Quite a few years ago I hit a deer and my insurance "Totaled" my car. The car was "Junked." It took almost a year before the VIN showed up on-line stating that it was totaled.

I've seen the car driving around with a restored(?) front end. I tried to turn around and follow the driver but traffic was heavy and I lost sight of him.

I guess my warning is...

If you bought a used car, keep checking the VIN on-line to see if anything comes up late.

Keep in mind that there are typographical errors that can occur when the VIN is typed into insurance companies databases.

It's all been said before. Most of us have purchased a couple of used cars in our lifetimes and know this part already.
It would be more beneficial if you could provide some hands-on advice on the car shopping experience that might help us know what to look for. We can check for obvious signs of rust or fluid leaks, but how about some unobvious signs that can alert us to possible lemon troubles?
Thanks for all the info, tho-.