Buying a used car can be a good choice in a number of situations. It is possible to find used cars that are only a few years old and have low miles but cost substantially less than purchasing a brand new car. However, no one wants to invest their hard-earned money in a used car that has mechanical problems and becomes a money pit. Luckily, there are several things that you can do before buying a used vehicle to protect yourself. If you are planning on buying a used car in the near future, use the following tips to ensure that you buy a quality vehicle that does not need numerous repairs.

Ask for a Vehicle History Report

All automobiles have vehicle identification numbers (V.I.N), so accidents and other incidents can be tracked from the time that a car is brand new. Before making a used car purchase, it is always in your best interest to request a vehicle history report to review. A vehicle history report will show if a vehicle has been involved in any accidents, or if it has ever been flooded or gone through other issues that could cause problems down the road. Ideally, you should look for a used vehicle that has a clean vehicle history report.

Inquire About Maintenance Records

A car that is well-maintained will most likely last longer and have fewer problems than a car that is neglected. Many car owners take car maintenance very seriously and always stick to the manufacturer's recommended service schedule. When you begin your search for a used car, try to find one that includes all of the maintenance records. When you purchase a vehicle that includes all maintenance records, you can have the peace of mind of knowing that the car has been properly cared for, so you should not have to worry about any major problems associated with neglect or lack of care.

Hire an Independent Mechanic

Before you drop thousands of dollars on a used car, invest in hiring an independent mechanic to do a comprehensive inspection. A used car dealer or private seller should not have any problem with you having the vehicle checked out before you commit to buying it. There are many mobile mechanic services in most cities, so you won't even have to arrange to have the car you are interested in brought to an auto shop -- a mobile mechanic can do the inspection wherever is most convenient for all parties. 

For more information, contact a company like Car Craft Auto Sales, Inc.