These days, nearly all shoppers run CARFAX reports before buying a used car. Such reports can display nearly anything, from a car’s previous location to details about its maintenance. Sometimes, however, they can be confusing. What, for example, is a “corporate fleet vehicle,” which is displayed on many reports? And what’s a “program car?” We have a few answers to help drivers understand these terms.
Corporate Fleet Vehicle
If you see “corporate fleet vehicle” on a report, you’re forgiven for being worried. You probably think the car you’re considering has been used as a rental car, a taxi, or in another situation where maintenance may not be the first priority. But don’t worry: The designation of corporate fleet vehicle isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
In most corporate fleet vehicle CARFAX designations, the vehicle was simply leased rather than purchased. The reason it displays as “corporate” is that a leasing company — and not an individual — technically owns the car. So most corporate fleet vehicles didn’t see hard use as commercial vehicles but rather were normal leases that anyone could get from a dealership.
That said, some corporate fleet vehicles actually were used for business purposes. Sometimes CARFAX will note such cars were registered as “commercial vehicles,” but that isn’t always the case. Therefore, it’s best to get a full mechanical inspection before making a purchase.
Program Car
If you’ve seen the term “program car” or “registered as a program vehicle” on CARFAX, this is different from a corporate fleet vehicle. Automakers usually drive program cars as company cars for their own employees. Sometimes these cars aren’t titled, meaning they can drive several thousand miles before technically becoming “new” cars. That makes them a good deal for shoppers who want a new car at a good discount.
Program cars also may have been used as press vehicles or for automaker events. Since a car can gather early wear this way, we also recommend an inspection on any former program cars.
CARFAX Can’t Be Perfect
One last reminder to shoppers: CARFAX reports aren’t perfect. They can be a great tool for establishing your vehicle’s history and discovering any past events from earlier drivers. But nothing can take the place of a mechanical inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Equifax and CARFAX both provide services to AutoTrader.com customers
What does it mean when car sticker says National Car Rental ? Does that just mean rental or possibly flett car and how ould i tell ?
Also on CarFax vehicle says retired from use?
Thanks for reading, Thomas. Vehicle history reports typically indicate if a vehicle was titled or registered as a rental car, but without naming the specific agency. In some cases, you might see the rental company’s name on the report if it performs maintenance on its cars. Other rental agencies might use a fleet service company for oil changes, etc. In those instances, the fleet management company’s name is next to service entries on the history report. Even if a rental retirement date isn’t specified, you can figure it out by seeing when the car was sold.
Can a vehicle have damage from an accident and still have “clean CARFAX”?
No. It’s dirty carfax ..
Technically yes – body shops are not always religious in reporting them. For example my dealer oil changes show up on carfax but not the local shop oil changes. Not sure if its required by law to report all accident repairs
i’m looking at an A4 Avant. The Carfax says the first 4 months it was a “commercial vehicle” and was driven 4,400 miles in that time. Does anyone have any idea how an A4 Avant would be used as a “commercial vehicle”?
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