I always wonder that myself, when this question is posted (as it is so
often). If people can't afford the fee, how can they afford the vehicle?

I don't see the big deal, but frankly, a mass-posting to numerous
groups is kind of irritating. I'm on an Audi e-mail list, with a large
number of frequent posters, who have been part of the list for a long
time. It's a real community. People ask for open Carfax accounts all
the time, and we help each other out. I have had open accounts twice
this year while looking for a car for my son, and I gladly ran VIN's
for people from that community. I don't think I would from some guy
posting on multiple groups, who I didn't recognize. Who knows, could
be Carfax phishing for people misusing their service.

OTOH, Carfax charges a LOT to run one VIN - $24.99, if memory serves.
It's only $29.99 for a 30-day window.

Dan D
'07 Ody EX
Central NJ USA