A Used-Car Buying Checklist: Inspection, Price and Paperwork

A used car is a big purchase, and a quick test drive cannot answer every question. Use a short process to compare the full price, get an independent inspection and understand the documents before you sign.

WSDK Everyday Guide · Published October 27, 2026 · 6 minute read

Before you visit

Write down what the car needs to do, your spending limit and a few models to compare. Include costs beyond the advertised price: taxes and fees, insurance, fuel, registration, maintenance and likely repairs. Ask the dealer for the vehicle identification number (VIN) and an itemized out-the-door price in writing. The FTC recommends getting written pricing before you visit so you can confirm the vehicle, advertised terms and added charges.

If you plan to borrow, get an offer from a bank or credit union before shopping, then compare it with dealer financing. Compare APR, loan length, amount financed and total cost—not just the monthly payment. A longer loan can lower the payment while increasing the interest paid overall.

Check the car's history and condition

• Read the vehicle history report. Ask the seller for one or obtain a report using the VIN. It can help identify reported events, but a history report does not replace a hands-on mechanical inspection.
• Arrange an independent inspection. Ask a mechanic you choose to inspect the vehicle before purchase. If a seller will not allow a reasonable independent inspection, treat that as a reason to pause and reconsider.
• Look up open safety recalls. Use NHTSA's VIN lookup. Its results cover unrepaired recalls reported for that vehicle, but NHTSA notes that newly announced recalls may not yet identify every affected VIN; check again or contact the manufacturer if you have questions.
• Take a normal test drive. Check that the seat, visibility and controls suit you. Note warning lights or anything you want the independent mechanic to examine. A drive is one part of your review, not a substitute for the inspection.

Read the Buyers Guide and sale paperwork

When buying from a dealer, review the FTC Buyers Guide. It tells you whether the car is offered “as is” or with a warranty and lists other key information. Make sure any negotiated warranty changes and seller promises appear in the Buyers Guide and contract. Ask what each optional add-on costs and remove anything you do not want before signing.

Read the contract from top to bottom. Confirm the vehicle, total sale price, down payment, amount financed, APR, number of payments, payment amount, warranty terms and any add-ons. Do not rely on a spoken promise that is missing from the written agreement. Ask for a copy of every document you sign.

Do not assume there is a universal three-day return window. The FTC says federal law does not require dealers to provide three days to cancel a car purchase; rights and optional return policies can vary by state and seller. Check your state rules and get any return promise in writing before you agree.

Sources and further reading

• Federal Trade Commission: Buying a Used Car From a Dealer
• NHTSA: Check for vehicle safety recalls
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Compare auto loan offers

This guide is general consumer information, not legal or financial advice. Buyer protections differ by state and by sale type; review the documents and local rules for your transaction.