 2026

Capital One

You’ve done the research, figured out which vehicle to buy, and found a used car that looks promising. Now, you should get a vehicle history report. 

Check out the differences between two major history report providers: Carfax and AutoCheck.

• What is a vehicle history report?
• What’s included in a vehicle history report?
• Where does Carfax pull information from?
• Where does AutoCheck pull information from?
• Information differences between Carfax and Autocheck reports
• Carfax and Autocheck pricing compared

What Is a Vehicle History Report?

A vehicle history report (VHR) is a document that provides a look into a car's past. It collects relevant vehicle records using a car's vehicle identification number (VIN) or current license plate number. A VHR can help car shoppers feel more informed about their used vehicle purchase.

What’s in a Vehicle History Report?

 A VHR outlines items like major accidents, ownership history, maintenance records, previous inspections, and title information. Two of the most popular VHR providers are Carfax and AutoCheck. 

After purchasing and reviewing a history report, you can check to see: 

• If the car has undergone major repairs
• If it has a title issue, such as a salvage, flood, fire, junk, or rebuilt brand
• If there are any open recalls that need to be performed
• If there’s evidence that someone tampered with the odometer
• The number of owners it has had, how long each person owned the vehicle, and where it was titled

These reports are expansive, but buyers should still be aware they may not tell a vehicle's full story. For instance, if a previous owner did their own maintenance or repairs and did not disclose them, that’s not going to show up on a report.

Where Does Carfax Pull Information From?

As of March 2026, Carfax states it has a database of more than 35 billion records and pulls in information from more than 151,000 data sources, including:  

• U.S. federal and state agencies
• Canadian provincial motor vehicle agencies
• Auto auctions 
• Fire and police departments
• Fleet management and rental agencies — and more

Where Does AutoCheck Pull Information From?

AutoCheck states its VHRs are backed by Experian Automotive data and pulls records from thousands of data sources, including: 

• DMVs
• Auto and salvage auctions
• Collision repair and maintenance facilities
• Insurance companies
• Manufacturers 
• Law enforcement agencies
• Automakers
• Fleet management and rental agencies — and more

Information Differences Between Carfax and AutoCheck Reports

Looking at the source lists, you can see these products have similarities. But Carfax and AutoCheck can pull data from slightly different (though undisclosed) sources. 

Carfax is known for featuring more extensive maintenance records than AutoCheck. But this is only helpful if the vehicle was serviced by professionals. A DIYer has no way of reporting an oil change or tire rotation, so it’s a good idea to ask for all of a car's paperwork and receipts (especially when buying from a private party). Carfax supplies more information on reported damage, too, such as the severity and impact location, and it provides a value estimate based on the data.

AutoCheck has its own exclusives, including information from “the two largest U.S. auctions.” The report includes an AutoCheck Score, which grades the vehicle on a 100-point scale and provides a score range for similar vehicles of the same age, so you can make a ready comparison.

The two companies also display information differently on their reports. You can view sample reports online to see their layouts before investing.

Carfax and AutoCheck Pricing Compared

Both companies have single-report pricing as well as package deals, which can save you some money if you know you’ll be comparing a few used cars.

As of publication, here's Carfax's report pricing:

• Single report: $44.99
• Two-Car report: $59.99
• Four-Car report: $109.99

As of publication, here's AutoCheck's report pricing:

• Single report: $29.99
• Five-Car report: $59.99

Both services have expiration windows. Carfax confirmed that purchased reports are available for 60 days. AutoCheck reports must be used within 21 days.

If you still can’t decide, you can always purchase a report from both companies and compare. Think of it as a potential protection against a vehicle's unknowns.

David Gluckman

David has years of experience as a writer and editor for print and digital automotive publications, including Car and Driver and Road & Track. He can parallel-park a school bus, has a spreadsheet listing every vehicle he's ever tested, and once drove a Lincoln Town Car 63 mph in reverse. When not searching for the perfect used car, he can be found sampling the latest gimmicky foodstuffs that America has to offer.

Ashley Bradshaw

Ashley Bradshaw is a seasoned writer and editor for Capital One Auto Navigator, where she uses her diverse editorial background to break down automotive tips, research, and other information for consumers. Prior to joining Capital One, Ashley served as a project manager for the Toyota and Lexus newsrooms through an agency partner. With a writing and editing career rooted in Dallas-Fort Worth media, Ashley previously contributed to regional publications including Southlake Style, Plano Magazine, and Addison Magazine. When she's not editing, Ashley enjoys reading, checking out new restaurants, and spending time with her family.