Guides · 59 articles
The buyer's manual
Short guides on VINs, titles, paperwork and the traps to avoid when buying used. For state-by-state paperwork, see car buying paperwork and motorcycle registration.
Start here
- § 01
3 Ways to Get a Free VIN Check
Where to look, what to type, and what a free decode tells you.
- § 02
Locating Your Car’s VIN Number
Dashboard, door jamb, title, registration, insurance card.
- § 03
7 Signs that Your Car May be a Lemon
Warning signs to watch for before and after you buy.
- § 04
How to Avoid Curbstoning When Buying a Used Car
How unlicensed dealers pose as private sellers.
- § 05
Airbag Safety & Airbag Fraud
What to check on a used car's airbags.
All guides A–Z
- § 06
Auto Insurance Endorsement
There will come a point that your auto insurance needs or your financial situation may change which will force or require you to make changes on your existing
- § 07
Auto Insurance Lapsed? Here’s What You Should Do
The importance of getting an insurance policy cannot be overemphasized. It is mandatory, required by law, with consequences and penalties, depending on the
- § 08
Auto Insurance Limit: What You Need to Know
All states require car owners to show a form of financial responsibility and one way of being able to meet this requirement is through auto insurance. When it
- § 09
Benefits of Increasing Car Insurance Deductibles
Why would increasing your car insurance deductible be beneficial? Isn’t it going to cost you more when you become liable for damages? As surprising as it may
- § 10
Best Cars for College Students on a Budget in 2021
Headed to college? There’s lots of things that you have to think about from your college major to your textbook shopping list. However, you don’t want to
- § 11
Best Used Acura Model to Buy [2021 Guide]
Is it worth buying a used Acura?
- § 12
Best Used Chevrolet Model to Buy [2021 Guide]
Chevrolet is without a doubt one of the most important automakers in the U.S. Regardless if you are looking for a sedan, a sport utility vehicle, a sports
- § 13
Best Used Ford Model to Buy [2021 Guide]
Are you considering buying a used Ford in 2021 but not sure which model is right for you? Then this guide is perfect four you.
- § 14
Buying a Car Online – What You Need to Know
Buying a car online can be convenient, but also poses some risks if you don’t have some tips at hand. Make sure you know what it takes before you even think
- § 15
Buying a Car with Bad Credit
If you are planning to finance your car with a bad credit, then you will find limited options because many banks and lending institutions only give loans to
- § 16
Buying an Extended Warranty For Your Car? Avoid it at all cost [2021]
Why you should run for the hills when a company offers an extended warranty
- § 17
Buying from a “Buy Here Pay Here” Car Lot
You will need to consider whether you want to buy a car from them. A buy here pay here dealership will be the last option after you have been rejected by all
- § 18
Buying Your First Used Car – The Easy Way.
There a few crucial judgments that you should be mindful of before embarking upon buying a pre-owned car.
- § 19
Car Frame Damage & Structural Damage
Frame or structural damage to a vehicle is caused by a serious accident. A vehicle with frame damage or structural damage is unsafe to drive. Unfortunately,
- § 20
Car Test Driving Guide
There are no shortcuts to finding a great used car. You should do everything right, starting with doing extensive research to test driving the car more than
- § 21
Check List for Buying Used Cars
When buying used cars, you need to take certain things into account in order to make sure that you get the best deal. So, it is better to make a check list
- § 22
Everything You Need To Know About Car Depreciation
Since you know that a car begins depreciating as soon as it’s purchased, so why not buy a used car or a nearly new one. It saves you a good amount of money
- § 23
Factoring Car Insurance Rates into Your Budget
If you are planning to acquire a new or used car, you must factor car insurance rates in your budget because each state requires car buyers to purchase
- § 24
Factors That Determine Auto Insurance Premium
Auto insurance premium refers to the amount of money that you need to pay an insurance company, in order to be able to take advantage of your auto insurance
- § 25
Guide To Finding A Great Used Car
The journey to finding a great used car starts by making a list of car models that you plan to purchase. Once you have a list of models at hand, conduct a
- § 26
How Do Auto Insurance Deductibles Work?
For those who are not familiar with the term auto insurance deductibles; deductibles refer to the amount of money you pay out of your wallet before your auto
- § 27
How is a Vehicle History Report Compiled?
Don't underestimate the significance of these reports. Actually, while looking at Vehicle History Report for a single vehicle, you may get confused by the
- § 28
How to Avoid Flood Damaged Cars
In this era of electrical engines, some cars are vulnerable to flooding compared to others. In fact, even little water inside a car can permanently damage the
- § 29
How To Effectively Compare Car Insurance Rates
Car insurance is a must if you are legally driving and these days, it can be quite a challenge to pick the best car insurance for you. And though it is a
- § 30
How to Find Out if a Car Has Salvage Title for Free
You have found a great deal online. A car that has everything you wanted and selling for well below a few thousand dollars than the market price. The
- § 31
How to get Loan for a Salvage Titled Car
When looking for a used car at your local dealer, you may come across one that looks great but has a ‘salvage’ title attached to it. If you’re wondering what
- § 32
How to Review Your Current Auto Insurance Policy
Just because you have procured an insurance policy over your car does not mean your responsibility stops there. You have to read the policy to know the
- § 33
Identifying Hidden Car Buying Fees
The true cost of buying a car goes beyond the asking price, retail price or the agreeable monthly payment. There are several hidden costs that you will need
- § 34
Late Auto Insurance Payments: Penalties and Effects
Somebody should have told you that insurance companies are impression-based. You must not take it personally because providing insurance to the public is a
- § 35
Leasing vs. Buying a Car – The changing Landscape
As an owner, if have every right to modify, revamp, or customize your car that complements your demeanor, however, doing so may discontinue the warranty of
- § 36
Locating Motorcycle VIN Number
While we promise to help you find your motorcycle VIN, it is unfortunate that there is no silver bullet here. Every motorcycle manufacturer displays the VIN
- § 37
Pros and Cons of Combining Coverage on Homeowners and Auto Insurance
First, to avoid confusion, a homeowners and auto insurance in one policy is not possible. The combination or “bundling” as some call, just means that both
- § 38
Protecting Yourself from Odometer Rollback Fraud
A vehicle history report is another step leading to the avoidance of vehicles with a rolled back odometer. The history of the car from the time it left the factory to the
- § 39
Reasons to Change Auto Insurance Companies
It can be possible that you have been with a insurance company for more than five years and don't really change insurance companies for whatever reason.
- § 40
Reminders When Adding Cars to Your Car Insurance
A newly acquired car in addition to your old one would mean a need for a new car insurance coverage. Adding a car to your auto insurance policy can prove to
- § 41
Research Your Classic Car VIN Number
Knowing the VIN of a classic car is similar to knowing whether a painting is a Picasso or not. To art collectors, the authenticity of the painting is
- § 42
Should I Get a Low Auto Insurance Deductible?
Lowering and increasing your auto insurance deductible should be made to depend on different variables and factors which affect the extent that an insurance
- § 43
Tips For The Best Car Insurance Quote
It is always advisable to get car insurance when you own a car regardless if you use it to travel a lot or when you are driving from home to work and back.
- § 44
Top 5 Best Used Sports Cars Under 10k [2023]
Here the the top 5 best sports cars under 10k dollars, that can deliver the performance and handling you would expect from a top-tier sports car.
- § 45
Understanding a Vehicle History Report
When you order a Vehicle History Report from any company of your choice, you will get a detailed report, which you may find hard to read or understand. You
- § 46
Understanding Used Car Prices – Don’t Get Ripped Off
Whether you're in the market to buy a used car or are trying to sell one, you'll need to know the terms of the trade to make sure that you're not getting
- § 47
What are Title Brands?
Title brands are not what you think they are. They do not represent a “brand name” as we know it, for example: Ford. Title brands carry a negative connotation
- § 48
What Does a Vehicle History Report Contain?
Every dollar counts. So nobody can blame you when you find it hard to part with your hard earned money for something you are not even sure is worth it. Having
- § 49
What is a Salvage Title Vehicle? Should I get One?
Well, a salvage title is an indicator that the car has been in accidents or flooding or anything else that has damaged it significantly and thus all of its
- § 50
What is a Stolen VIN?
First, what is a VIN? A VIN is the car’s vehicle identification number composed of seventeen (17) alphanumeric characters (letters and numbers). It is
- § 51
What is a Title Lien?
A title lien is an encumbrance executed upon a car to serve as a security for the payment of a debt or performance of an obligation. It is simply a burden on
- § 52
What is a Vehicle History Report?
Learn the importance of getting a vehicle history report, and how it can help protect you when deciding on purchasing a used car.
- § 53
What is a VIN Number?
All vehicles sold in the United States of America are required to have a Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN. Learn more about VINs in this article.
- § 54
What is an Odometer Rollback?
An odometer rollback is the illegal practice of rolling back odometers to make it appear as if the vehicle has a lower odometer reading than what it actually
- § 55
What You Should Know About Certified Pre-Owned Cars [2021]
The sustained increase in new car prices in the United States, along with the current state of the economy, makes paying for a new car harder than ever.
- § 56
When Should I Assume Higher Risk With Auto Insurance?
Assuming a higher risk with respect to your auto insurance depends on your choices and your current situation. Just because you have money in the bank or you
- § 57
Who Benefits Most in Higher Auto Insurance Deductibles?
Admittedly, there are years that you are not able to take advantage of your premium because you do not incur damage or do not cause damage to others. This is
- § 58
Why Order a Motorcycle History Report?
You want to purchase a motorcycle from a reliable dealer. You go online and start searching for the best deal for you. You have enough money; the dealer also
- § 59
Why Run a VIN Check?
When it comes to buying cars, this is the time when you do not want life to give you lemons and you make lemonade. When you find a car that seems to fit your
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