Used Mercury Grand Marquis Buying Guide: Recalls, Intake Manifolds and Fleet History
The Grand Marquis shares its bones with the Crown Victoria. Which years to target, the plastic intake manifold story, the recalls on file and the fleet-use check.
Used Hummer H3 Buying Guide: 2006-2010, Recalls, Engines and What to Check
The H3 is a Colorado underneath with Hummer styling. Which engine to want, the recalls on file, what the 2010 Hummer wind-down means for recall work, and how to inspect one.
Why a VIN Decoder Shows the Wrong Trim (and How to Find the Real Build)
The VIN never had to carry the badge on the trunk. What 49 CFR 565 requires in digits 4-8, what NHTSA's vPIC returned in my tests, and how to confirm the build.
Buying a Hyundai Certified Used Car: A Checklist for the 10-Year Warranty Math
What Hyundai's certified program covers in Oct 2026, how the in-service date shrinks the warranty, the Select Used trap and the transferability conflict in the fine print.
Maryland Used Car Lemon Law: 24 Months, 18,000 Miles and the As-Is Limit
Maryland's lemon law follows the car for 24 months or 18,000 miles. The bigger deal: a dealer can't sell a car as is unless it's over 6 model years and 60,000 miles.
Virginia Used Car Lemon Law: The 18-Month Clock a Second Owner Inherits
Va. Code 59.1-207.11 lets a second owner use the lemon law, but the 18-month clock never resets. Plus the 30-day cancel rule when a dealer skips the as-is form.
Associated Bank Auto Loan and CARFAX: Dealer-Only Loans, 10-Year Limit
Associated Bank lends on cars through dealers, not branches. The 10-year, 125,000-mile limits it posted as of Oct. 17, 2026, and why the history check is yours.
Used Chevy Cobalt Buying Guide: Ignition Recall, SS Models and What to Check
Before you buy a Cobalt, prove recalls 14V047 and 14V171 were done. What the 2.2, 2.4 and turbo SS cars are like, plus the other recalls on file.
Used Toyota FJ Cruiser Buying Guide: Frame Rust, 4WD Types and Recalls
FJ Cruisers hold their value, so inspect hard. Frame rust, 2007-09 inner fender cracks, which 4WD system you get, and the recalls to clear by VIN.
Used Honda Element Buying Guide: 2003-2011, Air Bag Recalls and Which Years
Every Element year from 2003 to 2011 is in Honda's Takata driver air bag recall. Which years to target, what the SC gives up, and the recalls to clear by VIN.
