El Paso, Texas (NAPSI) - There are several ways to buy a used car, but whether you choose to buy from a dealer, online or from someone you know, it’s always a smart idea to protect yourself. These tips can help:

Ask for an independent inspection. Be sure the car has no major problems that you will have to deal with later.

Find out if the car was involved in an accident. In theU.S., a car accident occurs every 60 seconds. You need to know when buying a used car that it is safe to drive and will protect you. If the car was in an accident, ask a mechanic to make sure it was fixed properly.

To help you make an informed and confident decision, ask for a Carfax Vehicle History Report. These reports reveal prior damage reported to Carfax, such as accidents and subsequent repairs. Pay extra attention if you find a salvage title or air-bag deployment. To get Carfax Reports and learn more, visit www.carfax.com.