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.

• 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.