Carfax Reports for FREE!!

I kind of agree with you.

However, some people rarely buy used cars and only want to see a CarFax report perhaps once every 10 years or so. They also know there are many members on fchat that are in the car business, or are very active car hobbyists, who subscribe to CarFax services every year. So, for that rare situation, I can see why some people think that asking a fellow fchat member to run a CarFax report on a single VIN is probably not a major deal.

For others, it is a matter of principle, that is, it is against their personal morals or business ethics. The low dollar value of an unethical practice doesn't make it any less unethical. Kind of like saying the theft of office supplies, like ball-point pens and printer paper, doesn't make it an okay thing to do.

I understand and can sympathize with both sides of this issue, but find myself more in the second group.

 

This is worthy of a new thread? This is what upsets you? If this is the most annoying or frustrating thing you have to complain about consider yourself "light shouldered".

 

I have paid for carfax more times than I can count... But occasionally, you just want the odd VIN run...

Doesn't seem to rise to the level of theft me thinks.

 

is that all you half to worry about?....

 

I don't think cheap is the issue. Nothing is free and should not be advertised as such. "Free Credit Report" is a $150 a year item. So too, is Carfax at $29.95 per. Just say so and stop trying to fool people. We'll pay it. Just don't lie.

 

I tend to agree with 4yacht............as minor as it seems it is still considered theft.

Better yet how would some of you feel if you owned Carfax?

Then add up how many times people ask for a free Carfax just on Ferrarichat alone?

Maybe it would seem more serious if it directly affected the bottom line of a company you owned.

I frequent a few other Automotive forums and running a Carfax for someone else is normally not allowed and against forum rules.

 

Hey...while we are on the subject, I need a VIN number run through CarFax

Thanks

 

There's nothing wrong with asking someone for a favor once. If someone came up and ask me for a favor and if I can do it, why not?
Money is not the issue here and I don't expect to get paid back, instead I expect them to pass the favor on. There is much more vluable
in life than money. I dislike people who only see's $ sign all the time as if they worship it.

 

Again it has nothing to do with people who see $ signs all the time, it is illegal and clearly stated in the Carfax privacy statement.


Restrictions on Use. You may not modify, publish, transmit, display, participate in the transfer or sale, create derivative works, or in any way exploit any of the Content, in whole or in part. Except as otherwise expressly permitted under copyright law, no copying, redistribution, retransmission, publication or commercial exploitation of downloaded material will be permitted without the express written permission of CARFAX or the copyright owner. You acknowledge that you do not acquire any ownership rights by downloading or printing the copyrighted material, or by using the Site.

 

All I'm saying is, the person asking someone a favor is NOT breaking ANY of the Restriction mentioned above.

 

LOL, life can't really be this serious, can it...?

 

Dude needs to relax and quite being a tight ass, you can get free car faxes from any dealer for any car they suscribe monthly and are its biggest customers, maybe 50 people have asked for a carfax here since this site began, a whole $750 lost over 5 years thats gonna impact carfaxs bottom line alright

 

LOL, exactly. It's not like they're always accurate anyway. I wonder what CarFax says about 110189. Or a whole bunch of other cars.

 

Anybody want to do Carfax for me?

 

I brought this up in a previous thread. It's like someone asking you to bring them something home from the all-you-can-eat buffet. Just stick some of that roast beef in your pocket for me eh?

 

Weren't you peddling your commercial products like gauge faces and diffuser fins on this forum without signing up as a sponsor? Would not this also count as "theft of services," as you put it yourself, from Rob and Ferrarichat?

 

How can Ebay sellers show the carfax info on their ads if they are not allowed to "publish, transmit, display, participate in the transfer or sale, create derivative works, or in any way exploit any of the Content, in whole or in part." ??? The issue I would have with Carfax is when you are signing up you have a choice to get 1 report for $19 or whatever and "Unlimited" reports for 30 days for $30 or whatever. Seems like they are offering you something that is later restricted by the user agreement. If you got a cell phone with 'unlimited' use, couldn't you let someone else use it to make some calls? I would think so.
And to answer the question about how I would feel as the owner of Carfax, I would be happy.
I understand Craig's point, but I have little sympathy for Carfax, Paypal, Ebay, et al....

BT

 

You've got to be kidding me? This guy was selling crap out of the back of the internet trunk and is now bad mouthing people looking for VIN reports!? LOL!

"Hey Kettle! You're black!"

 

I seem to recall charging CC's then not delivering for an eternity because they hadn't even made the parts. But who's counting?

Jeez, helping someone out with the odd Carfax, what's the big deal? If you're actively searching for a car it's really in your best interest to pay up. Besides, who wants to feel like they owe someone over $29?

 

Look at the RIAA.. they fight over 99c songs... then sue people for $220,000.

Shameless.

Now, look at Steve Jobs. He found a way to make millions by selling people what they want. Instead of suing people for not buying things they don't want to buy.

~shahedc.

 

Is this true?

 

Maybe some of us on here have dealer friends or are dealerships, we don't mind pulling up a carfax for someone. I don't know about you, but I cringe @ paying $29 for a single report if someone can get it for me for free. Maybe I am not interested in buying a car, maybe I just want to know the history of one.


Note that I've never requested a free carfax but I have often helped people and gave them free carfaxes and see nothing wrong with it.

In terms of how I would feel if I owned Carfax, well I'd feel pretty damn good because I'd have an Enzo of every color in the garage.

 

Exactly----I have seen so many mistakes in Carfax it isn't even funny. So what are you really paying for anyway..halfa$$ info??