Guides hub
Make a better car decision, one check at a time.
A photo or a model name can suggest where to start. Official records, a recall check, a safety rating and an independent inspection answer different questions. These guides help you check the right source and keep its limits in view.
How to Cross-Check a Car’s Model, Year and Trim
Make sure the car, its paperwork and the details returned by an official lookup refer to the same vehicle. Some trim and option details may still need confirmation from the manufacturer.
Read the identity guideHow to Check a Used Car’s History—and What Records Miss
Find the official history records available by country and see where their coverage ends.
Official records · country examples → 3Step 3How to Check for Outstanding Car Recalls
Search for an applicable safety notice, then confirm this vehicle’s repair status.
Government and manufacturer sources → 4Step 4How to Read a Car Safety Rating—and Check It Applies
Compare the programme, tested year, exact version, equipment and assessment categories.
NHTSA · Euro NCAP · ANCAP · IIHS → 5Step 5How to Book and Use an Independent Pre-Purchase Inspection
Agree the inspection scope, read the written report and keep its limitations visible.
Inspection method guide →A simple path
Follow the guides in order, or jump to the question you need to answer.
- 1Identify the car
- 2Check its history
- 3Check for recalls
- 4Read the safety rating
- 5Arrange an independent inspection
Identify a car
Start with a likely identity.
Use a photo, screenshot or car name with Car Says Hi to get a likely car identity and model overview. It does not decode VINs or check vehicle-history records, recalls, safety ratings, inspections or condition.
Identify a carPhoto tips
Give the model search a clearer clue.
See which angles and visible details can make a photo easier to discuss—and what a photo still cannot confirm.
Read the car photo tips guide →