Customer Reviews (100)

Jose Chinos • 2025-03-24T21:49:53.221Z

you guys really need to work on this app or something, it's super buggy

Curlie Jackson • 2025-03-24T14:38:18.899Z

okay

Brandon Fitzgerald • 2025-03-24T04:00:47.138Z

I like it

Summary of Key Insights

The CARFAX app generally receives positive feedback, with a significant portion of users awarding it 5 stars (56%). Users appreciate the free CARFAX reports, the ability to search for a wide variety of vehicles, and the helpful information provided. However, a notable number of users (17%) have rated the app with 1 star, citing bugs, glitches, and usability issues. A recurring theme is the frustration with search filters resetting, difficulty saving searches, and the app crashing. The "deal rating" algorithm also seems to need improvement. While the app is praised for its potential, the negative reviews highlight areas where usability and stability improvements are crucial.

Key Strengths: Free CARFAX reports, vast vehicle database, helpful information for car buying. Key Weaknesses: Buggy app, glitchy performance, resetting search filters, difficulty saving searches, problematic "deal rating" algorithm. Overall Sentiment: Positive, but with significant usability concerns. Overall Rating: Approximately 4.06 (based on the provided score distribution). Score Distribution: 5-star (56%), 4-star (10%), 3-star (10%), 2-star (7%), 1-star (17%).

Data & Methodology Overview

Data Sample Size: 100 reviews Time Frame: Not specified, but assumed to be recent. Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis (manual assessment based on review text), keyword extraction (manual identification of recurring themes and issues).

Key User Pain Points

  • Buggy/Glitchy App: Many users report experiencing bugs and glitches that hinder their experience. This is a frequently cited issue, directly impacting usability.
  • Resetting Search Filters: Users find it extremely frustrating that search filters reset unexpectedly, forcing them to re-enter their criteria repeatedly. This is a major usability flaw.
  • Difficulty Saving Searches: Several users report problems saving their searches, which is a basic feature that should work reliably.
  • App Crashing: Random app crashes disrupt the user experience and can lead to data loss.
  • Problematic "Deal Rating" Algorithm: The algorithm incorrectly identifies salvaged cars as "Great Deals," misleading users.
  • Login Issues: Users are frequently logged out and find the login process annoying.
  • External Link Crashes: Clicking external links within the app sometimes causes it to crash.
  • Inability to Delete App: One user reported being unable to delete the app.
  • VIN Report Issues: Some users report that running a report via VIN does not work.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Improved Search Filter Persistence: Users want their search filters to be saved and persistent across different searches.
  • Nationwide Search Saving: The ability to save searches across the entire country.
  • Data Export Option: A user who has added DIY maintenance data wants a way to export it.
  • Atlas Cross Sport Search: Users want to be able to search for this specific vehicle model.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Free CARFAX Reports: Users highly value the free CARFAX Vehicle History Reports included with used car listings.
  • Vast Vehicle Database: Users appreciate the wide selection of new and used cars available for search.
  • Helpful Information: Users find the information provided by CARFAX to be helpful in making informed car-buying decisions.
  • Easy to Use (for some): Some users find the app easy to use and a convenient way to shop for cars.
  • Maintenance Updates: The ability to add maintenance updates and receipts is appreciated.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Fix Bugs and Glitches: Address the reported bugs and glitches to improve app stability and performance. (Impacts overall usability).
  • Resolve Search Filter Resetting Issue: Implement a solution to prevent search filters from resetting unexpectedly. (Major usability improvement).
  • Fix Saving Search Functionality: Ensure that users can reliably save their searches. (Essential feature).
  • Prevent App Crashing: Identify and fix the causes of app crashes. (Critical for user experience).

Medium Priority:

  • Improve "Deal Rating" Algorithm: Refine the algorithm to accurately assess the value of vehicles, taking into account factors such as salvage titles. (Improves trust and accuracy).
  • Address Login Issues: Reduce the frequency of logouts and streamline the login process. (Enhances convenience).
  • Fix External Link Crashes: Resolve the issue of the app crashing when clicking external links. (Improves functionality).
  • VIN Report Functionality: Ensure the VIN report feature functions correctly for all users.

Low Priority:

  • Implement Nationwide Search Saving: Allow users to save searches across the entire country.
  • Add Data Export Option: Provide a way for users to export their DIY maintenance data.
  • Add Atlas Cross Sport Search: Include the Atlas Cross Sport as a searchable vehicle.
  • Investigate Deletion Issue: Investigate and resolve why one user couldn't delete the app.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • AI-Powered Car Valuation: A startup could develop an AI-powered car valuation tool that provides more accurate and comprehensive assessments of vehicle value than current algorithms, taking into account factors like condition, location, and market trends.
  • Personalized Car Shopping Assistant: A startup could create a personalized car shopping assistant that uses AI to learn user preferences and proactively recommend vehicles that meet their needs, eliminating the need for repetitive search filter adjustments.
  • DIY Car Maintenance Tracking and Community Platform: A startup could build a platform specifically for DIY car maintenance, allowing users to track repairs, share tips, and connect with other enthusiasts. This could integrate with parts retailers and provide personalized maintenance schedules.

Trends and Observations

  • Focus on Usability: The most common complaints revolve around usability issues, suggesting that the app's core functionality needs improvement.
  • Importance of Free CARFAX Reports: The free CARFAX reports are a major selling point and a key reason why users choose this app.
  • Mixed Sentiment: While a majority of users are satisfied, a significant minority experiences frustration with the app's performance.
  • Limited Feature Set Compared to Website: Some users note that the app is missing features available on the full Carfax website.

Conclusion

The CARFAX app has a strong foundation with its free CARFAX reports and extensive vehicle database. However, the negative reviews highlight critical usability issues that need to be addressed to improve user satisfaction. Prioritizing bug fixes, search filter persistence, and saving search functionality is essential. Addressing these issues will significantly enhance the user experience and solidify CARFAX's position as a leading car shopping app.

Overall Recommendation: Focus on improving usability and stability to capitalize on the app's strengths and address user pain points.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.carfax.consumer