Tips on Buying Cars: buying used, ford explorers, autotrader magazine

Question
Hi Ray. Had the great misfortune last week of losing my 92 Toyota p/u. Engine froze. I won't go into the details, but I was able to sell it for $1000 only. As a grad student, I haven't much cash to work with. Max $4000, better $3000 to spend total. Need reliablity 1st, all else 2nd. I would like to find a medium size SUV, because I do alot of carrying of equipt. If it isn't reasonable to find something for the money, then I am prepared to settle for a car. But I hope not to have to!
For the money, I'm seeing Isuzu's and Ford explorers. I'm reading alot of mixed owner reviews on these. So I'm leery. Toyotas rule, then maybe Nissan, but I am not seeing it for the money I have.
I am looking to private parties, not dealers. Also, there's a car auction in LA that I thought to see about, but I would have to buy on-site, w/o opportunity to have it checked by a  
mechanic....
thanks for reading this, any advice I'd be so grateful. I am pressed to buy soon: am spending 150/week on a rental now!
Scott

Answer
Hi Scott
In that price range it becomes hit and miss and being in the right place at the right time, the vehicle is out there and here's how i would approch.

On the internet i would go autotrader.com enter my zip and enter every vehicle that may fit the bill within 100M at $ 5000.and less, from there buy an autotrader Magazine, pick up some local community newspapers, there are always some small adds for cars being sold private. as for small car lots like buy here pay here i would also check. the number 1 factor becomes an independent inspection without i would not consider buying any car no matter how good the deal.you have a lot of work ahead but it will pay in the long run.

As for buying a vehicle in the $ 3000. range we both know it will be quite a few model years old and most likely with high mileage, in this price range Make and Model becomes secondary to overall condition. as for buying an Explorer just keep in mind they are real gas guzzlers.

Public Auctions...You absolutely must go to my website  http://www.usedcartips.org/  and navigate to the PUBLIC AUCTION page, make sure you read an e-mail i entered from a college student about his horror story buying from an Auction.
Good luck Scott...should you have further Q's i will be here for you
Regards
ray