Used Cars: Used Car, decent warranty, daytime running lights

Question
Hello Robert,

I moved to Las Vegas recently and now looking for a car to drive around the city and for long trips as well. I have decided on Toyota Corolla. I'm looking to buy a used car, not very old, make ideally after year 2003, automatic transmission and budget around $13-14000. The mileage should be ideally less than 40000. I needed clarifications on the following:
- Is it recommended to buy a certified used car?
- I know this is a vague question, but is there anything specific (any known problems) I need to check when buying the Corolla?
- Again a vague question, but what would be mileage one should look our for? More the better or the other way round?
- What would be the approximate cost of such a vehicle?
- I'm new around here and I had a look online as well and I know this is not a forum to market any dealers, but do you any idea where I can get reliable Toyota dealers in Vegas?

Any other useful tips from your side about the Corolla would be wonderful.

Thanks in advance,
Shailesh

Answer
Hello, I will try to answer each question individually at first, it makes it easy to follow - I will add my thoughts at the bottom.

- Certified pre-owned cars come with a warranty, if having one is important to you, get one.  Its the only way to get a (decent) warranty with a used car these days.  It all depends on how badly you want that coverage, because they will cost more because of the benefits.

-Problems (information courtesy of "http://consumerguide.com"):

Battery: The battery dies because a faulty headlight switch is unable to turn the lights off and an updated switch is available. (2003)

Battery: Whenever the battery is too low to start the vehicle, the relay for the daytime running lights (DRL) becomes damaged and a revised relay must be installed. (2003)

Check-engine light: Excessive sulfur odor on cars with a 1ZZ-FE engine, usually accompanied by a check engine light (and trouble code P0420) must have the PCM (engine computer) reprogrammed or replaced. (2003-04)

Suspension noise: A tapping noise that seems to be coming from the dash is actually from the upper suspension mount for the spring on which insulating material must be applied. (2003)

- Less mileage is of course always better, but it is a toyota... 10,000 more miles or so won't make a huge difference.

- I don't know how the values are in Las Vegas, but around here there are some 2005-6's with ~20,000 miles going for the 13,000 dollar range.  Use (autotrader.com, cars.com) to get a good idea of what they are going for close to you.  As for dealers Carsdirect.com searches local dealers, should be an easy way to find out who deals in toyota's close to you.

The car you chose is a good one, you should be able to find one in your price range easily.  Just make sure its been taken care of and you should be fine... certified pre-owns will cost substantially more.. you have to decide for yourself if the warranty is worth the extra cash.  If you have any other questions feel free to ask.