Used Car Buying Guide: What to Check Before You Pay

Before you buy a used car, read the Buyers Guide on the window. It says if the car has a warranty or is sold as is. Check the title and history for free at vehiclehistory.gov and NICB. Check recalls with the VIN at NHTSA. Have your own mechanic inspect it. Get the out-the-door price in writing. A dealer sale usually can't be undone just because you change your mind.

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Checked against the cited sources on November 1, 2026.

Rules differ by state and can change. Check the linked sources and your state's consumer office before you sign.

Short answer: Before you buy a used car, read the Buyers Guide on the window. It says if the car has a warranty or is sold as is. Check the title and history for free at vehiclehistory.gov and NICB. Check recalls with the VIN at NHTSA. Have your own mechanic inspect it. Get the out-the-door price in writing. A dealer sale usually can't be undone just because you change your mind.

Sources: FTC — Buying a Used Car From a Dealer (https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/buying-used-car-dealer; checked 2026-11-01); FTC — How to steer clear of a flood-damaged car (Nov. 15, 2022) (https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/11/how-steer-clear-flood-damaged-car; checked 2026-11-01); NHTSA — Check for recalls by VIN (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls; checked 2026-11-01); FTC — Buyer's Remorse: The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule May Help (https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/buyers-remorse-ftcs-cooling-rule-may-help; checked 2026-11-01)

The problem

A used car can save you money. It can also hide problems you can't see on the lot. Floods, rolled-back miles and open recalls don't always show. Many cars are sold as is, so repairs after you drive off may be all yours. Roosevelt has helped buyers for 40 years. This guide shows you what to check, in order.

Roosevelt's plan

  1. Check the papers. Read the Buyers Guide, then check the title, history and recalls with the VIN.
  2. Check the car. Look for flood and mileage signs, test drive it and pay your own mechanic to inspect it.
  3. Check the deal. Get the out-the-door price in writing, skip add-ons you don't want and read before you sign.

Sources: FTC — Buying a Used Car From a Dealer (https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/buying-used-car-dealer; checked 2026-11-01); FTC — How to steer clear of a flood-damaged car (Nov. 15, 2022) (https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/11/how-steer-clear-flood-damaged-car; checked 2026-11-01)

1. Set your full budget

The FTC says to think about the car you need, how you will use it and your budget. Don't forget registration, insurance, gas and upkeep.

Get pre-approved by a bank or credit union first. The CFPB says to shop for your loan, not just the car. Then you can compare the dealer's offer.

Sources: FTC — Buying a Used Car From a Dealer (https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/buying-used-car-dealer; checked 2026-11-01); CFPB — What should I know before I shop for a car or auto loan? (https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-should-i-know-before-i-shop-for-auto-loan-at-a-bank-credit-union-dealership-or-other-lender-en-755/; checked 2026-11-01)

2. Read the Buyers Guide on the window

The FTC says dealers must post a Buyers Guide on every used car they sell. You get one if you buy online, too.

It tells you if the car comes with a warranty or is sold "as is." As is means you pay for repairs after the sale.

The rule covers dealers who sell more than five used cars a year. It applies in every state but Maine and Wisconsin, which have their own similar rules.

Keep the Buyers Guide. The FTC says it is part of your sales contract.

Sources: FTC — Buying a Used Car From a Dealer (https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/buying-used-car-dealer; checked 2026-11-01); FTC — Dealer's Guide to the Used Car Rule (https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/dealers-guide-used-car-rule; checked 2026-11-01)

3. Check the title and history for free

Get the car's VIN. It's on the dash by the windshield and on the driver's door frame.

The FTC says to start at vehiclehistory.gov. It gives title, latest mileage and condition facts. Paid reports can add accident and repair history.

NICB's free VINCheck shows if a car was reported stolen and not found, or called salvage, but only if it was insured when damaged.

Sources: FTC — How to steer clear of a flood-damaged car (Nov. 15, 2022) (https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/11/how-steer-clear-flood-damaged-car; checked 2026-11-01); U.S. DOJ — National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (vehiclehistory.gov) (https://vehiclehistory.bja.ojp.gov/; checked 2026-11-01); NICB — VINCheck (free theft and salvage lookup) (https://www.nicb.org/vincheck; checked 2026-11-01)

4. Check for open recalls

Type the VIN into NHTSA's free recall lookup. It shows safety recalls that have not been fixed on that car.

Ask the seller to show proof that open recalls were fixed, or plan to have a brand dealer fix them.

Sources: NHTSA — Check for recalls by VIN (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls; checked 2026-11-01)

5. Look for flood damage

The FTC warns that cars hit by storms are sometimes cleaned up and sold in other states. Look closely.

Sources: FTC — How to steer clear of a flood-damaged car (Nov. 15, 2022) (https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/11/how-steer-clear-flood-damaged-car; checked 2026-11-01)

6. Check the miles

NHTSA estimates more than 450,000 cars are sold each year with false odometer readings.

Compare the miles on the title with the odometer. Check service records and oil change stickers. Look at the tires. NHTSA says a car showing 20,000 miles or less should still have its first tires.

Sources: NHTSA — Odometer Fraud (https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/odometer-fraud; checked 2026-11-01)

7. Test drive on real roads

The FTC says to drive on hills, the highway and in stop-and-go traffic. Ask for the service records.

Sources: FTC — Buying a Used Car (booklet, includes private sales) (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GOVPUB-FT-PURL-gpo52594/pdf/GOVPUB-FT-PURL-gpo52594.pdf; checked 2026-11-01)

8. Pay your own mechanic to inspect it

The FTC says to get an independent inspection before you buy. Pick the mechanic yourself.

If the seller won't let you, that is a reason to walk away.

Sources: FTC — Buying a Used Car From a Dealer (https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/buying-used-car-dealer; checked 2026-11-01); FTC — Buying a Used Car (booklet, includes private sales) (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GOVPUB-FT-PURL-gpo52594/pdf/GOVPUB-FT-PURL-gpo52594.pdf; checked 2026-11-01)

9. Buying from a person, not a dealer

Private sellers don't have to post a Buyers Guide. Most private sales are as is.

The FTC says to use the same checks: history, inspection, test drive and records. Make sure the name on the title matches the seller's ID.

Sources: FTC — Buying a Used Car (booklet, includes private sales) (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GOVPUB-FT-PURL-gpo52594/pdf/GOVPUB-FT-PURL-gpo52594.pdf; checked 2026-11-01)

10. Get the out-the-door price and read before you sign

The FTC says to ask for out-the-door prices in writing before you visit. Use them to check discounts, confirm the car is there and spot add-ons added late.

Service contracts and other extras cost money. Ask what each one costs and say no to what you don't want.

The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule does not cover car sales at a dealer lot. Once you sign, you usually own it.

Sources: FTC — Buying a Used Car From a Dealer (https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/buying-used-car-dealer; checked 2026-11-01); FTC — Buyer's Remorse: The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule May Help (https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/buyers-remorse-ftcs-cooling-rule-may-help; checked 2026-11-01)

Used car checklist

Sources: FTC — Buying a Used Car From a Dealer (https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/buying-used-car-dealer; checked 2026-11-01); FTC — How to steer clear of a flood-damaged car (Nov. 15, 2022) (https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/11/how-steer-clear-flood-damaged-car; checked 2026-11-01); NHTSA — Check for recalls by VIN (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls; checked 2026-11-01); NHTSA — Odometer Fraud (https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/odometer-fraud; checked 2026-11-01)

What to say

Questions buyers ask

What does "as is" mean on a used car?

It means the dealer gives no warranty. You pay for any repairs after the sale. The Buyers Guide on the window tells you.

Sources: FTC — Buying a Used Car From a Dealer (https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/buying-used-car-dealer; checked 2026-11-01)

Can I return a used car after I buy it?

Usually not. The FTC says the Cooling-Off Rule does not cover cars bought at a dealer lot. Ask about any return policy and get it in writing.

Sources: FTC — Buyer's Remorse: The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule May Help (https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/buyers-remorse-ftcs-cooling-rule-may-help; checked 2026-11-01); FTC — Buying a Used Car From a Dealer (https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/buying-used-car-dealer; checked 2026-11-01)

How can I check a used car's history for free?

Start at vehiclehistory.gov for title and mileage facts. Use NICB VINCheck for theft and salvage records. Check recalls at NHTSA.

Sources: FTC — How to steer clear of a flood-damaged car (Nov. 15, 2022) (https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/11/how-steer-clear-flood-damaged-car; checked 2026-11-01); NICB — VINCheck (free theft and salvage lookup) (https://www.nicb.org/vincheck; checked 2026-11-01); NHTSA — Check for recalls by VIN (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls; checked 2026-11-01)

How do I spot a flood-damaged car?

Look for mud or sand under seats, rust around doors, loose or mismatched carpet, and a mold or strong cleaner smell.

Sources: FTC — How to steer clear of a flood-damaged car (Nov. 15, 2022) (https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/11/how-steer-clear-flood-damaged-car; checked 2026-11-01)

Should I get a used car inspected?

Yes. The FTC says to have an independent mechanic inspect it before you buy.

Sources: FTC — Buying a Used Car From a Dealer (https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/buying-used-car-dealer; checked 2026-11-01)

Is buying from a private seller safe?

It can be, but private sellers don't post a Buyers Guide and most sales are as is. Do the same history check and inspection.

Sources: FTC — Buying a Used Car (booklet, includes private sales) (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GOVPUB-FT-PURL-gpo52594/pdf/GOVPUB-FT-PURL-gpo52594.pdf; checked 2026-11-01)

How do I know the miles are real?

Compare the title mileage with the odometer, check service records and stickers, and look at tire wear.

Sources: NHTSA — Odometer Fraud (https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/odometer-fraud; checked 2026-11-01)

Skip these checks and you may pay for a flood car, false miles or repairs the seller knew about.

Do them and you drive off knowing what you bought and what you paid.

Next steps

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