Straight talk on used cars
Buy or sell a used car like you know the driveway.
Honest, practical guides to inspecting a car, reading a history report, judging a fair price, negotiating and selling your own car privately.
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Explore Used-Car Guides
Pick a topic for checklists, price advice and selling help.
Used Car Inspection
Driveway checklists, test-drive red flags and what a mechanic should check.
Explore topic →02Vehicle History Reports
How to read a report, what branded titles mean and what it does not show.
Explore topic →03Fair Pricing
How mileage, condition and history change what a car is worth.
Explore topic →04Negotiation
What to say, what to avoid and how to deal with private sellers and dealers.
Explore topic →05Reliability
Judging reliability, high mileage and service records before you buy.
Explore topic →06Selling Your Car
Selling privately step by step, listings, screening buyers and safe payment.
Explore topic →Featured reading
Start Here: Used-Car Essentials
The questions used-car buyers and sellers ask first.
What Photos Should You Include When Selling a Car?
Include at least 20 photos: front, rear, both sides, corners, wheels, interior, odometer, engine bay, cargo area, and flaws.
Why Are Maintenance Records Important When Buying a Used Car?
Maintenance records help you judge service history, spot skipped maintenance, and decide whether to inspect further, negotiate harder, or walk away.
Does Out-the-door Price Include Interest or Only Purchase Costs?
Out-the-door price includes the purchase costs tied to the car itself, while loan interest belongs in the financing contract.
How Do Dealers Calculate Trade-in Value?
Dealers calculate trade-in value from wholesale market data, then deduct reconditioning, transport, financing, and profit reserve before adjusting for condition and local…
From the blog
Latest Used-Car Articles
New guides on inspecting, pricing, negotiating and selling.
What Does Dmv Title Problems Reported Mean on a History Report?
DMV title problems reported means the state record shows a title issue, such as a branding…
Is There a Free Accident History Report for a Car?
Free VIN checks can surface accident clues, but a full accident history report usually requires payment.
How Long Should a Used Car Test Drive Be?
A used car test drive should last 20 to 30 minutes, with 45 minutes better if…
How to Inspect a Used Car Before Buying It
Inspect a used car in three passes: paperwork, body, and road test. Learn what to check…
How High Mileage Is Too High for a Used Car to Buy?
A used car is too high-mileage when the discount no longer covers the repairs you are…
How Much Are Dealer Fees on Used Cars?
Dealer fees on used cars usually run from about $200 to $1,000+, but the total depends…
Recent Guides
- What Photos Should You Include When Selling a Car?
- Why Are Maintenance Records Important When Buying a Used Car?
- Does Out-the-door Price Include Interest or Only Purchase Costs?
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