CARFAX Comprehensive Database Shatters the Two Billion Mark for Unique Data Records.

Business Editors/Automotive Writers

FAIRFAX, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 30, 2003

CARFAX, pioneer of the vehicle history report which provides an instant background check on any used vehicle, today announced that they have shattered the two-billion mark for unique vehicle history records in their comprehensive online database.

Collected from more than 800 sources including but not limited to automobile manufacturers, state motor vehicle departments, emissions inspection centers, and rental and fleet companies, each vehicle history record in the CARFAX database represents a unique piece of information connected to the 17-character Vehicle ID Number (VIN) found on the dashboard and title documents of every vehicle.

"These vehicle history records paint a vivid picture on every CARFAX Report - to create comprehensive yet concise reflection of any vehicle's past life," says CARFAX Vice President Scott Fredericks. "In addition to records that provide definitive information about major incidents such as major crashes, flood-damage or odometer rollbacks, the detailed history in a CARFAX Report can show how a vehicle has lived."

More than 20-million used car shoppers visitor CARFAX annual to research vehicle information to help them make smart buying decisions. Used car-buyer Charlie Mirviss of San Rafael, California, could see the "vivid picture" for each of the vehicles he considered by running CARFAX Vehicle History Reports(TM). "I checked out several cars, and was able to glean a great deal of information just from the records shown," says Mirviss. "You can tell if a car has been part of a fleet, where it has been registered -- most helpful when a car was selling in a warm weather state, but lived most of its life in a cold weather state." He eventually found a great deal on a car with a clean history. "Three years as a lease, then a year in storage with only 1,000 miles to show for its fourth year, so I was able to get a car with very low miles at a great price and felt very comfortable knowing its history."

More than 23-thousand dealerships nationwide depend on CARFAX Reports to help them avoid selling problems cars and build assurance with their customers. Ken Shepherd at Miller Toyota in Manassas, Virginia, uses the data in CARFAX Vehicle History Reports gauge a vehicle's past and to protect their dealership and customers. "We don't want to be fooled anymore," says Shepherd. "We offer it, customers ask for it, and it's a real help in selling the vehicle and putting customers at ease about buying a used vehicle."

ABOUT CARFAX

Founded in 1984, CARFAX pioneered the concept of the vehicle history report - the instant background check on any used car. CARFAX Vehicle History Reports can confirm a clean title history or identify serious problems with any used car, including salvage history, odometer fraud, flood damage and more. CARFAX helps millions of consumers and thousands of car dealers avoid buying used cars with costly hidden problems. Using the 17-character Vehicle ID Number (VIN), used car buyers can access over two billion vehicle history records from hundreds of different sources in the CARFAX nation-wide database at www.carfax.com. Every CARFAX Report that confirms a clean title history is backed by the $5,000 CARFAX Certified History Guarantee. CARFAX, Inc., based in Fairfax, Virginia, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the R.L. Polk & Co.