Buy & Research

Check safety and recalls, a car's history and a fair price before you buy.

Safety, history & values

NHTSA RecallsOfficial US recall lookup by VIN. Free.nhtsa.gov ↗NHTSA 5-Star Safety RatingsGovernment crash-test ratings.nhtsa.gov ↗IIHS RatingsInsurance Institute crash tests and Top Safety Picks.iihs.org ↗NICB VINCheckFree check for theft and salvage records.nicb.org ↗NMVTISFederal title-history system; lists approved report providers.vehiclehistory.bja.ojp.gov ↗CarfaxPaid vehicle history reports.carfax.com ↗AutoCheckPaid history reports from Experian.autocheck.com ↗Kelley Blue Book valuesTrade-in and private-party values.kbb.com ↗Edmunds appraisalFree appraisal and true market value.edmunds.com ↗J.D. Power ValuesValues and quality and dependability studies.jdpower.com ↗FuelEconomy.govOfficial MPG, fuel costs and model comparisons.fueleconomy.gov ↗Consumer Reports reliabilityOwner-survey reliability data.consumerreports.org ↗

Buying checklist

  1. Set a total budget, including insurance, fuel and upkeep.
  2. Get loan pre-approval from your bank or credit union.
  3. Compare safety ratings (NHTSA, IIHS) and reliability.
  4. Check open recalls by VIN.
  5. For a used car, get a history report and an independent inspection.
  6. Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment.
  7. Read every add-on and fee before you sign.

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