What is a VIN and where to find it on your car What a car's VIN is, what each part of its 17 characters means, and where to find it on the vehicle and in your paperwork. Last updated: October 12, 2026
What is a car recall and how to get it fixed for free What it means when your car has a recall, how to check whether it's been fixed, how to book the repair at the dealer, and what to do if they try to charge you. Last updated: October 12, 2026
How to tell if a car is stolen before you buy it Red flags, how to check for free on NICB whether a car is reported stolen, and what to check on the VIN and title so you don’t buy a stolen car. Last updated: October 12, 2026
How to spot odometer fraud on a used car What odometer fraud is, how many cars NHTSA estimates it affects, the warning signs, and how to protect yourself when buying a used car. Last updated: October 12, 2026
Questions to ask the seller of a used car A list of questions to ask before buying a used car, which answers are red flags, and which documents you should get from the seller. Last updated: October 12, 2026
Carfax vs. AutoCheck vs. NMVTIS: how the reports differ What an NMVTIS report includes, what commercial reports like Carfax or AutoCheck add, when each one makes sense, and what none of them tell you. Last updated: October 12, 2026
What is NMVTIS and how it protects used car buyers What the federal NMVTIS system is, who reports data to it, what an NMVTIS report shows, its limits, and how to get one. Last updated: October 12, 2026
Pre-purchase inspection for a used car: what to check What a pre-purchase inspection is, why it should be done by an independent mechanic, what it covers, and what you can check yourself first. Last updated: October 12, 2026
How to read a VIN: what each character means A guide to reading a 17-character VIN: country and manufacturer, vehicle attributes, check digit, model year, assembly plant and serial number. Last updated: October 12, 2026
Flood-damaged cars: warning signs before you buy How to spot a flood-damaged car before buying: odors, rust, mud, electrical problems, flood titles, and how to check NICB and NMVTIS records. Last updated: October 12, 2026
What to do if you bought a car with an open recall If you bought a used car with an unrepaired recall: how to confirm it by VIN, get the free repair, update your details, and what to do if you're turned away. Last updated: October 12, 2026
Buying a used car in another state: what to know What to check when buying a used car out of state: title, taxes, inspections and emissions, temporary permits, insurance, transport and title-washing risks. Last updated: October 12, 2026
How to transfer the title of a used car Steps to transfer a used car title in the US, whether you are buying or selling: signatures, odometer, bill of sale, lien release, DMV and plates. Last updated: October 12, 2026
What an extended car warranty covers and when it makes sense What an "extended warranty" really is (a service contract), what it covers, what to check before signing, when it makes sense and how to avoid scams. Last updated: October 12, 2026
How to finance a used car (with or without credit history) Options to finance a used car in the US: banks, credit unions, dealers and buy-here-pay-here lots, what to look at in a loan, and what to do with no credit history. Last updated: October 12, 2026
Car insurance for a car you just bought What insurance you need to drive a car you just bought: required and optional coverages, what lenders ask for, what information to have and how to get quotes. Last updated: October 12, 2026
What is a lemon law and when does it protect you? What US lemon laws are, when they cover a car with defects that can’t be fixed, what happens with used cars, and what other protections you have. Last updated: October 12, 2026