Why VINs Never Use the Letters I, O or Q (and What to Do If Yours Does)
The VIN alphabet has 23 letters. Why I, O and Q are banned, which positions are stricter still, and what NHTSA's decoder did when I fed it bad characters.
Buying a Used Car From Ford Blue Advantage: Gold vs Blue Checklist
Gold, EV and Blue Certified are very different cars. What Ford promises, where Ford, KBB and Car and Driver disagree, and what to check before you sign.
North Carolina Used Car Lemon Law: What Actually Protects Used Buyers
North Carolina's lemon law rarely reaches a used car. What the warranty-holder wording means, how the 25% damage disclosure rule works, and why you get no cooling-off period.
Washington Used Car Lemon Law: When a Second Owner Is Still Covered
RCW 19.118 reaches some second owners. How the 2-year/24,000-mile window works, when as-is really waives the implied warranty, and how WA brands buybacks.
Zions Bank Auto Loan and CARFAX: What the Bank Says in 2026
Zions and its sister banks don't supply a history report. Their used-car terms, the APRs posted Oct. 17, 2026, and why 110% financing makes the check your job.
Used Saturn Vue Buying Guide: Honda V6, VTi CVT and 2008-2010 Recalls
Saturn is gone, but GM still handles Vue recalls. Which first-gen engine to buy, what the 2008-2010 redesign changed, and the recalls to clear by VIN.
Used Pontiac G6 Buying Guide: 2005-2010 Engines, Convertible and Recalls
Pontiac is gone but GM dealers still handle G6 recalls. Which engine and body to pick, the convertible's weak spots, and the recalls to clear by VIN.
Used Scion xB Buying Guide: First Gen vs 2008-2015, Recalls and Oil Use
Toyota still services the xB, but its 2AZ oil coverage is gone. How the 2004-era box and the 2008-2015 car differ, and which recalls to clear by VIN.
VIN Shorter Than 17 Digits: Pre-1981 Cars, Typos and Red Flags
Short VINs are normal on pre-1981 cars and a red flag on newer ones. Where the 17-character rule comes from and how states like Pennsylvania handle short VINs.
Buying a Honda Certified Used Car: HondaTrue Checklist for 2026
Honda's CPO tiers, warranty terms and inspection limits as of October 2026, where Honda's own pages disagree, and a checklist to run before you sign.
