On the salvage topic. My dad saw a car that he wants me to check out. He saw it in person and looks good but I tried talking him out of it. But he still wants me to get a carfax report. Is there any place I can get a vin check for free?
I've used motosnoop in the past but it seems like it's not working right now.
Carfax only knows what is reported, so theoretically if somebody wrecked a car and then paid for repairs without notifying insurance, the carfax will remain clean.
A good mechanic/inspector will be able to look at the car and tell if there were any repairs done, like evidence of repainting or welding of the frames.