Driveline guides for car buyers
Plain-English answers to the questions you actually have on the lot. Written by people who own the app you're reading them in.
What is a pre-purchase inspection — and when do you need one?
A plain-English breakdown of what a PPI covers, why it matters, and how to decide if you need a mechanic or can do it yourself.
How much is a pre-purchase inspection in 2025?
Real price ranges for a pre-purchase car inspection by region, vehicle type, and who does it. Plus when to pay a pro and when to do it yourself.
How to read a dealer four-square worksheet
The paper the salesperson slides across the desk is designed to confuse you. Here's how to decode every quadrant — and what to say when.
VIN decoder — what each digit on your vehicle actually means
All 17 characters, explained. Country of origin, engine, plant, year, and the check digit that catches typos.
The used-car inspection checklist we actually use
A 40-point walkaround you can do on any dealer lot or private-party sale in under 20 minutes. Prints on one page.
Used car years to avoid — model-by-model reliability guides
Which years of the Honda CR-V, Toyota Camry, Ford F-150, and other popular used cars to skip — with repair costs and the safer years to buy instead.