Thrifty Thinking: SNAFU Scan

Last month, four major Japanese automakers recalled 3.4 million vehicles marking the third largest auto recall in recent history - and the 11th this year for airbag-related recalls. A free, new mobile app recently launched, the first of its kind, and can protect used car buyers by letting them know if their vehicle is affected by these recalls - or any other recall notices. SNAFU Scan gives used car buyers the upper hand by providing a VIN number scanner that checks for not only check for factory recalls - it can accurately predict what used car dealers pay for their inventory thus arming buyers with all the facts to make a smart and safe purchase.  I had a chance to interview Dennis Miller, Founder and CEO, to learn more.

1) How widespread are automotive recalls?

Recalls are happening every day. In April the third largest recall in US history occurred which involved four major Japanese manufacturers. Since that time there have been to other recalls. One involving Chrysler and another one which targeted Jeeps. SNAFU Scan is free to download and use an unlimited amount of times as a factory recall scanner. We have an in-app purchase for $4.99 for a full year subscription. With the upgrade not only do you see the recalls, but you see what the dealer paid at the auction in real time for their inventory. This may be the single most important piece of information a car buyer can possess. Until now, buyers had to take dealers at their word as to what they had invested in the vehicle. Now--they can know for sure. 

2) Why don't dealers check for these recalls?

Dealers do not check for issues that may cause a buyer to shy away from the vehicle. No state law requires them to disclose these details--and most don't what to know about recalls on their inventory. Any recall found by SNAFU Scan is fixed free by the manufacturer's dealers. Using SNAFU scan can literally save the life of the user. Many recalls are issued for potentially fatal issues such as brakes, airbags, and weak gas tanks. We made this part of SNAFU Scan a free usage feature because we want to do our part to make sure America is driving the safest cars possible. 

3) Besides recalls, how does SNAFU Scan's algorithm for pricing work?

Our algorithm works by taking actual dealer auction transactions from the last five years, then calculating the current inflation index, automotive depreciation factors, and three other proprietary factors to give the user the "current auction value" of a specific VIN number. Our prices come within $100 to $300 above or below the actual auction values. Our app is the only app that uses actual auction data to produce quotes. 

4) How else can car buyers and owners stay safe and buy smart?

A great way for users to stay safe and buy smart is to upgrade the app to the paid version. Inside the paid version the user has access to 8 of the dirtiest used car dealer tricks that dealers regular play on unsuspecting buyers. We also give them the way to defeat each attempt at deceiving them. Also, we dive the user 9 of the best dealer tips. Having access to this information is like getting 10 years of experience in the used car business. 

SNAFU Scan is available for iOS and Android. You can learn more - just follow @SNAFUScan. The basic version is free and provides information on recalls. If you're planning on buying a car, the General's Version can save you a ton of money with the true auction price, and is just $4.99 per month that you need it.