When searching for a car the most common mistake I see customers make is not evaluating condition of the vehicles when determining whether or not to purchase the vehicle.  At the risk of sounding self serving too many customer's put too much emphasis on price to the point where evaluation of condition becomes secondary or not much of a factor in their buying decision.  As an independant auto dealer I purchase cars wholesale every day and condition of the vehicle trumps almost every situation when deciding whether to purchase any one vehicle.  Whenever possible I have technicians give the final green light on wholesale purchases and most buyers would be well served to invest a couple hundred bucks once they pick out the car they want and let an auto technician complete a mechanical inspection.   The price you pay for a car is a one time thing.  The total cost of ownership can be a very painful and expensive experience if you dont conduct proper due dilligence prior to buying your next car.