Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Car

• Can I see the vehicle history report?
• Has it been in any reported accidents?
• How many previous owners has it had?
• Is the title clean, or is it branded (salvage, rebuilt, flood)?
• Does the odometer reading match the records?

Learn how to verify these in our vehicle history guide.

• Has it had regular maintenance, and are there records?
• Are there any known mechanical issues?
• Can I have it inspected by my own mechanic?
• Are all the original features and options working?

• How does this price compare to the market?
• What is the car actually worth given its mileage and condition?
• What will it cost to own, insurance, fuel, maintenance?

See how car value by VIN works.

• What trim is it, and what options came from the factory?
• Does it still have any factory warranty left?
• Can I see the original window sticker?

Decode any of these from the VIN.