Buying a used car in the US: Read the dealer’s Buyers Guide before signing

Vehicle records, an inspection and a proper test drive should come before any commitment to buy.

A clean interior is only one part of a used-car decision. Prepare questions about the vehicle history, check the paperwork and leave enough time for an independent inspection.

Start with the FTC’s dealer-sale checklist

The Federal Trade Commission explains the Buyers Guide used in dealer sales. Read its warranty information carefully and ask the dealer to put agreed promises in writing. The FTC also discusses independent inspections. A vehicle history report and an inspection serve different purposes and should not be treated as interchangeable. FTC: Buying a used car from a dealer.

Check the car against its records

Match the vehicle identification number on the car with its documents. Ask for service and repair records and write down any gaps. Discuss previous damage, included accessories and maintenance that has been recommended but not carried out. Ask for clear written answers before committing.

Alongside the test drive, carry out your own practical assessment. Can the intended drivers sit comfortably? Does a pushchair or other essential luggage fit? Is the entrance suitable for the people who will use it? These personal requirements deserve their own space on the comparison sheet.

Plan for work that is still outstanding

Create the same budget for each car: purchase price, quoted repairs, necessary equipment and a reserve of your choosing. A reserve is not a prediction that the money will be spent. Obtain a qualified assessment of technical concerns before signing and ask for outstanding work to be priced separately.

Ask for an itemized out-the-door quote in dollars. List the vehicle price, taxes, registration-related charges and optional products separately. Check requirements with the appropriate state authority; this article does not describe one state’s procedure as a nationwide rule.

Sources and date

• FTC: Buying a used car from a dealer

Research checked on 5 November 2026.

Transparency: This article was researched and written with AI assistance. Net Trends did not perform product tests. Numerical examples use explicitly assumed inputs and are not current offers.