Safety

• 1). Find safety information on the original vehicle window sticker, if possible. If researching a new car, look at the window sticker posted on the window. If researching a used car, look inside the glove box -- the original owner may have kept it there.
  
  
• 2). Use the Internet as a guide. Safercar.gov, a government website designed to inform the public of crash test and rollover ratings conducted by the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration, provides test results for vehicles, tires and even car seats.
  
  
• 3). Click on the link labeled "Search 5-Star Safety Ratings" to start your fact-checking. Compare different manufacturer vehicles to see comparisons for the same types of vehicle body styles. For example, you might find that most SUVs have a lower rollover rating. By researching the same kinds of vehicles, you can be sure that a vehicle falls in line with body-specific safety ratings.
  
  

Recall Information

• 1). Use the Safercar website to find recall information for a vehicle. Click the "Defects & Recalls" option from the homepage. Click "Search our recall database" to locate recall information about a vehicle.
  
  
• 2). Call a dealership that sells the same make vehicle as the one you are researching. Make sure you call a new-car dealer.
  
  
• 3). Ask to speak to the service department. Provide the service representative with your vehicle identification number (VIN) so that he or she can run a report on your vehicle— dealers are able to access all manufacturer recall reports by your VIN. If you do have open recalls, you can get your vehicle recall fixed for free.
  
  

Fuel Economy

• 1). Go to Fueleconomy.gov, a government website source that provides facts for consumers. You can review important fuel economy information and facts about the vehicle’s environmental effects.
  
  
• 2). Click on "Compare Side-by-Side" from the main page. Select your model year on the next page, the make and then choose the model. Choose which engine and transmission you have in your vehicle.
  
  
• 3). Look at the new-car window sticker if you are researching a new car. Gas mileage and emissions are listed on the sticker.
  
  

Resale Values and Options

• 1). Go to an appraisal website, such as Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book. Find the option that allows you to research used- or new-car values for buyers. You can input your location, year, make and model. You'll be prompted to put in optional features, which can let you know some of the add-ons that are or were available for your vehicle.
  
  
• 2). Review any values that you want to know about. You can find trade-in, private sale or retail price facts about your vehicle.
  
  
• 3). Look on the value results page for a "ratings" option. Professional ratings are useful. Once you click on the professional review, you can read about all the changes for the particular vehicle year, along with vehicle model history and facts.