Buying a used car can save you thousands of dollars compared to purchasing a new one, but it also comes with risks. A vehicle may look spotless on the outside and drive perfectly during a short test drive while hiding expensive mechanical or electrical problems beneath the surface.

Minus any aftermarket accessories, the vehicle you bought however long ago has the same features today as it did when it rolled off the assembly line. For all intents and purposes, everything about your car, from the powertrain to the infotainment system, is exactly the same as the day you drove it off the lot. And you have not had to pay extra for any of the features you use and enjoy most.

Most of us deal with the same handful of headaches on our daily commute, from aggressive drivers and traffic congestion to the occasional speeding ticket. Here in Detroit, where I live, there are even some unique road and infrastructure designs that can make rush hour driving a challenge.