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Used-Car Buying Guides

Work out what a recall result means, what to ask a seller, and which checks to leave to a mechanic. Each guide answers a specific question with sources you can follow.

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Ford Recalls in 2026: What Used Buyers Should Check
A dated look at 2026 recalls on used Explorer, F-150 and Escape models, with the VIN checks, repair records and dealer questions buyers need.
Warranty Extension vs. Recall: Check Your Repair Coverage
A clean recall lookup can miss extended repair coverage. Learn what to ask the dealer, using Mazda CX-5 fuel-pump recall and warranty documents.
What to Check Before Buying a 2017-2019 Ford Escape
Buying a 2017-2019 Ford Escape? Identify its engine, check recall paperwork, ask about coolant loss and confirm any repair coverage before committing.
Why Newer Model Years Often Have Fewer Complaints
A study of 54,954 NHTSA complaints shows how reports accumulate over time, why a low early count can mislead, and what age adjustment leaves out.
Used Ford F-150 vs. Silverado 1500: What to Check (2016-2021)
Compare used F-150 and Silverado 1500 records for 2016-2021: transmission and engine concerns, recall paperwork, fuel economy and inspection priorities.
Used Honda Accord vs. Toyota Camry: What to Check (2016-2021)
Compare 2016-2021 Accord and Camry complaint patterns, recalls and fuel economy, then use the findings to question sellers and plan an inspection.
Used Toyota RAV4 vs. Honda CR-V: What to Check (2016-2021)
Compare used RAV4 and CR-V recalls, complaint patterns and fuel economy for 2016-2021, with specific checks for the cars on your shortlist.
EPA City, Highway and Combined MPG: How to Use the Numbers
Understand EPA city, highway and combined MPG, calculate fuel cost, and adjust a used-car comparison to your mileage, driving mix and local gas price.
Used-Car Inspection Checklist: What to Check Before Buying
Check a used car's documents, recall status and condition before you buy. Know what to ask the seller and what to request from an independent mechanic.
How to Read NHTSA Safety Ratings for a Used Car
Match NHTSA crash-test ratings to the car's cab, body style and drivetrain. See why overall stars can differ and what a missing rating actually means.
What "Recall Incomplete" Means and How to Check a VIN
Check a used car's VIN for open recalls, understand the status messages, and find out what paperwork can confirm that a recall repair was completed.
What NHTSA Complaint Counts Tell a Used-Car Buyer
Use NHTSA complaints to find issues to investigate before buying. See why raw totals, age-adjusted counts and category shares cannot measure reliability.
Recall vs. TSB vs. Investigation: What Each Means
A recall, service bulletin and NHTSA investigation call for different checks. Learn which covers a remedy and what to ask before buying a used car.