 TITLE: How to Buy a Car From a Private Seller CONTENT: Pay Attention to the Vehicle History Report\n-------------------------------------------\nOnce you've found the car you want to buy, you'll want to take a look at its vehicle history report, also known as a vehicle identification number (VIN) report. You can get some basic information with a free VIN check:\n*   Safercar.gov to see if there have been any recalls on the model and whether the specific car has been repaired or upgraded.\n*   National Insurance Crime Bureau to check if the vehicle was reported stolen and not recovered, or if it has a salvage title.\nA paid VIN report will give you more details about the vehicle you're looking at. You can learn about its service history, ownership history and whether it's ever been in an accident or stolen. AutoCheck (operated by Experian) and Carfax are two popular VIN report providers. Compare the report to the seller's description and look for discrepancies that may be a red flag.\nIf you're serious about buying the car, you'll also want to take a test drive and potentially have a mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection. You'll likely have to pay for the inspection, which may run around $100 to $200, but it's often a worthwhile investment as trusted mechanics and technicians can give you the all-clear—or warn you about needed repairs or maintenance.\nThere are mobile inspection services that will come to you, or you can look for a local shop. Working with someone who specializes in the particular type of car could be a good idea, as they can also tell you about common issues that owners experience. END