My car is at the local Honda dlr. getting new latches replaced on the top and routine services performed . I got a call from a serv. advisor today, he said the parts are on order and he believes the car has been wrecked. He said driver side front panel had been replaced and that there are cracks. I bought the car in July for my wedding, preowned from a local Lexus dlr. So I did what I usually do and ran a CARFAX and it came back clean. When I signed the papers at the dealership I noticed a written disclaimer that said I agree AS IS , aware that there could be possible repairs on the car. I just thought the disclaimer was normal (not to mention that it was a Lexus dlr. assuming they would never take a wrecked trade-in and sell it on their lot). I even looked at all the serial numbers on the doors, panel, hood, trunk, etc. and they all matched. Well I know that since I signed the papers at the dealership that they hold no responsibility. Now CARFAX has a monetary guarantee for its history reports good for like three years. Can I hold CARFAX responsible? And how are things reported to Carfax, are only accidents reported or claims on insurance reported? If that is true and CARFAX is not responsible then that most likely means that the damage was minimal, much so that the previous owner did not want to claim it on insurance and paid it out of pocket.
What are some opinions about the situation and how should I resolve the issue?

 

I thought CarFax only checked information on the title of the car. A minor wreck (well any wreck short of an official "salvage") would not appear on the title, and therefor have no visibility to Carfax.

I don't think Carfax claims to know every minor incident a car has been involved in.

 

What Relson said. CarFax is a convenience service - they make data that is already publicly available easier to get and understand. If this accident/incident wasn't on the title, it wouldn't show up on a CarFax report. And so I don't think you can hold them liable.

Anyway - sorry to hear about your misfortune. I would suggest talking to the dealer who sold you the car - it's possible they have service records? It's also possible CarFax or the state records department could get you contact information for the previous owner? Good luck