Tips on Buying Cars: Please need some help, chrysler seabring, flood damaged cars


Question
Hi,
I don't know if you can help me out but I figure why not try? So, I have a loan for 5000 and have to get a car that's atleast a year 2000 and up and it has to be under 100,000 miles. So, I noticed am limited to cars like Ford Taurus, Doge Neon, Chrysler Seabring, Interprid , Mercury Sable etc. and they all have like 86,000 miles on them. However, I did notice a 97,000 mile Mazda 626 for $5000 (the guys said he would include taxes, temporary plates, and everything for $5500). I don't know if I am getting a good deal or not and not sure of Mazda's reliablity...
I also have $1900 saved in cash (the loan is from Eloan). Anyway, I just wanted to know your take on the Mazda 626 year 2000, would i be paying too much...also is the cars like the ford taurus and others listed above are good. Also the chrsyer year 2001 or 2002 has about 67,000 miles. Considerably less than the Mazda but I am not sure of their quality.
thanks

Answer
hi,
i would stay away from old Mazda's. The newer ones are good, but 2000 had many problems including tansmissions.I would consider the chrysler with the 67k miles if it is in your price range. Before purchasing, please check a carfax, it will tell you if the car had any major damage or if flood damaged cars. Let me know if you ahve any other questions.

Steve