Comment by TedDoesntTalk

Get the car checked out by a trusted mechanic or shop before buying it (a mechanic or shop that you've used before). They charge less than $200. Yes, they can miss problems, but they're not going to miss obvious problems. i've done this and the buyers never had a problem with it. If the buyer pressures you, "I've got 3 other people lined up to buy", then walk. You don't need THAT car THAT badly.