Buying a used car is no less of an investment than purchasing a new vehicle. You need to do your due diligence and find the used car that's perfect for you. That means getting a dependable vehicle at a fair price.

That doesn't mean you can't save a few bucks on your next used car. Here are ten ways to do just that (and they don't all revolve around an asking price):

1. Set your budget. If you don't know how much you have to spend on a used car, you're very likely to spend too much. Take inventory of the cash you have on hand and/or estimate what you can afford as a monthly payment.

1. Think about precisely what you want. Consider your driving habits, vehicle needs, and favorite perks – and jot them down. Having this list in front of you will prevent you from being swayed by vehicle types that you really don't care for or bells and whistles that you won't use.

3.    Check auto insurance rates. Once you have narrowed your options to a body style or two, start looking into auto insurance rates for various makes and models (and don't forget model years – premiums can vary from year to year). Car insurance is one of the major monthly expenses you'll incur, so don't skip this step.

1. Shop around – a lot. There are plenty of sources of used car listings like auto magazines, newspapers, dealer sites or online portals (some of which are searchable by car type or price). You might be surprised at the variance in prices among similar used vehicles.

1. Don't forget private owners. Chances are good that you'll get a lower price from a private seller than you will from a dealer. Make the effort to find resources that list "for sale by owner" cars from Craigslist ads to church newsletters.

1. Consider rental car companies. Often, you can get a one- or two-year old car from auto rental companies at a huge discount from a dealer sticker price. They'll even still be under the factory warranty. Just be sure to choose a reputable rental car firm.

1. Emphasize value, not price. Don't concentrate too much on a number; you actually want the best value for your dollar. You'll probably find many different cars of similar body style or make/model within a tight price range, so it pays to focus more on the vehicle condition and amenities.

8.   Get the Carfax. The minute you start thinking about purchasing a particular used car, ask to see the vehicle's maintenance history report. This should list the collisions and/or repairs that were done on the car. Try to avoid buying one that has been in a major crash.

1. Inspect and test drive your favorites. Don't buy a used car before a) test driving it yourself under real-world conditions and b) having it inspected by a certified auto mechanic. Any seller who refuses these requests is not trustworthy enough for your business.

1. Negotiate. There's no such thing as a "fixed" price so don't be afraid to ask for a lower one. If you're negotiating with a dealer, ask to see each deal in writing (and look for hidden fees). Don't be afraid to walk away - there are plenty of used cars out there.

eBay is a wonderful thing for gearheads. Barn relics, warehoused vehicles, and other finds are instantly online and available for perusing. Generally, these are weekend projects, but occasionally, you find some surprises.

#5) 1976 Lancia Beta Coupe

Selling Price: $2750

Cost Normally: $6000

Far be it from us to make fun of the everyday Italian car, even if we do crack up every time the word "Fiat" is mentioned. Still, the Beta Coupe was surprisingly reliable, but hard to find in good shape, and less than half of what you'd normally pay is a pretty good deal.

Of course, you'll still be driving an Italian car, so, that's a bit of a drawback.

#4) 1970 Jaguar XK-E

Selling Price: $18,000

Cost Normally: $36,000, at least.

Here's the problem with the Jaguar XK-E: finding one with a good body is difficult, and finding one with a drive train and engine in decent shape is pretty much impossible. Getting car insurance for it is no easy task, either. Oh, and there's also the matter of actually finding one, especially in the U.S. And, yet, 26 years ago, this beauty was driven onto the lot, parked indoors, and was left there to be picked up by some lucky seller. Hail Britannia!

#3) 1971 Mercedes Convertible

Selling Price: Lower Than You Think

Normally: $20,000 to $30,000

How much would you pay for a vintage 1971 Mercedes hardtop convertible, all original, with low mileage. Would you pay $20,000? $2000?

How about $200?

Apparently this seller just wanted to get rid of this car, as it was taking up space, and relied on eBay to drive up the price. Big mistake.

Sometimes, it's really better to just set your price fairly when you're selling online. But then again, you just wouldn't get great deals like this if people were careful.

#2) 1957 Chevrolet Corvette

Selling Price: $59,600

Cost Normally: $80,000

Why does this rank so high on the list, when it's way less of a deal than some of the others?

Because it's completely original.

Yes, that is not a restoration, not a replica, not a "mostly cherry" car. This is the real deal, all original parts, 1957 Chevy Corvette.

Apparently it was left in a warehouse in the 1970s with a cover over it and then completely abandoned for more than 30 years. So basically, you can get a 50-year-old car in lightly-used condition for less than you can get a restored junker. Aren't warehouses wonderful?

#1) 1964 Triumph TR3

Selling Price: $2000

Cost Normally: $10,000 at least

Triumph didn't sell many cars over here in the US. To be fair, they didn't exactly sell a lot of cars at all towards the end, which is why they became a subsidiary of BMW. But they did manage to move this roadster, which is highly prized by collectors...and difficult to find in the US. So for this one, complete with fine body work and working engine, $2000 is a steal, and we envy the lucky guy who got it.

Used cars have a lot to offer: they're cheap, they're available everywhere, the selection of used cars is better...but it's also riskier than buying new, sometimes. Here are ten questions you should ask before paying any money.

- “Who'd you buy it from?” Possibly the most important question you can possibly ask. A car's previous owner will tell you a lot about how the car itself operates, and what possible problems you may run into while driving it.

- “Is it manufacturer-certified?” The only certification that's worth anything from a consumer standpoint is the one from the manufacturer: they'll know what's wrong with the car, and how to fix any issues they may find. If it's not certified by the manufacturer, that would be a good time to leave.

- “Can I see the pre-certification inspection?” This is more for your peace of mind than to learn about the car: knowing what the mechanic had to fix before the car was certified can tell you what might go wrong with the car later.

- “Have you needed to do any other repairs after it was certified?” Sometimes these repairs are necessary, but you should find out what was done before you buy.

- “What's the cash price?” If you're able to pay cash, that's something dealerships love to hear. Sure, they make money on financing, but being able to pay up front means less hassle for them, and they'll pass savings on to you.

- “What comes with this price?” Find out up front exactly what the car includes standard as part of the deal. Does it need equipment, repairs, or any other money put into it?

- “Do you take trade-ins?” This alone can save you quite a lot of money. See what they're willing to give you for your old car, and how much that knocks off the price of your new car.

- “What's your return policy?” No reputable dealership would intentionally sell you a lousy car, but accidents do happen. Reduce their likelihood by knowing your options.

- “Is there a Carfax report available?” A dealership worth its salt will have this available for you right away. One that hesitates, or one that won't provide one, is one you should walk away from, or possibly run.

- “Can I take it for an extended test drive?” Provided you agree to a few conditions, there's no reason you can't take a car home with you for the night to test it out. See if they're willing to let you drive it around a little.

Good luck, and good hunting!