Plain-English guides to buying a used car with confidence: how to read a vehicle history, spot hidden damage and mileage fraud, check recalls and avoid costly surprises.
From setting a real budget to signing the title, these 12 steps help you avoid the most expensive used-car mistakes before any money changes hands.
Recall repairs cost you nothing, but only if you know about them. Here is how to check any VIN for open recalls and get the work done at no charge.
Digital odometers did not end mileage fraud. Here is how to read the paperwork, the wear and the vehicle history for signs the miles were rolled back.
A title brand is the official record that something serious happened to a car. Here is what each common brand means and how to make sure one is not hidden.
A private sale can save money, while a dealer handles the paperwork and owes you certain disclosures. Here is what really changes between the two.
Put these guides into practice. Enter a 17-character VIN or a US license plate to see what the seller might not mention.