Used Cars: help buying used car, horror stories, buying used car

Question
hi.
I'm a college student about to graduate.
I have a small budget and am looking to buy a used car. it'll be my very first one. I know I can't get anything amazing, but at least an automatic.

my budget is maximum at $4000.

I have no idea how to go about looking for a car as I have never needed one.

Where do I go? what do I look for? what can I get in that price range?

Help .. :)

Answer
Hello Desirai. Sorry for the delay, I've been on vacation. I would go to autotrader.com to start my search, start looking for cars in the $5000 to 5500 range and from individual sellers not dealers at this point. You can tell your story to an individual, about school and a budget and they may sympathize with you and come down on the price to get to your $4000. Remember everything is negotiable. I would also go to edmunds.com and do some research on the type of cars you want. You should read some of my previous answers and read some of the horror stories of people who bought $2000--$5000 cars and did not take them to a mechanic for a second opinion. THIS IS A MUST or you can get burned and loose your money.... Start doing some research and then get back with me and I will help out. When you do write back I will need to know your Zip Code.