CarJam Review
We review the free and paid reports offered by CarJam, arguably New Zealand's most trusted and visited vehicle report provider. We explain what CarJam reports contain and how they can help protect you from the risks of car buying.
Updated 3 August 2024
Summary:
Know This First: Why do New Zealanders use CarJam, and what risks do these reports cover? The services provided by CarJam assist Kiwi buyers in:
How Reliable is the Data CarJam Uses?
CarJam's report data is aggregated from reputable sources such as NZTA, NZ Police, NZCO, NZ PPSR, AU PPSR, and proprietary databases from New Zealand, Japan, and the USA.
Advertising Disclosure: We may receive a commission if you buy a CarJam report, but this does not influence our review. We suggest reading our CarJam vs MotorWeb comparison which illustrates the differences in free and paid vehicle reports.
- New Zealand's car market presents significant risks. CarJam reveals that "every year, 23,000 vehicles are stolen, and 55,000 vehicles are sold illegally".
- With car theft at record highs, thousands of New Zealanders use CarJam daily to get free insights into a vehicle and/or buy a vehicle report for around $15.
- Our comprehensive review delves deep into the services offered by CarJam, focusing on vehicle reports and their importance. We focus on reports for New Zealand-registered cars.
- Given the potential pitfalls in the NZ car market, tools like CarJam are invaluable and play a pivotal role in ensuring informed, risk-free car purchases (with regards to debt and theft issues).
Know This First: Why do New Zealanders use CarJam, and what risks do these reports cover? The services provided by CarJam assist Kiwi buyers in:
- Verifying Authenticity: Ensures the vehicle being sold is genuine.
- Avoiding Debt Issues: More than 800,000 NZ cars have outstanding debts. Buyers might have a repossessed car if the debt isn't settled.
- Identifying Stolen Cars: Helps identify and avoid purchasing stolen vehicles.
- Spotting Odometer Fraud: Points out any discrepancies in odometer readings.
- Ensuring Fair Valuation: Assists buyers in paying a fair price.
- Flagging Damaged Vehicles: Notifies users if a vehicle may have been imported post-damage.
- CarJam's Guarantee: As an assurance, CarJam guarantees up to $250,000.
How Reliable is the Data CarJam Uses?
CarJam's report data is aggregated from reputable sources such as NZTA, NZ Police, NZCO, NZ PPSR, AU PPSR, and proprietary databases from New Zealand, Japan, and the USA.
Advertising Disclosure: We may receive a commission if you buy a CarJam report, but this does not influence our review. We suggest reading our CarJam vs MotorWeb comparison which illustrates the differences in free and paid vehicle reports.
Sample CarJam Report
You can access a free report in seconds by visiting the CarJam website here.
You can see a sample PDF report for a CarJam comprehensive vehicle report here. Each report contains the following:
You can see a sample PDF report for a CarJam comprehensive vehicle report here. Each report contains the following:
- Basic Information: Year, Make, Model, VIN, Engine number, etc.
- Visual Representation: A photo of a similar vehicle.
- Stolen Status: Indicates if the vehicle has been reported stolen.
- Ownership History: Provides an exhaustive ownership record.
- Odometer Reading & History: Detailed odometer statistics and fuel cost insights.
- Market Valuation: Available at a minor additional fee.
- Fuel Economy & Emissions: Comprehensive data on fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.
- Safety Features: Detailed list of crash avoidance and protection features.
- Vehicle Reviews: Access to Dog & Lemon reviews (at an extra charge).
- Running Costs: In-depth cost breakdown.
- Registration & License Information: Comprehensive registration and licensing details.
Analysing CarJam's Vehicle Reports - Free vs Paid
Free Reports provide:
Paid Reports expand on:
Our View: While CarJam's free report offers extensive preliminary details, the paid report is invaluable for those seeking comprehensive insights before purchasing any vehicle.
- Basic vehicle details, stolen status, type and specifications.
- Damage checks, WOF information.
- Registration and License Information.
- Basic odometer and ownership history.
- Partial market valuation, fuel economy insights, and CO₂ emission details.
Paid Reports expand on:
- Recent odometer reading, import damage status.
- Last inspection details and WOF expiry.
- Detailed license and plate history.
- In-depth ownership details.
- Comprehensive market valuation.
- Extensive safety ratings and emission details.
Our View: While CarJam's free report offers extensive preliminary details, the paid report is invaluable for those seeking comprehensive insights before purchasing any vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common queries are listed below - if you have a specific question, please direct it to CarJam's customer service team.
Is CarJam the best website for vehicle reports?
CarJam is the most comprehensive service for detailed vehicle history insights. Our CarJam vs MotorWeb comparison showed that CarJam's free and paid reports are considerably more comprehensive than MotorWeb's, and the report price is nearly identical. Other vehicle report websites exist, but we argue that CarJam is the best go-to service.
How reliable is CarJam's information?
The reliability of CarJam stems from its data sources. CarJam fetches its data directly from official New Zealand databases, ensuring the accuracy and authenticity of the information provided. This means users can trust the information they receive.
Why is a CarJam report important for a private car purchase?
When buying a car directly from the owner, there's often a lack of formal documentation or guarantees compared to purchasing from a dealership. This makes CarJam reports even more essential, given they provide a transparent view of the car's history, ensuring that potential buyers are not kept in the dark about any hidden issues or obligations.
How can I avoid buying a vehicle with debt?
Before finalising any purchase, verifying that no outstanding debts are associated with the vehicle is crucial. CarJam provides detailed information on any potential financial obligations tied to the car. By consulting a CarJam report, buyers can ensure any debts are settled before completing the transaction.
How up-to-date is the information in the report?
CarJam prioritises providing up-to-date information to its users. Multiple daily data feeds frequently update CarJam and generate reports that reflect the most recent changes in a car's history. However, it's worth noting that there might be occasional delays, given the vast amount of data being processed.
Does the report include information on accidents and thefts?
Yes, CarJam reports are comprehensive and include official records of accident histories and the current stolen status of the vehicle. This ensures that potential buyers know of any past incidents or risks associated with the vehicle.
How trustworthy is the odometer reading?
While CarJam provides odometer readings sourced from official records, it's always prudent for buyers to exercise caution.
What Should I Do if I Find Discrepancies in the Report?
Accuracy is a top priority for CarJam, and the website is widely trusted throughout New Zealand. However, if you encounter any potential errors or discrepancies in the report, CarJam's dedicated customer support team is ready to assist and clarify any concerns.
How long does it take to receive a report after I've paid?
Once payment is completed, CarJam aims to generate reports as swiftly as possible. Reports are made available within minutes, ensuring users can access vital information immediately. When we trialled CarJam in August 2023 for this review, the report was emailed within one minute.
What customer support is available?
CarJam prides itself on its robust support system. Not only do they offer email support, but users can also access assistance via a helpline or chat function. Feedback indicates that CarJam's customer service team is responsive, efficient, and dedicated to resolving user queries promptly.
How often is the database refreshed?
CarJam's database is updated frequently to ensure users get the most current information. Additionally, they provide an option for users to receive real-time data notifications or alerts if there are any significant changes to a previously purchased report within a specified timeframe.
Can I get a refund for incorrect data?
CarJam is committed to accuracy. If users find that the data is incorrect or the report does not meet their needs, there's a policy to address such concerns, either by offering a refund or providing another report, depending on the situation.
Do reports include environmental features?
Yes, CarJam recognises the increasing emphasis on environmental considerations in the automobile industry. Their reports detail features like hybrid/electric capabilities, fuel efficiency, and eco-friendliness ratings, helping users make informed and environmentally conscious decisions.
Our Conclusion
- CarJam has proven to be an invaluable tool for potential car buyers in New Zealand. Given the depth of information they provide, their reports are essential companions for anyone looking to purchase a vehicle.
- The assurance they bring, combined with the detailed insights, makes CarJam a trusted service for all car buyers in the country and an essential expense if you're serious about buying a used car and protecting yourself from known risks.