New or used? The strategy differs depending on what type of car you're shopping for.

Call 4 Action reporter Meghan Jones says savvy used-car buyers can save money and still avoid driving home in a lemon.

The bad news is that it takes more work to negotiate the sale. The good news is that there are several helpful resources available.

"No one should be intimidated, whether you're a man or a woman," consumer law attorney Susanne Kimberland says. "With the information that's available, you really should take the information with you and ask your questions based upon your research."

Vehix.com is one place to start. You can look for used cars in your area; check out the price, picture and mileage; and get the vehicle identification number (VIN).

Then, you can go to Carfax.com and enter the VIN. For a fee, the Web site provides you with a report that includes accidents, odometer readings and flood damage.

A big concern for used car buyers should be whether the vehicle has been in a flood.

In Pennsylvania, a used car's title must mention flood damage -- but Kimberland says the vehicle could have come from a state where there was no such requirement, so it may not appear on the title.

Something else to remember: A car may have had thousands of dollars worth of damage, but if the frame was not bent, the title will not note any vehicle damage. You will have to ask in order to find out.

"If you fail to ask if that vehicle has been in an accident, and it was, and you find out later, you are stuck with that vehicle," Kimberland says.

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To do some research on used cars, check out the links on ThePittsburghChannel.com's Automotive page.