Research before you buy
Quick guides to help you shop smarter — how we rate deals, what to check on a used car, and how to compare your financing options.
How our Deal Rating works
Every listing is automatically compared against similar cars for sale within 100 miles — same make, model, year range, and mileage band — and rated Great, Good, Fair, or High so you know where a price stands before you even call.
Decoding a VIN
A vehicle's 17-character VIN tells you its exact factory specs — engine, trim, and options — and its history. Every listing on CarJinga shows the decoded VIN so you can confirm the car matches its ad.
What to check at a test drive
Cold-start the engine to catch issues that disappear once warm, check panel gaps and paint for mismatched color (a sign of prior body work), and test every electrical feature — windows, locks, AC, infotainment.
Financing vs. paying cash
A lower monthly payment isn't always the better deal — a longer loan term usually means more total interest paid. Compare the total cost of the loan, not just the payment, and get pre-approved before you shop so you know your real budget.
Buying from a dealer vs. a private seller
Dealers typically offer financing and sometimes a limited warranty; private sellers are often more flexible on price but sell strictly as-is. Every listing on CarJinga is tagged so you always know which you're looking at.
Questions to ask before you go see it
Ask for the title status (clean vs. salvage/rebuilt), whether the car has been in an accident, why they're selling, and whether the price is firm — get the answers over the phone using the seller's verified number on the listing.