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Bring your driver's license, proof of insurance (or your insurer's contact info), and your preferred payment method or a financing pre-approval letter. If you're trading in, bring the title or loan payoff details, registration, and all keys. Proof of income and residence can speed up dealer financing. It also helps to bring your research: the VIN of the car you want, notes on comparable listings, and a written list of questions. A phone charger and snack don't hurt either.

Buying a car in person often takes a few hours, though it varies widely. A test drive, appraisal of a trade-in, price discussion, credit approval and the finance office paperwork each take time, and busy weekends make waits longer. You can shorten the visit by arranging financing ahead, agreeing on an out-the-door price by phone or email, and scheduling an appointment. Doing your homework before you go is the biggest time saver.

You don't usually need one, but an appointment helps. It ensures the specific vehicle you want is on the lot, cleaned, and ready to drive, and that someone is available to help you. Confirm by phone or email that the car is still available, ask for the VIN and an out-the-door price quote in writing, and note who you spoke with. Weekday mornings are often quieter than weekends.

Drive the car on roads you actually use, including highway speeds, stop-and-go traffic, bumps and parking. Check acceleration, braking feel, steering pull, transmission shifts, road and wind noise, and seat comfort over at least 15 to 30 minutes. Test the climate control, infotainment, phone pairing, driver-assist features and visibility. OffLot's lot mode, opened from any vehicle page, includes a phone checklist that reminds you to test-drive your real route.

Yes, if you can. Driving two or three competing models, or the same model in different trims, helps you notice differences in comfort, noise, visibility and handling that spec sheets don't show. Try to drive them close together in time on similar roads so comparisons are fresh. Taking notes right after each drive helps too. On OffLot, you can compare several vehicles side by side to narrow your list before you go.

A pre-purchase inspection is an independent check of a used car by a mechanic you choose, before you buy. The mechanic typically looks at the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, tires, frame, leaks and signs of past accidents, and may scan for stored trouble codes. It usually costs a modest fee and can reveal problems that aren't obvious on a test drive. If a seller refuses to allow an independent inspection, treat that as a reason for caution.

Many dealers allow it, either by letting you take the car to a nearby mechanic or by allowing a mobile inspector to come to the lot. Policies vary, and some may ask for a deposit, a copy of your license, or that a staff member go along. Ask before you visit so you can schedule it. OffLot's lot mode includes a question about independent inspection among the questions to ask the dealer.

The VIN is a 17-character code found on the driver's side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield, and on a sticker in the driver's door jamb. Make sure both match each other, the title, and the paperwork or listing. You can enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to check for open safety recalls, and run it through a vehicle history report to look for accidents, title brands and mileage records. OffLot's lot mode checklist starts with matching the VIN.

Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's free lookup, to see any unrepaired safety recalls. Manufacturers' websites offer similar lookups. Recall repairs are done free at a franchised dealer of that brand. Note that federal law doesn't require used-car dealers to fix recalls before selling, so ask directly whether any open recalls exist and whether they'll be fixed before delivery. OffLot's lot mode includes this question.

Walk slowly around the car in good light. Look for mismatched paint colors, uneven gaps between panels, overspray, dents and rust, which can hint at past repairs. Check all four tires for matching brands and even wear, inspect glass for chips, and look under the car for leaks. Inside, check for odors, water stains, worn pedals that don't fit the mileage, and test every light, window and button. OffLot's lot mode includes a walk-around and tire checklist.

Check tread depth, which you can gauge with a tread-depth tool or the penny test, and look for uneven wear on the edges or center, which can signal alignment or suspension issues. Look for cracks, bulges and plugs, and check the four-digit date code on the sidewall, since older tires can be worn out even with tread left. Mismatched brands can be a small negotiating point. Tires are one item on OffLot's lot mode checklist.

A cold start means starting the engine after it has sat for several hours. Some problems, like hard starting, rough idle, unusual noises, ticking or smoke from the exhaust, are most noticeable when the engine is cold and may disappear once it warms up. Ask the dealer not to start the car before you arrive, and feel the hood to confirm it's cool. Cold start is one of the checks on OffLot's lot mode checklist.