# So I need to buy a car tomorrow... **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 7, 2009, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-need-to-buy-a-car-tomorrow/509144 "2009-09-07T04:57:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![NRichards](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce73a5/32.png) [@NRichards](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NRichards)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2009, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-need-to-buy-a-car-tomorrow/509144/1 "2009-09-07T04:57:34Z")
And I am a little nervous. I know what to do as far as the whole purchasing and DMV fun is concerned. What I am nervous about is that I know in some sense I won’t be getting a great vehicle, but I don’t want to get fleeced. I’m looking to spend no more than $1,200 so my best bet looks to be a sale from a private owner. Been cruising craigslist, and there seems to be some viable options. I live in New Hampshire, for point of reference. Any tips you kind Dopers can offer? ---
**Author:** ![Fastidiots](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@Fastidiots](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fastidiots)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2009, 6:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-need-to-buy-a-car-tomorrow/509144/2 "2009-09-07T06:50:15Z")
Do some research on makes and models known to be reliable, including their pitfalls and how to spot them, then be prepared to pay for a mechanic to inspect the vehicle. Viola. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2009, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-need-to-buy-a-car-tomorrow/509144/3 "2009-09-07T14:06:26Z")
This website was really helpful to me when I was making my first car purchase: [www.edmunds.com](http://www.edmunds.com/). Lots of information on purchasing new and used cars. Make sure you get the VIN number and run a carfax report so that you know the vehichle’s history.