In most university towns, public transportation is not amicable. You may have to buy a car. A used one is usually a good start. Here is how...

Inspecting a used car is hard and time-consuming. Even a professional auto mechanic may miss to detect some critical problems of a used car in a short time. The following checklist will help you easy the inspection, however, it is by no means conclusive.

Exterior appearance-color of paint around the car the same? body line smooth  and straight?-any sign of paint overspray on rubber or locks?-body conditions, paint faded or rusted? The first two items will tell you immediately if the car has been in an accident or not. Accident takes a serious toll on a vehicle. Any color difference, even very slight, indicates body work. A car with a history of accident should be greatly devalued. 

Tires and wheels-alignment (misalignment may indicate serious problem)-tire conditions-spare tire and changing tools

Mileage:

Suspension-shock absorbers

Under the hood-engine oil leaking (may cause serious problems)-engine oil level-transmission fluid level-brake fluid level-any fluid leaking?-conditions of all visible belts-battery age (average battery life: 5 years)-air filter

Engine and Transmission-engine sounds smooth?-any blue smoke in the exhaust especially when first start  in a cold morning?-transmission should shift smooth and quiet-manual transmission should have no sound when clutch down-transaxle (turning should not have any sound) Any of these problems may imply very expensive repair.

Inside the cab-conditions of seats-conditions of carpet-upholstery condition

Dashboard controls-air-conditioner-heater-fans and vent-audio system-doors and windows-tilt steering-windshield wiper and washer-mirror adjustment-locks-truck, hood, gas-cap release-emergency brake and release-horn(you should check these items when the car is parked)-cruise control-every gauge working?

Electric-head lights (normal and high beam)-turn signals-body lights-dome lights-dashboard lights-emergency hazard lights-parking lights-stop lights-other lights (glove box, trunk, hood, license plate,  reading)-cigarette lighter

Others-any signs of flood damage-owner’s manual-valid title-title identification number match the number on the  dashboard? 

Buying a used car is a complicated issue depending on many factors and is financially tricky. Inspection is often more important than financial strategy. The repairing cost of a used car may be well over its selling price. However, a current bookvalue of a car is
always a good reference. Books on used car prices are available in many grocery stores or bookstores. You should always use the book with lowest bookvalues in purchasing a car. 

The following sites have used car price information.

 Edmund's Automobile Buyer's Guides (Used and new car buying guide) 
 Kelley Blue Book (Used and new car price) 
 Carfax (Free Lemon Check)