is there a way to find out a car's maintenance history besides paying $45 to carfax?

[Anonymous]

I got a relative's used car from 09 and they told me they did all the maintenance. Then I asked about transmission fluids, braking fluids, coolant, etc. and then they told me they're not sure. Is there a way to find out a vehicle's maintenance history besides using carfax? $45 for carfax seems a big high. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

If they didn't keep records, possibly from the place(s) they took it to.

Dealers, oil change places, better indie repair shops all keep records.

Carfax probably only has dealer records.

[Anonymous]

I will give you the $45. But this is the anonymous internet so we can't arrange that. Just pay the $ and stop being penny wise and pound foolish.

[Anonymous]

Carfax is not always accurate. I'd save the $45 and use it towards getting all those services (transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant). Get it done right using the correct fluids and you have peace of mind and you start with a clean slate.