Regardless, we all want something reliable, as breaking down midway through a commute or grocery trip is nobody's idea of fun. While there's no sure way of knowing whether a used car will be dependable, there are warning signs buyers can look out for. Signs like unusually high mileage, a missing service history, and a large number of previous owners are all examples of red flags to watch out for. While we can't look into a crystal ball and predict just how reliable that secondhand car you're considering will be, we can arm you with exactly what to look out for. So do your research, always insist on a pre-purchase professional inspection if you can afford one, and think carefully about the following warning signs.