What UsedCarVet does and doesn't do
Last updated: October 30, 2026
We want you to know exactly how much to trust a report, so here is the plain version.
What a report is based on
- NHTSA recalls and complaints. Official US government data. Recalls are listed by model year, not for your exact car. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are open.
- Live dealer listings of similar cars. We compare your car with cars dealers are listing now. These are asking prices, usually higher than what cars sell for. Private-seller ads (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and similar) are not included. When few similar cars are found, the price opinion is weaker and we say so.
- The details you give us, plus the seller's listing text or photos if you share them, and the dealer's own listing page when we can read it.
- AI. The AI writes the opinion, the score, the repair-cost estimates and the negotiation message from the data above. It can make mistakes, misread a screenshot, or miss something.
What we do not know
- Accidents, title status (salvage, rebuilt, flood, lien), odometer history, number of owners and service records. For these you need a vehicle history report (Carfax, AutoCheck or an NMVTIS-based report).
- The real mechanical and cosmetic condition of the car. "Costs to budget for" are estimates of what is commonly due at that mileage for that model, not an inspection of this car. Photo findings only describe what is visible.
- Whether a listing is still available, or whether a seller is honest.
Before you pay
- Get a vehicle history report for the VIN.
- Check that the VIN on the car, the title and the listing all match.
- Have an independent mechanic, not one the seller picks, inspect the car.
- See the car and the title in person. Do not send a deposit, wire money or buy gift cards before you have.
- Meet in a safe public place and read every document before you sign.
Independence
UsedCarVet is not affiliated with any dealer, marketplace, car maker or data provider mentioned in a report. Names and trademarks belong to their owners.
See also our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Questions: support@usedcarvet.com.