Making an important decision can be nerve wracking, especially if you have to invest a large sum of money. Purchasing a car is no different. However, as with any major decision, it’s important not to make a rash or rushed decision but to take baby steps in order to ensure you’re making the right one. This same method can be applied to shopping for used cars.

Pre owned vehicles are an excellent and safe investment, though people are often concerned about ending up with a “lemon” — that is, a used car that comes with a plethora of mechanical problems despite appearing safe. While old generations of used cars were known to have relatively short life spans, advances in vehicle safety and technology have all but resolved this issue entirely.

Today’s cars are now considered to be some of the safest used cars available, with many able to reach 100,000 to 200,000 miles without having to undergo any major overhauls. That’s the benefit and value of auto services performed regularly! In addition, while affordable used car values make them a great investment, the low cost of ownership for used cars makes them an even better investment.

As a consumer, it’s important to remember that you’re not powerless. After all, the best kind of a consumer is an informed one, so be sure to do your homework by asking and researching common auto service questions. This is especially true when buying a vehicle directly from the owner in what’s known as a private sale. While many used car shoppers choose this option in order to negotiate a lower price, it can be difficult to determine how well the vehicle was maintained.

This is where asking common auto service questions comes into play. It’s important to inquire about how often the oil was changed, if there were any major repairs done, if the vehicle was involved in an accident, and so forth. If available, ask the owner for any service records and receipts, in addition to having a mechanic look it over in order to detect any potential issues.