Sometimes this is exactly right...although I have a slightly different take on the subject as I'm a clean & rust-free nut who almost exclusively purchases vehicles outside my area (ebay, etc.).
You absolutely have to trust your gut...but you have to have a trained gut! It helps a lot if you're familiar with the particular vehicle type to talk about specific idiosyncrasies unique to those cars. You can ask "
Has this been done?" and "
Have you replaced the (insert part here) yet?" Choosing a vehicle type with a very solid reputation vis-à-vis longevity almost always helps. Loads of digital photos are helpful as well, especially for the rust-conscious.
I always speak to the owner and can tell if he/she is "full of it"...i.e., answers my questions accurately, intelligently, and truthfully.
Before leaping, ask yourself if you can stomach a major failure should it occur...and how you would handle it.
I bought my 1986 Daytona in 2011 as an almost-abandoned non-runner. I surmised it had a broken timing belt and was subsequently parked. I paid a ridiculously low price but shelled out $1100.00 to have it shipped. Installed a timing belt, water pump, and spent about 20 hours cleaning filth. It's been my daily driver for 14+ years. Easy decision as I'm very familiar with 80s FWD Chrysler products and could probably disassemble one in my sleep.
Last month I bought a 2007 Caravan SE I located in San Jose. Fortunately for me, our oldest son is stationed about an hour away, so he gave it a drive and a quick once-over. To be clear, our son is no mechanic, but has great sense and was able to follow a checklist I sent him. Luckily, my wife and I already had a trip planned, so it was only a matter of me canceling my return flight and driving the van home. I had to put tires on it as soon as I picked it up, but other than that the van made the 1850-mile trip back home in a flawless manner. $4600 for a one-owner, 80K-mile Caravan that's an absolute cream puff. Great deal.
