Looking to buy a used car.

[Phillip V]

My budget is less than $3500 total costs.
Here be what I am looking at. I want to offer $1700-$2000: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=330340076113

Ideally, I want to find a Toyota Prius 3500-5000 depending on mileage and condition.

Any tips and advice for used car buying? The car is for long trips for up to three years.

[Ed Anger]

Look up the kelley blue book for an idea on price, and avoid 'As Is' as much as possible. And Carfax is your friend.

[CountDeMoney]

My budget is less than $3500 total costs

Ideally, I want to find a Toyota Prius

"That's what you call a paradox."

[Darth Wagtaros]

If you find a Prius for that money its either actually on fire or still has damp  blood stains from the previous owner.

[MadBurgerMaker]

Prius, $5k and under:

http://www.cars.com/go/search/search_results.jsp?ct=147&tracktype=usedcc&searchType=21&cid=&dlid=&dgid=&amid=&cname=&mdnm=Prius&mknm=Toyota&rd=10000&ddrd=&zc=78240&makeid=47&modelid=2916&pageNumber=&numResultsPerPage=50&largeNumResultsPerPage=0&sortorder=descending&sortfield=PRICE%20descending&certifiedOnly=false&criteria=K-|E-|M-_47_|B-5000|D-_2916_|N-N|R-10000|I-1,7|P-PRICE%20descending|Q-descending|Z-78240&aff=national

The wrecked one only has 108,000 miles. 

[katmai]

My budget is less than $3500 total costs.


Ideally, I want to find a Toyota Prius 3500-5000 depending on mileage and condition.

And i wanted to be the one to knock up Gisele Bündchen, but neither of those things are gonna happen.

[Grey Fox]

Get yourself a Pontiac. Sure mileage will suck but it'll be a part of history.

[Barrister]

For that kind of money look at 10+ year old cars.  Think Chevy Cavalier, Ford Escort, Honda Civic.  Look for reasonable mileage, and try and make sure it's a well-maintained car.  Someone said Carfax - good idea.  If you can buy off of a reliable family member all the better.  If you have the choice buy Japanese over American, and both over German (repair costs will kill ya), but it depends on the individual car.

Don't buy over the internet/eBay.  Maybe use Craigslist, but test drive the car before buying.

[Darth Wagtaros]

Get yourself a Pontiac. Sure mileage will suck but it'll be a part of history.

Can't go wrong with a trusty Gremlin.

[Ed Anger]

My budget is less than $3500 total costs.


Ideally, I want to find a Toyota Prius 3500-5000 depending on mileage and condition.

And i wanted to be the one to knock up Gisele Bündchen, but neither of those things are gonna happen.

Tom Brady polluted her.

[katmai]

Tom Brady polluted her.

sad but true