Is VIN check really enough when buying a used car?

[Flomarrio]

I’m checking out a 2016 Honda Civic that looks clean and drives well, but I’m paranoid about hidden problems. The seller is a small local dealer and says everything’s good. I took a test drive and it felt fine, but how can I be 100% sure? Is checking the VIN enough or should I also do a mechanic inspection? Never bought a used car before so not sure how deep I should go.

[Turox]

If it’s your first time buying used, definitely do both — get a VIN check and a pre-purchase inspection. When I was buying my Mazda3, the dealership claimed it was accident-free, but a quick carfax usa report showed that it had front-end damage two years prior. They had repaired it well so it didn’t show physically, but it was enough for me to renegotiate the price. CARFAX also listed missed maintenance intervals and confirmed the mileage. It's not just about accidents — you can spot repossessions, lease returns, or even flood damage if that’s a risk in your area. I’d say spend the $40 on the CARFAX and then show the report to a mechanic — worth every penny.

[Flomarrio]

That’s smart — I didn’t even think about negotiating based on what the report shows. Going to get that carfax usa report tonight and book a mechanic for tomorrow. Thanks for the detailed advice!