Is there a free or cheap vehicle history report site? Carfax is too expensive

While Carfax is the most well-known, there are several more affordable alternatives to check a vehicle's history:

Free options:

1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) - Check for recalls, complaints, and investigations at vehiclehistory.gov
2. National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) - Free VIN check to verify if a car has been reported stolen or salvaged
3. VehicleHistory.com - Basic vehicle information and some history records

Lower-cost paid options:

1. VINCheck.info - Reports typically under $10
2. AutoCheck - Usually cheaper than Carfax, especially for multiple reports
3. EpicVIN - Reports around $10-15

However, keep in mind that free and cheaper services typically provide less comprehensive information than Carfax. For the most complete picture, you can:

• Ask the seller to provide a Carfax report (many dealers offer them free)
• Check your local DMV records
• Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase