I recently learned the hard way when looking to purchase a newer used (2013) car online. After agreeing on a price and having to send a deposit within 24 hours of $500 I later found out the vehicle was a total wreck and wasn't recorded by the DMV. Carfax and Autocheck are a joke!!!
There is a free website that holds the records of million of cars that have been sold with major damage and it's free!!! It sometime has pictures of the damage.
This is very helpful for people buying from out of state and aren't able to view the car in person.
Vehicle history check. For FREE!
Enjoy!!!