Vehicle buying and ownership glossary
Plain-language terms for vehicle shopping, history, inspections and financing. Use the official resources to research your questions, then review the particular vehicle and written sale or financing terms before deciding.
Find a term
VIN — vehicle identification number · VIN decoding · Vehicle-history report · NMVTIS · Title brand · Open safety recall · FTC Buyers Guide · As-is sale · Warranty · Service contract · Pre-purchase inspection · Odometer reading · APR — annual percentage rate · Amount financed · Loan term · Official resources
VIN — vehicle identification number
The vehicle identifier used for registration, history and manufacturer-information lookups. Check that records refer to the vehicle you are considering.
VIN decoding
Retrieving manufacturer-reported information from the VIN. This does not supply accident history or every installed option.
Vehicle-history report
A report assembled from available records. It may not include every accident, repair or maintenance event and does not replace an inspection.
U.S. DOJ — NMVTIS vehicle-history providers ↗
NMVTIS
The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System. Approved providers supply reports containing available title, brand and other reported vehicle information.
U.S. DOJ — NMVTIS vehicle-history providers ↗
Title brand
A designation on a title record, such as a reported salvage classification. Ask about its meaning and implications for the particular vehicle.
U.S. DOJ — NMVTIS vehicle-history providers ↗
Open safety recall
A safety recall for which the applicable remedy may still be outstanding. Check the vehicle's VIN and confirm current details with the manufacturer.
NHTSA — safety recall lookup ↗
FTC Buyers Guide
The dealer window form describing whether the used vehicle is sold as is or with a warranty and directing attention to key terms.
FTC — buying a used car from a dealer ↗
As-is sale
A sale described as having no dealer warranty, subject to applicable requirements. Read the Buyers Guide and agreement before deciding.
FTC — buying a used car from a dealer ↗
Warranty
Specified coverage and limits for certain defects or repairs. Read the actual terms; it is not a guarantee against every future problem.
FTC — buying a used car from a dealer ↗
Service contract
An optional agreement for specified repair or service coverage. Compare cost, exclusions and any existing warranty before agreeing.
FTC — buying a used car from a dealer ↗
Pre-purchase inspection
An independent evaluation before purchase. It can identify concerns but cannot guarantee that every hidden or future problem will be found.
FTC — buying a used car from a dealer ↗
Odometer reading
The displayed distance traveled. Compare the reading with available title and service records and ask about inconsistencies.
U.S. DOJ — NMVTIS vehicle-history providers ↗
APR — annual percentage rate
A yearly measure of credit cost that includes the interest rate and certain fees. Compare it with the full financing terms.
Amount financed
The amount of credit provided under the financing agreement. It differs from the vehicle's advertised price and total payments.
Loan term
The agreed repayment period. Consider total cost alongside the monthly payment before signing.
Official resources and reference material
These links identify the agencies, manufacturer-information directories and providers referenced in this glossary. External sites maintain their own content and access requirements. Check the current source and its scope before acting; a glossary is not a substitute for applicable instructions or an individual review.
- FTC — buying a used car from a dealer ↗ — Buyers Guides, warranties, inspection and purchase considerations.
- U.S. DOJ — NMVTIS vehicle-history providers ↗ — Approved providers of title and vehicle-history reports; charges and reporting limitations may apply.
- NHTSA vPIC — VIN decoder ↗ — Manufacturer-reported VIN information; not an accident-history report or complete options list.
- NHTSA — safety recall lookup ↗ — Check recall information and read the lookup limitations.
- CFPB — auto loans ↗ — Questions and tools for comparing financing and reviewing documents.
- OEM1Stop — manufacturer information directory ↗ — Links to manufacturer service information and collision resources. Some information requires paid access.
Reference links reviewed October 15, 2026. Please use the latest instructions for your situation.