Put two seemingly identical used vehicles side by side. Just by looking at them, could you tell which one was a better value?

Without knowing their histories, probably not.

That’s part of the message of a new CARFAX television ad campaign that aims to show “how using accident and damage history can ensure accurate vehicle pricing,” the company said in a news release.

Using the CAR FOX character and the help of some humor — including a jean-shorted dad with the classic sandals-and-socks combo — the campaign’s three spots aim to show “how two cars that look alike can have very different accident histories,”  and thus, different value propositions.

“CAR FOX continues his mission of helping used-car buyers avoid overpaying,” said Tracey Holupka, CARFAX director of brand, in a news release. “Our hope is these ads convey that there’s more to a vehicle than meets the eye.

“Every used car has a history that determines its value. CARFAX has the most accident and damage information, so we’re well-positioned to help used-car shoppers understand what they should be paying for any specific vehicle,” Holupka said.

The 15-second “Car Fox & Twins” ad plays off the notion that although twins (be they human or vehicular) may look the same, they could be quite different from each other.

The “Car Fox & Dad” and “Car Fox & Miss Jane” spots — each with 15- and 30-second varieties — emphasize that even trusty old Pops (with cellphone clipped to belt) and your beloved kindergarten teacher (with her special unicorn stickers) likely can’t tell a vehicle’s value without knowing its history.

CARFAX worked with creative studio Framestore on the campaign. The nationwide spots started airing on network and cable stations this month.