Car theft is a serious concern, even among more mainstream models. Vehicle thefts numbered more than a million for 2022 and 2023, but the figures dropped to 850,708 in 2024, according to the NICB, an industry membership organization. California has the highest vehicle theft rate at 463.2 thefts per 100,000 people.
Why it matters: The time a car spent unaccounted for is a big question mark. Was it vandalized, street-raced, or driven off-road? Any of those could damage suspension, structural, electrical, or mechanical components.
How to spot trouble: Look for paint that’s not perfectly matched, body contours that aren’t uniform, gaps between doors and other panels that look too wide or too narrow, and discolored upholstery inside the car. During the test drive, feel for vibrations or wobbles that could indicate that the car has been treated harshly.
