Carproof vs registry?

[CookieMonster]

So I'm new to the whole buying a used car scenario and need some help. I've recently been looking at picking up a used car and want to check the VIN to make sure it is not a salvage title etc. Is there any difference in buying a carproof report vs going to the registry and paying them to look it up? Is carproof up to date? Will both show the exact same thing for title?

Also, any other things to look for when buying a used car (besides inspection)?

Sorry if there is another thread, I tried to search

[Masked Bandit]

I think CarProof will show a lot more detail. AFAIK, registries will only show if the vehicle has ever been written off, that's it.

[Redlyne_mr2]

Carproof as it also includes registration and lien info.

[donkeyman]

Definitely CarProof. Had a situation where a car was being sold in Alberta but there was a $1000 lien in Quebec. The registry won't do a cross-Canada lien check.

The way the scam works is after the vehicle is sold, insured, and registered in Alberta, his buddy out of Quebec will file a claim in Alberta to get the vehicle back.

Something like that.