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Before you see the car
- Ask for the full 17-character VIN and the current mileage.
- Run the VIN through the decoder. Model year, maker and body should match the advert.
- Check open recalls free at the NHTSA lookup (how to).
- Check theft and insurer total-loss records free with NICB VINCheck (how to).
- Ask how many owners, whether it has a clean title, and why it's being sold.
- Compare the asking price with similar cars of the same year, trim and mileage.
History and title
- Get title and brand history from an NMVTIS provider (how to).
- Consider a full commercial history report for accidents, service and use type (what it shows).
- Note every mileage reading and make sure they only go up.
- Look for brands: salvage, rebuilt, flood, lemon, junk (what they mean).
At the car
- VIN on the dashboard plate, door-jamb label and title all match, character for character.
- Name on the title matches the seller's ID. For a dealer, the business name matches.
- Panel gaps even, paint colour consistent, no overspray on rubber seals.
- Tires evenly worn and of a matching brand; uneven wear can mean alignment or suspension problems.
- No musty smell, damp carpet or silt under the seats (flood signs).
- Pedal, seat and steering wheel wear consistent with the mileage (odometer fraud signs).
- All warning lights come on with the ignition and then go out.
- All keys present.
Test drive
- Start from cold if you can. Listen for knocks, rattles and heavy smoke.
- Drive at city and highway speeds. The car should track straight and brake without pulling.
- Try every gear, including reverse, and check for slipping or harsh shifts.
- Test the air conditioning, heat, windows, locks, lights and infotainment.
- After the drive, look under the car for fresh drips.
Independent inspection
Book a pre-purchase inspection with a mechanic you choose, not one the seller picks. Ask them to check the frame and underbody for crash repair or rust, scan all modules for stored fault codes, and confirm the VIN in other locations. A seller who won't allow an inspection is telling you something.
Paperwork and payment
- Dealers must display the FTC Buyers Guide on used cars, which says whether the car is sold with a warranty or "as is." Read it before you sign.
- The seller signs the title over and states the mileage in writing.
- Get a bill of sale with the VIN, price, date, mileage and both parties' names.
- Pay in a traceable way. Avoid large cash payments to private sellers you don't know.
- Check your state's rules for registration, tax and any inspection after purchase.
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