Anyone have access to a carfax account so I can check on a 1981 in Florida? Does Carfax even go back that far?

I'm sure it will find it, but their database is pretty spotty on records before 1992, so you'll have a big gap of info to show for your $20.

It depends on the state.

I would get it...

We have sponsorship from CARFAX. They don't like it when people "share" accts... I really don't blame them, either.

The 1992 date seems to be more of a CA thing. I am wondering if pre 1992 data was archived and no yet uploaded? I know many other states have been recording data since the early 80s.

CARFAX goes back to 1981 when the 17 digit VIN came into effect.

The thing is, FL does not have an inspection system, but they will tell the status of the title. If it stayed in FL I would say its a good thing. If it moved states, I would be worried.

There is also a new one put on by the insurance companies that will tell you if the car has been totalled.

Florida histories are somewhat spotty indeed. They had an inspection system through the 90s into the early 2000s I think. Registrations and transfers would show up too. I'd rely more on a mechanical inspection than a Carfax or history report. I think it's more important to be running well than to have a good pedigree.

Since it's in Florida and could be a flood/hurricane victim, I would check this site, too, it's free. It's the National Insurance Crime Bureau, and it'll tell you if it's stolen or been reported as a total to the insurance companies.

https://www.nicb.org/cps/rde/xchg/nicb/hs.xsl/vincheck.html

Matthew