Buying a used car? Watch out for recalls

When you buy a used car, don't just kick the tires.

In 2013, 3.5 million used cars with unfixed safety-related recalls were listed for sale on Craigslist and other websites, says Carfax.com.

Recalls, registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, can range from a risk of engine fire to a defective airbag.

To check whether a car has been recalled -- and if so, fixed -- you can look up its vehicle identification number for free on Carfax's site.

If a repair hasn't been made (no cost at an authorized dealer), try for a price break in return for taking the car in yourself.

Don't have the VIN? The NHTSA's safercar.gov lists recalls by make and model.