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Wyoming Data Added to Carfax.Com Database to Help North American Consumers

21 August 2000

Wyoming Accident Data First to Include Air Bag Deployment Information in Carfax Vehicle History Database

          

    FAIRFAX, Va. - Carfax.com, the Internet's leading provider of national 
vehicle history information, announced today the addition of more than 14,000 
accident data records documented in Wyoming to its comprehensive database which 
already contains more than 1.3 billion vehicle history records.  Carfax will be 
adding tens of thousands more records from the State of Wyoming to their 
database over the next several weeks.  The Wyoming accident data adds a new 
element of data to a Carfax vehicle history report-air bag deployment notification.

    While Carfax.com customers already benefit from information attainable
from Carfax.com such as flood damage, odometer fraud, salvage titles and
dealer buy-backs, accident data provides an additional layer of protection.
"The more information available on a vehicle, the better for our customers
throughout the United States and Canada," says Larry Gamache for Carfax.com,
"And the 'air bag deployment' statements will alert consumers to a potentially
dangerous situation."

    What's So Special About the Air Bag Deployment Notice?

    Unless they've faced the circumstance of replacing an air bag system
following deployment, most consumers aren't aware of some key facts regarding
air bag systems.  First, once air bags are deployed, they cannot be re-used
and replacement can be costly. Replacing an air bag system can cost as much as
$4,000 depending on the car's make and model.  Second, if both driver and
passenger air bags deploy, the entire dashboard may need to be replaced due to
the explosive force with which they inflate (dashboards can "stretch" as a
result). Third, as a result of the expense of replacing air bag systems, a
black market for parts has developed.  Entire steering wheel components may be
stolen from similar model cars to replace systems.

    The potential risks to subsequent owners include, but are not limited to,
the possibility that the steering wheel and/or dash have been cosmetically
repaired without the actual replacement the air bag system or that replacement
components may be stolen or substandard.  By being aware of an air bag
deployment in a vehicle's history, prospective owners can ask probing
questions and/or have a mechanic examine the replaced system.

    Damage Disclosure for Cars in Wyoming

    Many states issue salvage titles for cars and trucks that are seriously
damaged, Wyoming does not.  The state does require that any vehicle sustaining
$4,000 or more in damage in one incident be issued a "Damage Disclosure Title"
at time of title transfer and/or sale.  However, less severe accident damage
amounting to less than $4,000-can still be considerable and effect the safety
and value of a used car.  A potential buyer, armed with this new accident
data, can make a better decision regarding the deal taking into account the
potential risk or repairs that may later be necessary on the vehicle.

    Carfax has already added accident data from Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Iowa,
Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, Maryland, New Hampshire, North Carolina,
Ohio, and Vermont.  As a result of Carfax data, Gene Abramov of Kansas City
protected himself from a bad deal.  "I was about to spend $20,000 on a car,"
says Abramov.  "The person selling the car told me that his sister owned the
car, and he bought her out of her lease.  After running a Carfax report on the
car, I discovered it was sold at an auction just months earlier!  That was
just the tip of the iceberg.  I found out the car had been wrecked and
repainted, too."

    About Carfax.com

    When shopping for a used car, consumers should ask the seller to provide a
detailed vehicle history report. Carfax certified dealers can provide free
reports to consumers.  A list of participating Carfax dealers can be found at
http://www.Carfax.com. If a seller is not a member or does not offer a report,
consumers can visit Carfax.com to purchase unlimited access to the company's
database good for 60 days for $19.95. Individuals who purchase and receive
Carfax reports that confirm a clean title history automatically receive the
Clean Title History Guarantee worth 10% of the value of their vehicle up to
$1,000. Used car dealers interested in signing up for the Carfax service
should call 1-800-444-0145. Carfax, Inc., is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Southfield, Michigan, based R.L. Polk Company.