Car-buying guides

Short, practical advice for buying a used car without getting played. Read one, then run your numbers in the calculator.

• 12 Questions to Ask a Used Car Dealer Before You BuyThe questions that uncover a car's history, the real out-the-door price, hidden fees and financing traps, plus why each one matters.
• Used Car Test Drive Red Flags: What to Look, Listen and Feel ForA practical checklist of used-car test drive warning signs: cold starts, smoke, transmission, brakes, steering, flood damage and seller red flags.
• How to Know a Fair Price for a Used CarHow to find a fair used-car price: check pricing guides, compare local listings within 50 miles, set a target and negotiate the out-the-door price.