Used car buying guides
Checklists and plain explanations for buying a used car from a dealer or a private seller, and for selling your own. No jargon, no pressure.
Buying a used car
20 questions to ask a used car seller (dealer or private)The right questions bring out problems early. Ask these 20 questions about history, condition, price and paperwork…Oct 21, 2026 · 2 min readBuying a classic car: what to check before you fall in loveClassic cars reward careful buyers. Check rust, originality, documentation and restoration quality, and get an expert…Oct 21, 2026 · 2 min readHow many miles is too many on a used car? What matters more than the odometerThere is no single number. Maintenance, how the miles were driven and the type of car matter as much as the odometer.Oct 21, 2026 · 2 min readHow to inspect a used car in 20 minutes (and when to bring a mechanic)A step-by-step used car inspection you can do yourself in about 20 minutes, plus when to pay for a professional…Oct 21, 2026 · 3 min readHow to read a vehicle history report (and what it can't tell you)A history report shows title brands, reported accidents, owners and odometer readings.Oct 21, 2026 · 2 min readHow to test drive a used car: what to listen for, feel for and tryA test drive is your best chance to find problems. Plan a route, test brakes and steering, listen for noises and try…Oct 21, 2026 · 2 min readUsed car buying checklist: 25 things to check before you signA used car buying checklist: research, history report, inspection, test drive, paperwork and price.Oct 21, 2026 · 3 min readWhat happens after you buy a used car: title, registration, plates and insuranceA plain guide to insurance, the temporary tag, title and registration, taxes and what to keep after buying a used car.Oct 21, 2026 · 2 min readWhat is out-the-door price? How to compare used car offers properlyOut-the-door price is the total you pay: the car plus tax, title, registration and dealer fees.Oct 21, 2026 · 2 min read
Price and financing
Buy here pay here: how it works, when it makes sense and what to watch forBuy here pay here dealers finance cars themselves. Learn how it works, who it helps, what it can cost and what to ask…Oct 21, 2026 · 2 min readDealer documentation fees explained: what they are and what to do about themA dealer documentation fee covers sale paperwork. Learn what it includes, how it varies by state and dealer, and how to…Oct 21, 2026 · 2 min readHow to negotiate the price of a used car (without the games)Negotiating a used car price is easier with research, a clear budget and the out-the-door number.Oct 21, 2026 · 2 min readHow to tell if a used car price is fairCompare similar listings, adjust for mileage and condition, include fees and check the history to judge whether a used…Oct 21, 2026 · 2 min readUsed car financing basics: APR, loan term and down payment explainedUnderstand APR, loan term and down payment before you finance a used car, and how they change your payment and total…Oct 21, 2026 · 2 min read
Selling your car
How to sell your car privately: a step-by-step guideSell your car yourself in nine steps: price it, photograph it, write an honest ad, meet buyers safely and transfer the…Oct 21, 2026 · 3 min readTrade-in vs private sale: which gets you more for your car?Trading in is fast and simple; selling privately often brings more money but takes work.Oct 21, 2026 · 2 min read
Staying safe
Salvage, rebuilt and flood titles: what title brands mean for a used carA branded title records a serious past event. Learn what salvage, rebuilt, flood and lemon buyback brands mean and how…Oct 21, 2026 · 2 min readUsed car scams to avoid: the red flags for buyers and sellersThe most common used-car scams, from fake escrow to overpayment checks and title washing, with the red flags that give…Oct 21, 2026 · 3 min read