Guides
Plain-language guides to checking a used car, finding a VIN and buying with confidence.
1How to find your car's VINFive places to find the 17-character VIN — on the car and on its papers.Read guide2What a vehicle history report showsAccidents, mileage, ownership and recalls — what the data can and can't tell you.Read guide3Used-car buying checklist for EuropeThe checks to make before you pay — from the VIN to the test drive.Read guide4Used-car red flags: warning signs to avoidThe warning signs that a used car may hide a problem — and how to check before you pay.Read guide5How to negotiate a used-car priceUse the car's real history and condition to agree a fair price — without the pressure.Read guide6First-time car buyer's guideA simple step-by-step path to buying your first car without overpaying or missing risks.Read guide7Vehicle title brands explainedWhat salvage, rebuilt and flood titles mean for a car's safety, value and insurability.Read guide8Free vs paid vehicle-history reportsWhat a free VIN check gives you, what paid reports like Carfax add, and which you need.Read guide9Older vs newer model year: which to buyWhen a cheaper older model year is the smart buy — and when newer is worth the extra.Read guide10How to check a car imported from the USABuying an American car in Europe? US-built cars leave a paper trail you can read by VIN — here's how to check title, recalls and mileage before you pay.Read guide11How to spot title washing on a US carTitle washing hides a salvage or flood brand by re-registering a car across US states. Here's how to catch it by VIN before you import.Read guide12How to read a Copart or IAAI auction history by VINMost cheap US cars sold in Europe came through a Copart or IAAI salvage auction. Here's how to read that history by VIN before you buy.Read guide13What is NMVTIS? The US title & total-loss database explainedNMVTIS is the US government's national title and total-loss database. Here's what it shows about a car — and what it doesn't.Read guide14NICB VINCheck: the free US theft & salvage checkNICB VINCheck is a free US tool for theft and salvage records. Here's what it covers, and where it stops.Read guide15Carfax alternatives for an imported US carCarfax isn't the only way to check a US car — and some checks are free. Here's how to vet an imported American car by VIN.Read guide16Free US auction sites vs a full history reportBidFax, autoAstat and Stat.vin republish Copart and IAAI lots for free. Here is what those photos prove — and the part of the record they cannot show.Read guide
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Put it into practice — run a free VIN decode and safety-recall check.