Tips on Buying Cars: Used car buying, mechanic check, mechanical failure

Question
I am looking to buy a used car. What should I look for in a car and dealership and what should I stay away from. Also I'm looking to finance, but have a budget what should I look for on that also?

Answer
I apologize for my delayed response as I had a family emergency and was forced to leave town on short notice.
To answer some of your questions... Buying a used car can save thousands but also offers greater risk of mechanical failure.  Be sure to either shop for certified (and thus covered by warranty) used cars or have a knowledgeable mechanic check out any vehicle you are interested in.  Keep in mind how much money you want to spend and be sure to be reasonable with your choice.. if you are on a budget you should put your needs before your wants... you probably dont need an SUV, truck, sports car... if you are on a budget.. so look for cars that are reliable, cheap, and high high resale value.  When financing make sure you shop around before purchasing.. go to several banks/credit unions and see what kind of loan you qualify for and what rates you can get.  Sometimes the dealer is cheaper, some times its not.... by shopping around, knowing your options, and being informed you are more likely to get a good deal.  Only shop reputable dealerships (if you don't know a lot about cars)... like the big ford, dodge, toyota places in the middle of town... the smaller ones are almost always rip-offs, or previously damaged vehicles...  If you have more specific questions, or perhaps some ideas on vehicles and would like my thoughts, feel free to ask again - hope this helps.