Ask the Editors: Why Is There No CARFAX for ATVs?
Dear ATVC:
They have services like Carfax that provide you with a detailed vehicle history report so that you can buy used with clear conscience. Why has nobody done something similar with ATVs?
Good question- but digging up a little information on how services like Carfax work, the answer becomes clear. Carfax gets its data through insurance companies, motor vehicle bureaus for mileage, flood damage, title problems, lemon law buybacks, accidents, thefts, liens and ownership transfers.
They also work with auto auctions hosts, dealerships, repair facilities, state inspection stations, fire departments, law enforcement, car rental companies and so on.
The trouble is that an untold number of ATV incidents go unrecorded by any of the above means/ agencies. When you blow a corner in the woods, clip a tree and bend your ATV’s handlebars; it’s a safe bet a police report wasn’t filed. It’s also likely you didn’t call your insurance carrier to make a claim either.
Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, many ATVs the world over are operated off-road without registrations, inspections or insurance, making the ATV’s life nearly impossible to track.
While we agree it would be nice to have a printed report telling us about every scrape, scratch and tip-over a particular ATV endured, the fact of the matter is a little knowledge in what signs of abuse to look for, copies of service receipts, and buying from a seller you can trust remain your greatest asset when buying used.
