I've got a few things to say about buying used vehicles:

1. Caveat Emptor (meaning: Buyer Beware, further meaning: if you didn't
follow rule #2 then don't cry over spilt milk)

- if you don't know the vehicle you're buying from a mechanical
standpoint or just don't know the mechanical end of things very well then:

2. Pay someone that _does_ know a lot about the vehicle you're buying to
go over it with a fine tooth comb.  They won't catch everything, but they
will get the majority of big $$$$ items and bring them to your attention.
You can then use this information to realistically lower the price you're
willing to pay for the car based on what the mechanic thinks it will cost
to get the beast back in fighting trim.  Also makes it a whole lot easier
to walk away if the PO won't dicker with you.

$100+ upfront prior to the purchase can save you $$$$+ in the long run.
If I don't know the vehicle or the buyer it's worth it to me to take it to
someone else for review.  For the Volvos in my life there's a great local
independent shop that will look over any Volvo I bring them for $0.  Maybe
there's someone in your area that will do the same.

3. DON'T fall in LOVE!  More stupid purchases have been made because
someone just "HAD TO HAVE" a particular car, then for any other reason.
Treat the car like a potential roommate (platonic type) and you should be
okay.

The John Muir book, "The Idiot's Guide to Rabbits", has a great section on
buying used cars.  Gives you all the things to watch for, which amazingly
is still applicable to today's cars, as well as "alternative" means for
determining whether this particular car and you belong together.  Very
entertaining reading for both the old hand and the newbie.

Jack