Stop Overpaying for Used Cars.

Absolutely! CarValueScout was built for people who aren't car experts. You don't need to be a mechanic or know anything about engines, repairs, or codes. Just fill in a few simple fields: year, make, model, mileage, and condition - and the system does the work. It analyzes the data, checks for common issues, estimates repair costs, and tells you whether it's a smart buy or a risky one. You'll know within seconds if the car is worth the price, needs work, or should be avoided altogether. It's like having a trusted mechanic and car appraiser in your pocket, without ever needing to lift a hood.

Great question. When you're shopping for a used car, it's easy to fall in love with one that looks perfect - until you uncover what's really going on underneath the hood. CarValueScout's built-in features help you see the full picture before you commit:

• • With our OBD2 code reader, you can enter trouble codes and instantly understand what's wrong, what the repairs might cost, and whether the car is worth fixing - often saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
• • Our 50-point visual checklist guides you through a detailed walk-around so you notice issues most buyers miss. As you check items off, you'll see how small repairs can add up - helping you decide whether to keep looking.
• • Because of this deeper insight, many buyers realize they need to run several reports. Each report lets you eliminate problem cars and focus only on the best options.
• • Once you've compared 3, 4, or 5 vehicles, you can print and review the reports side by side, taking notes and messaging sellers with confidence.
• • You can also use the year, make, and model search to find real private party value before you ever leave home. If the seller's asking price is $1,000 or $2,000 above that number and won't budge, there's no reason to waste time driving to look at the vehicle.

Think of each report as low-cost protection - like buying insurance before you even buy the car. Would you spend $10 or $20 to protect your bank account from losing hundreds or even thousands? Most smart shoppers do.

Our Car Value Scout history report offers the same in-depth recall checks and safety data as the big names like Carfax, but at just a fraction of the price. For only $15.99, you get all the crucial information you need to make a safe buying decision—information that can cost you $44.99 elsewhere.

But more importantly, our report can alert you to open recalls that could be a matter of life and death. Imagine buying a car and not knowing there's a dangerous airbag recall still unresolved. We've seen it happen, and it's exactly why we offer this report—so you never have to risk the safety of you or your loved ones. With our affordable, comprehensive history check, you can drive with confidence and peace of mind.

No. Your report credits never expire. Buy a pack and use them whenever you need them, whether it's this week or next year.

No! While a VIN provides the most precise details, you can get a highly accurate market valuation using just the Year, Make, Model, Mileage, and your Zip Code. This is perfect for browsing online listings on sites like Facebook Marketplace to see if a seller's asking price is realistic before you even schedule a test drive.

Think of an OBD-II code as a specific "symptom" reported by the car's brain (its onboard computer). When the "Check Engine" light is on, the computer has detected a problem and stored a code (e.g., "P0171") to identify it. But just like a cough can be a symptom of a cold or something more serious, a code is just the starting point. Our app gives you that starting point and, crucially, a severity rating. You don't need to be a mechanic to know that a "low" severity code for an O2 sensor is less worrying than a "high" severity code for the transmission.

Not all problems are in the engine. A worn set of tires can cost $800, a cracked windshield $400, and a torn leather seat can ruin a car's appeal. Our comprehensive checklist forces you to look at everything... You simply check off what you see, and we estimate the cost, adding it all to your negotiation ammo.

It's a simple, powerful formula for negotiation: We start with the car's real-time private party market value. Then, we subtract the estimated total repair costs from both the OBD-II diagnostics and the visual walk-around. The result is a fair "As-Is" price, giving you a data-driven starting point for your offer.

Our database contains costs based on a national average of used and aftermarket parts... While it's an estimate, it provides a realistic budget for restoring the vehicle and powerful leverage for your negotiation.

The PDF report is your ultimate tool for two reasons. First, if you inspect three cars, you'll have three reports to compare side-by-side at home... Second, it's your ultimate negotiation leverage... You're not just haggling; you're presenting a data-backed case for why your offer is fair.

Carfax focuses on a vehicle's history - past accidents and title issues. At $50 per report, it tells you what happened to a car years ago.

CarValueScout focuses on what matters most when buying a used car - the mechanical problems happening RIGHT NOW and what they'll cost to fix. We identify immediate issues (check engine codes, worn brakes, failing transmission) and calculate repair costs in your local area - starting at just $3 per report.

The Reality: Most used car buyers get burned by hidden mechanical issues, not title problems. A clean Carfax doesn't tell you if the car needs $2,000 in repairs next week.

CarValueScout saves you from costly surprises by revealing the car's true condition and fair price before you buy.

Plus, we're adding vehicle history and title search reports exclusively for CarValueScout members - giving you everything you need in one affordable place. No need to pay Carfax $50 when you can get mechanical inspection AND history reports with CarValueScout.