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.
Browse by topic
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.
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 your budget. Check the key signs…
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, brakes, and service records check out…
Are Dealer Fees Negotiable on a Used Car?
Yes, some dealer fees on a used car are negotiable, but taxes, title, registration, and other government charges usually are not.
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 a written offer to avoid sticker-price…
From the blog
Latest Used-Car Articles
New guides on inspecting, pricing, negotiating and selling.
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…
Used Car Values by VIN: How Accurate Are They?
VIN-based used-car values are a strong starting estimate, but trim, mileage, options, and history can move…
Where Can You Sell Your Car Online Safely? Route by Route
The safest way to sell your car online is usually a dealer offer or a reputable…
What paperwork is needed for seller financing on a car?
For seller financing on a car, you usually need two paperwork sets: the DMV title-transfer packet…
How Do I Compare Used Car Reliability by Year and Trim?
Compare used-car reliability within one generation first, then rank years and trims by problem history, powertrain…
Recent Guides
- Are High Mileage Cars Reliable? What to Check
- Are Old Cars Reliable If They Have Low Mileage?
- Are Dealer Fees Negotiable on a Used Car?
Browse a topic above or search for your question.
Looking for a specific answer?
Search by topic, problem or step.