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.
How to Check a Car’s Accident History by VIN
Run the VIN through at least two history sources, then confirm any damage with paint, panel, and repair checks before you buy.
What to Bring to a Test Drive of a Used Car
Bring your license, proof of insurance, phone, charger, flashlight, tire-pressure gauge, and a checklist before the keys change hands.
What Is a Used Car Inspection and What Does It Include?
A used-car inspection checks the engine, brakes, tires, body, electronics, and documents before you buy, so you can spot safety or repair…
What Paperwork Do I Need to Sell My Car Privately?
You need the V5C logbook, a signed sales receipt, and a DVLA change-of-keeper notice; if the car has finance, settle it before…
From the blog
Latest Used-Car Articles
New guides on inspecting, pricing, negotiating and selling.
How to Check a Used Car Reliability Rating Before You Buy
Compare at least two reliability sources, then check the VIN history, recall status, and service records…
Can You Negotiate on Used Cars?
Used-car prices are usually negotiable, and dealer fees sometimes are too, but taxes, title, and registration…
Flood Damage Car Problems: What Shows Up First?
The first flood-damage signs are usually damp carpet, a musty odor, mud or silt in seams,…
How Is Private Party Sale Price Different From Trade-in Value?
Private-party sale price is usually higher than trade-in value, but the net can shrink after selling…
How Do I Find the Value of a Used Vehicle for Free?
Use one free valuation tool, then verify it with a VIN history report and three local…
Sell Your Car Privately or Trade It in: Which Is Better?
Private sales usually bring more cash, but trade-ins can win after tax savings, prep costs, and…
Recent Guides
- How to Check a Car’s Accident History by VIN
- What to Bring to a Test Drive of a Used Car
- What Is a Used Car Inspection and What Does It Include?
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