Peace of mind is an important factor for parents as well as young drivers. Selecting and maintaining a reliable vehicle from the outset can prevent most breakdowns. When vehicle shopping, consider these tips:

• Look for a warranty. Select a vehicle with a remaining warranty or purchase an extended warranty. AAA can help you find sources for extended warranties.
  
  
• Check the history. Review all maintenance and crash-repair histories. AAA members can obtain a CARFAX vehicle history report at a discount through AAA.com. It can help you learn about possible past crashes and damage due to floods or other causes.
  
  
• Conduct a pre-purchase inspection. Have the vehicle inspected at a repair facility to ensure it’s roadworthy, mechanically sound and equipped with operational safety components. AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities offer this service for a nominal fee.
  
  
• Avoid excessive mileage. A car driven beyond standard mileage for its age may mean heavy or abusive driving that could lead to abnormal wear on components.

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