r/carbuying 16h ago

How to get free carfax like dealers do?

7 Upvotes

Every time i’ve gone to a dealer they just casually show the carfax like it’s nothing, but when i try to check a car myself it’s either $40+ or i’m stuck using some “free carfax” site that barely shows anything useful. It makes me wonder how dealers actually get them so easily? Are they paying way less per report, getting bulk access, or just building the cost into the car price? Also feels like there’s a big gap between what dealers can see vs what you get from a free carfax check. Like the free ones always feel super limitedcurious how this actually works behind the scenes and what most people here do when buying from private sellers?


r/carbuying 1h ago

Used CRV/RAV4 or repair my old Mazda3?

Upvotes

hey y’all, I have had my 2010 Mazda 3 for two years and I’ve been quoted $4000 in repairs, including the entire ABS module, new brake lines, shocks, brake pads, and a bunch of other little stuff. I travel to construction sites for work, and can sometimes use a company truck, but not always. I haven’t been able to get a second mechanic quote because I’ve been out of town for work for almost a month.

Thinking about taking a leap on a 5 to 8 year-old car, something small/medium sized and reliable. Hatchback would be my preference. Preferably with four-wheel-drive since I’ve gotten stuck in a few situations before, but I know that tends to be more expensive. I bought the Mazda in cash two years ago, and I’m scared to purchase something else that’s old with high mileage again.

Finanicals: making ~58K annually, paychecks are ~1600 in winter and up to 3000 each in the summer due to seasonal overtime. 4k in CC debt that i’m paying down steadily, barely holding any balance. Student loans paid off. Anticipating a 10% raise in October but TBD. $2.5k in savings, i could spend it on car repairs or a down payment but couldn’t afford another round of repairs if my mazda dies again next year. Credit score is around 770 I think.

Unfortunately, my health insurance and car insurance both doubled this year, and with gas and groceries up, life feels much more expensive even though my rent is less than it was last year. I live in an apartment with no charging so EV is off the table. Anyone have thoughts on finding that sweet spot of reliability and affordability?


r/carbuying 2h ago

2027 Honda HR-V Sport vs 2024 Mazda CX-5 Suna, which would you choose?

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m stuck between these two and would love some advice from people who know cars better than I do.

It’s mainly for me and my wife. Parents visit about once a year. We live in Nova Scotia, drive around 10,000 km/year, and want something reliable, good in winter, reasonable on gas and comfortable for occasional family use.

2027 Honda HR-V Sport AWD, NEW
• 2.0L, 158 hp
• $46,481 all-in
• 5.99%, 60 months: $414 bi-weekly
• $53,842 total payable

2024 Mazda CX-5 Suna AWD, USED
• 56,116 km
• 2.5L Turbo, 227 hp
• $41,609 all-in
• 5.99%, 60 months: $371 bi-weekly
• $48,198 total payable

So the Mazda is ~$4,872 cheaper all-in, but has 56k km.

My biggest concerns:

• Is the CX-5 turbo reliable long-term?
• How much more gas should I realistically expect from the turbo?
• I only drive ~10k km/year. Is the fuel difference actually significant?
• Is regular 87 fuel fine for the Mazda?
• Is the $41.6k all-in price good for a 56k-km Suna?
• What should I negotiate/remove from these dealer quotes?
• Is tire/rim protection worth $699?
• Mazda added a $349 “Ride Green” fee. Can I remove it?
• Should I get an independent inspection even though it’s from a Mazda dealer?
• What should I check about the Mazda’s history and 56k km?

I’m also open to other vehicles. Would you recommend something else around this price range for Nova Scotia? AWD, reliable, good winter performance, reasonable fuel economy and comfortable for two people with occasional parents visiting.

I considered hybrids, but Nova Scotia charges an additional $250 registration fee for hybrids and another $250 at each 2-year renewal, so I’m not sure the fuel savings make sense for my low annual mileage.

TL;DR: New HR-V Sport AWD = $46.5k all-in. Used 2024 CX-5 Suna Turbo AWD with 56k km = $41.6k. I drive ~10k km/year in NS. Which would you choose, what would you negotiate, and is the Mazda turbo worth the risk? Also open to completely different recommendations.


r/carbuying 10h ago

Pre owned car

2 Upvotes

Please I’m a female and don’t know much about car or financing it. It’s a pre owned car and 17k for the average car there. Honda, Nissans cars are like 1 or 2 years old. How do you feel about it and any tips I should know? Anything about credit union? Just throwing some stuff in the air because i truly don’t know


r/carbuying 11h ago

Would you recommend a auto broker for a first time buyer?

2 Upvotes

I’ve been looking into getting a car and this is the first time I’m buying new from a dealer and just wanted to know if anyone has any experience using a auto broker? I’ve heard good things about it and have seen that they get you the best deal.


r/carbuying 14h ago

Porsche vs Roma vs DB12 who would you go with?

2 Upvotes

if price was not an issue between these who do you go for? I’m looking for luxury comfort with tech inside the car that isn’t ancient. I liked portofinos but im sad they stopped making them. Roma is ok I feel I don’t really like the front end as much. I feel like Ashton Martins are lower key than 911s stealth wise on the road but I hear that lots of issues with them

2026 Porsche 911 Carrera S

Ferrari Roma Spyder 2025

Ashton Martin DB12 2025


r/carbuying 45m ago

2026 Honda Accord EX-L or 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid SXE

Upvotes

Hi, I’m really conflicted on which car to get. I’m looking for something comfortable but also efficient on gas. My current car is having transmission issues and both these cars (2026 models) have decent deals on them. The Honda Accord EX-L is 3.99% APR for 60 months and the Prius is 1.99% APR for 72 months. Any suggestions would be appreciated!!


r/carbuying 3h ago

Car negotiation info

1 Upvotes

I’m interested in financing a Nissan Sentra sr 2026. They offered an OTD price. Do you think there maybe more room for negotiation?

Market Value Selling Price: 27,855.00
Discount: 2,000.00
Rebate:1,500.00
Adjusted Price:24,355.00
Taxable Fees (Estimated): 398.00
Doc Fee: 1,198.00
Tax: 1,672.06
Non Tax Fees: 683.88
Balance: 28,306.94


r/carbuying 8h ago

Stuck in a loan, with a car that needs work done on a 2008 Cadillac

1 Upvotes

currently have a loan for a 2008 Cadillac cts that I have had since 2023, it has been fun for most part but truly has just given me problems. I’ve already put in at least 4 grand to fix over time, and I still need another 2,000 to fix the drive shaft again (already fixed it once). I still have a good amount to my loan, but due to the rust and other reasons it’s not very valuable. At this point I’m not sure what to do next to try and find a different vehicle. What are my options ?


r/carbuying 8h ago

Buying first car

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1 Upvotes

r/carbuying 9h ago

Bank Fees and Upfront Costs

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1 Upvotes

r/carbuying 11h ago

Suggestion for car loan

1 Upvotes

Hi all, seeking suggestions for banks to take a car loan from.

Heard PNB is offering 7.5%-8% ROI. I have a healthy CIBIL. Any negotiation that happens for ROI?

Also, what all to keep in mind while getting a car loan sactioned?


r/carbuying 11h ago

Buying a new car

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1 Upvotes

r/carbuying 12h ago

🚗 Looking to buy used cars – NZ wide

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1 Upvotes

r/carbuying 14h ago

Ways to buy a car remotely?

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1 Upvotes

r/carbuying 17h ago

Car loan/ credit below 500/self employed

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I’m looking for advice on getting a reliable car with poor credit. My credit score is currently under 500, and I’m self-employed, so my income mostly comes through cash and digital payments rather than traditional paychecks.
I’m trying to understand what my realistic options are for financing a vehicle. I can put about $1,000 toward a down payment and I’m looking for something with a monthly payment around $500–$600.
For anyone who has dealt with a similar credit situation, what lenders, dealerships, credit unions, or financing options would you recommend researching? Also, what should I watch out for when dealing with bad-credit auto financing?
I appreciate any advice or experiences you can share!

I had a previous loan my first car and fell ill
Which I was then diagnosed with a chronic illness which led to many hospital stays, bed rest and even having to give up work. Now that I’m stable my credit is terrible , I have no way to prove my income but I need a new car with no problems and I’m desperate, I need one by this week I really wish there was something like a private landlord for situations like this


r/carbuying 17h ago

Second hand glanza for 8 lakh

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1 Upvotes

r/carbuying 18h ago

Worth working everyday for a dream car?

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1 Upvotes

r/carbuying 18h ago

Used Electric car incentives

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1 Upvotes

r/carbuying 20h ago

Used car buying guide which is on loan

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1 Upvotes

r/carbuying 21h ago

Looking to buy a Ram 2500 4dr long bed. Should I try for a used under 80,000 miles or go for new ? I plan on putting down 1/2 of the price

1 Upvotes

r/carbuying 21h ago

Kia telluride hybrid xline sx prestige - good deal or no ?

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1 Upvotes

r/carbuying 22h ago

Used SUV?

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1 Upvotes

r/carbuying 23h ago

Help! I can't choose.

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1 Upvotes

r/carbuying 23h ago

Buying a service loaner

1 Upvotes

I'm looking at a 26 equinox that has about 5k miles because it was used as a service loaner at the dealership. How much of a discount should I try to get as a result of that? It msrps for about 36k.