The Scout blog
Practical, sourced guides to buying a used car in the US: what to buy, what to pay, what to check, and how to find the right car near you before someone else does.
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Car search tips
How to Set Up a Used Car Search That Actually Finds Matches
Set up a used car search that finds real matches. Pick must-have filters, a realistic budget and radius, then test and adjust so good cars stop slipping by.
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Car search tips
How to Track Used Car Prices Before You Buy
How to track used car prices before you buy. Build a simple price log, use valuation guides and listing history, and spot real price drops to pay less.
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Inspection and paperwork
Pre-Purchase Inspection: What It Costs and Why It's Worth It
A pre-purchase inspection typically costs $100 to $300. Learn what a used car inspection covers, how to arrange one, what to ask and how to use the results.
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Best used cars
The Most Reliable Used Cars to Buy in 2026
The most reliable used cars to buy in 2026, from Toyota, Lexus, Honda and Mazda, plus how to judge reliability on the exact car you're looking at.
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Prices and deals
The Used Car Market in 2026: What Buyers Should Know
The used car market in 2026 by the numbers, covering prices, supply, loan rates and budget-car shortages, plus what each trend means for your next purchase.
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Car search tips
Used car alerts: get notified when the car you want is listed
How used car alerts work, the types available from listing sites, dealers and alert services, and how to set one up so you hear about the right car first.
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Prices and deals
Used Car Dealer Fees Explained: Which Are Legit and Which Aren't
Used car dealer fees explained, from taxes and doc fees to prep, add-ons and market adjustments, so you know which charges are legit and which to push back on.
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Car search tips
Used Car Listing Terms Decoded: A Glossary for Buyers
Used car listing terms decoded in plain English. What CPO, as is, clean title, one owner, doc fee, off-lease and dozens more listing labels mean for buyers.
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Model buying guides
Used Ford F-150 Buying Guide: Generations, Engines, What to Check
Used Ford F-150 buying guide covering 2004-2025 generations, every major engine, known issues like cam phasers and recalls, and what to check on a used truck.
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Model buying guides
Used Honda CR-V Buying Guide: Best Years and What to Check
Used Honda CR-V buying guide covering every generation since 2007, the best years, the 1.5L turbo oil dilution issue, recalls and what to check before you buy.
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Model buying guides
Used Toyota RAV4 Buying Guide: Best Years and What to Check
Used Toyota RAV4 buying guide with every generation since 2006, the best years, hybrid and Prime options, recalls and what to check before you buy.
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Prices and deals
What "Out-the-Door Price" Means and How to Ask for It
Learn what an out-the-door price includes, how to calculate it, and how to ask a dealer for an itemized out-the-door quote before you visit or sign.
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Car search tips
Why Good Used Cars Sell Fast, and How to Be First in Line
Why good used cars sell fast and how to get there first. What makes a listing go quickly, how to spot one, and how to be ready to buy the same day.