Customer Reviews (500)

cmcsvl • 2025-03-22T13:30:32-07:00

Carfax helped me find the vehicle I was looking for a figure out what was an excellent price. There weren’t many vehicles that fit my criteria in my area but expanding search to 500 miles included Southern California which had many. The deal was good and worth the flight to Orange County.

Hasoon zs • 2025-03-22T09:27:41-07:00

I love it

alecjamerson • 2025-03-21T04:48:28-07:00

NOT AN AMERICAN COMPANY STAY AWAY USE BETTER ALTERNATIVES

Summary of Key Insights

The CARFAX app generally receives positive feedback, with users appreciating its ease of use, comprehensive vehicle history reports, and the ability to find cars from multiple dealerships. However, recent updates appear to have introduced significant bugs, particularly related to filtering and app stability (freezing/crashing), leading to a surge in negative reviews. There are also recurring complaints regarding inaccurate pricing, difficulty finding new cars, and limitations in search functionality. The sentiment is mixed, with a strong base of loyal users offset by frustration over recent technical issues and perceived value for money (especially concerning report pricing).

  • Strengths: Ease of use, access to CARFAX reports, wide selection of vehicles, helpful search filters (when working).
  • Weaknesses: Recent app instability (freezing/crashing), inaccurate pricing, search filter bugs, limited search functionality (e.g., combining makes/models), expensive reports, lack of new car search option.
  • Overall Sentiment: Mixed; positive sentiment is being eroded by recent technical issues.
  • Quantitative Metrics:
    • Overall Rating (estimated): Based on the provided distribution, the average rating is approximately 4.04 stars.
    • Score Distribution: {"1":20%,"2":4.8%,"3":8.8%,"4":8.4%,"5":58%}

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Predominantly recent reviews, with a noticeable cluster of reviews mentioning issues related to updates around January 2025 and July 2024.
  • Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis (manual assessment based on review text), keyword extraction (identifying frequently used words and phrases), and thematic analysis (grouping reviews based on common issues, requests, and positive feedback).

Key User Pain Points

  • App Freezing/Crashing: Many users report the app freezing or crashing, especially when using advanced filters. This is a major usability issue.
  • Search Filter Problems: Users experience issues with filters not working correctly, leading to inaccurate or no search results. Filters freezing the app is a common occurrence.
  • Inaccurate Pricing: Numerous reviews mention that the prices listed in the app are often inaccurate or outdated, leading to frustration and wasted time.
  • Report Cost & Value: Users find the cost of CARFAX reports to be expensive, especially for single reports. Some users feel the reports don't always provide accurate or complete information, questioning their value.
  • Missing Features: Some users are unable to find the option to search for new cars, or specific features (e.g., engine displacement, CD player).
  • Account and Login Issues: Users report getting logged out frequently, and problems with password resets.
  • Bugs from recent Updates: Several reviews specifically mention that recent updates have broken key functionalities, such as advanced filters.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Improved Search Filters:
    • Ability to combine multiple makes and models in a single search.
    • More specific filter options (e.g., engine size/horsepower, cooled seats, sunroof/moonroof type).
    • Ability to exclude certain brands or models.
  • More Affordable Reports: Users consistently request lower prices for CARFAX reports or more flexible subscription options.
  • New Car Search: Reinstatement or improvement of the "new car" search functionality.
  • Better Integration with Other Platforms: A few users mention the ability to import VINs from other platforms to easily pull CARFAX reports.
  • Ability to save more searches: Users are limited to saving only 2 searches at a time.
  • User Ratings and Reviews for Dealers: Users want to be able to rate and review dealerships.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Ease of Use: Many users praise the app's user-friendly interface and ease of navigation.
  • Comprehensive Information: The CARFAX reports are seen as valuable for understanding a vehicle's history and making informed decisions.
  • Wide Selection: The app provides access to a large inventory of used cars from dealerships nationwide.
  • Helpful Filters (When Working): The search filters are generally appreciated for narrowing down vehicle options based on specific criteria.
  • Convenience: Users appreciate the convenience of finding cars and accessing CARFAX reports in one place.
  • Peace of Mind: The app helps alleviate the stress of buying a used car by providing access to vehicle history information.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Fix App Stability Issues (Freezing/Crashing): Immediately address the freezing and crashing issues, especially those related to the advanced filters. This is the most critical issue impacting user experience.
  • Repair Search Filter Functionality: Resolve the problems with search filters not working correctly or providing inaccurate results.
  • Address Inaccurate Pricing: Implement measures to ensure that prices listed in the app are accurate and up-to-date.
  • Investigate and Resolve Account/Login Issues: Address the reported problems with users getting logged out and password reset failures.

Medium Priority:

  • Re-evaluate Report Pricing: Consider offering more affordable report options or subscription models to improve perceived value.
  • Enhance Search Filters: Implement the frequently requested filter improvements, such as combining makes/models and adding more specific feature options.
  • Improve New Car Search: Reinstate or enhance the functionality for searching for new cars.
  • Improve Data Accuracy: Implement processes to reduce the likelihood of inaccurate information in CARFAX reports, especially concerning accidents or vehicle history.

Low Priority:

  • Implement User Ratings/Reviews for Dealers: Allow users to rate and review dealerships to increase transparency.
  • Enhance App Design: Focus on improving the visual appeal and usability of the app, based on user feedback.
  • Address Ad Issues: Control spam posts and fake listings from dealers. Give users the ability to report and block these posts.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • CARFAX Report Verification Service: A service that allows users to submit CARFAX reports for independent verification to ensure accuracy and completeness.
  • Negotiation Tool: An AI-powered tool that analyzes CARFAX data, market trends, and vehicle condition to provide users with a fair price range for negotiation with dealerships.
  • Subscription Service for Mechanics: A discounted subscription service for auto mechanics to run multiple CARFAX reports at a lower cost.
  • AI-Powered Vehicle Inspection: An AI-powered image recognition service that analyzes photos of vehicles to identify potential issues or damage not reported in the CARFAX report.

Trends and Observations

  • Recent Negative Trend: A significant increase in negative reviews related to app instability and filter issues following recent updates.
  • Language Preference: Most reviews are in English, but there's also a notable number of Spanish reviews.
  • Loyalty and Frustration: Many long-time users express frustration that recent issues are degrading an app they previously valued highly.
  • Inaccurate Dealer Listings: Some dealers are posting false or misleading information, such as incorrect pricing or availability, damaging the app's credibility.

Conclusion

The CARFAX app has a strong foundation and is generally well-regarded for its ease of use and access to valuable vehicle history information. However, recent technical issues and concerns about pricing are negatively impacting user sentiment. Addressing the app stability and filter functionality problems should be the top priority. Improving search capabilities, re-evaluating report pricing, and monitoring dealer listings for accuracy are also important steps to maintain user satisfaction and competitiveness. The app needs to focus on reliability and value to retain existing users and attract new ones.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/carfax-shop-new-used-cars/id479267592?uo=2