Start with the VIN

When looking at a used car, the first step should always be locating the Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN. This 17-character string is unique to every vehicle and acts like a fingerprint for the vehicle’s history. You can usually find it near the windshield on the driver’s side dashboard or inside the door frame. With this number, you can dig into the car’s past. 

Run a Vehicle History Report

Once you have the VIN, you can look up the vehicle’s full history using a service like CARFAX or AutoCheck. These reports pull together a ton of helpful information, from accident reports and title status to odometer readings and service records. They’ll also show you how many owners the car has had and whether it was ever used for commercial purposes, like a rental or fleet vehicle. 

You can also take it a step further by using the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s free VINCheck tool. It helps you see if the vehicle has ever been reported stolen or written off as a total loss by an insurance company.

Ask About Maintenance Records

A clean report is a good start, but it doesn’t always tell the whole story. Ask the seller for any maintenance records they have. A consistent pattern of oil changes, brake replacements, and routine servicing is a great indicator that the car has been well taken care of. Alternatively, significant gaps in the history or missing documents could be a red flag. Here's a useful list of things to check for:

• Oil changes

  Regular oil and oil filter replacements, usually every 3,000–7,500 miles depending on the car.

• Tire services

  Rotations, balancing, alignments, and replacement dates to assess wear and alignment issues.

• Brake service

  Replacement of brake pads, rotors, or fluid flushes—important for safety and wear tracking.

• Battery replacements

  Date of battery installations or tests to estimate lifespan.

• Transmission service

  Fluid changes, repairs, or rebuilds—critical for older or high-mileage vehicles.

• Coolant system service

  Radiator flushes or coolant top-offs/replacements to avoid overheating problems.

• Air filter replacements

  Includes engine and cabin air filters, which affect performance and air quality.

• Timing belt or chain replacement

  This is a major service that usually occurs between 60,000–100,000 miles and can be costly.

• Suspension and steering work

  Records of shocks, struts, or power steering service indicate how the car handles.

• Check engine light diagnostics

  Any error code checks or repairs related to electronic or engine warning lights.

• Fuel system maintenance

  Fuel injector cleanings, filter replacements, or pump repairs.

• HVAC service

  Repairs to air conditioning or heating systems, especially important in certain climates.

• Recalls and manufacturer service bulletins

  Confirmation that any required recalls have been completed.

• Inspection results

  Notes from regular state inspections or emissions tests.

Don’t Skip the Pre-Purchase Inspection

Even if everything checks out on paper, it’s still smart to have the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic before you commit. They can spot things that might not appear in a report, like frame damage, poor repairs, or upcoming mechanical issues. A thorough inspection can cost a little up front, but it’s much cheaper than dealing with surprise repairs later.