buying guide
5 articles tagged “buying guide”
How to Evaluate a Rebuilt or Reconstructed Title Car Before Buying
Stephen M's step-by-step framework for evaluating rebuilt/reconstructed title vehicles — covering title brand differences, state inspection rigor, damage scope verification via CarVertical, structural red flags, insurance/financing reality, and a 12-point inspection checklist.
The Complete Used Car Inspection Checklist: What to Check Before You Buy
Stephen M's 30-point used car inspection checklist — covering exterior, interior, under-hood, test drive, and paperwork checks that separate a solid buy from a money pit.
How to Read a VIN Number: The Complete Guide to Decoding Vehicle Identification Numbers
Stephen M breaks down every character in the 17-digit VIN — WMI, VDS, VIS, check digit, and how car buyers can use a VIN decode to spot fraud before purchasing a used vehicle.
Avoid These 5 Used Car Scams (VIN Check Guide)
Stephen M breaks down the five most costly used car scams — odometer rollback, salvage title fraud, VIN swapping, hidden accident damage, and fake listings — and explains exactly how a vehicle history report stops each one.
How to Check a Used Car's History Before Buying
Step-by-step guide to using VIN check services, interpreting vehicle history reports, identifying red flags, and using what you find to negotiate a lower price or walk away from a bad deal.