Craig, in this process i have learned.... If it aint brand new, you are taking a risk.
Ask any dealer. Homeboy bought an escalade for 2k, fixed it for 12k, and sold it for 27,000 when others were booking for 30k... Buyer got a deal though!!!
I'm over worrying about the guessing game that is "buying used cars". Im going to buy a car and drive it. if it breaks, i will fix it. I will never covet an automobile.