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 Does Accident History Mean on a Used Car Report?
Accident history means a reported crash, claim, or repair record tied to a VIN. It signals an event, not proof of current…
Can I Run a VIN Check for Free, and What Will I Miss?
A free VIN check can confirm basic vehicle details, but it can miss odometer fraud, title brands, theft records, and flood damage.
What Should You Do During a Used Car Test Drive?
Use a 20- to 30-minute test drive: check cold-start behavior, drive city and highway routes, then finish with a walk-around and final…
Used Car Inspection Checklist for Private Sellers and Dealers
Check the VIN, tires, brakes, lights, fluids, body panels, and paperwork before listing or trade-in, and disclose issues that affect safety or…
From the blog
Latest Used-Car Articles
New guides on inspecting, pricing, negotiating and selling.
Are High Mileage Cars Reliable? What to Check
High-mileage cars can still be reliable if service records are complete and near-term repair costs fit…
Are Old Cars Reliable If They Have Low Mileage?
Yes—an older car with low mileage can be reliable, but only if age-sensitive parts, fluids, tyres,…
Are Dealer Fees Negotiable on a Used Car?
Yes, some dealer fees on a used car are negotiable, but taxes, title, registration, and other…
How to Make an Offer on a Used Car at a Dealership
Start about 5% below the verified out-the-door price, then adjust for mileage, condition, and fees. Use…
VIN Check vs Carfax: What Is the Difference?
A VIN check covers identity, factory specs, and recalls; Carfax adds paid history records to help…
How Do I Find the Private Party Value for My Car?
Use a private-party valuation tool, confirm VIN and trim, then price around the local median after…
Recent Guides
- What Does Accident History Mean on a Used Car Report?
- Can I Run a VIN Check for Free, and What Will I Miss?
- What Should You Do During a Used Car Test Drive?
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