Used Car Buying Advice

I am currently trying to buy a used car. I am a classic trope: a broke/struggling college student. I am graduating from uni in December of this year. I need a car badly. I only have between 3k and 3,500 total to spend on a vehicle. I see a lot of cars on the Facebook marketplace. I am terrified of getting scammed. I have a few men in my family who know a lot about cars. They are willing to assist me in looking for a vehicle. I have a dilemma. I have been reaching out to potential sellers, and I've offered to pay for a diagnostic test before I buy the car. I don't trust buying a car without knowing what I am getting. I see cars that are below my price range. I know it is a risk to pay for a vehicle cheaper than 3k, heck, even 3k is a risky price. But, I wonder if I go cheaper would it be smarter? Maybe I can invest the extra grand into any car troubles the car may have...Idk, will someone please give me some advice? I need a car asap. I need to have a vehicle by the time I graduate so that I can have transportation for work. I currently live with my mom. I left my job and abusive ex...long story. I am pretty sure I've written about it on here.

anythingoes477 · M

Be VERY careful buying online. The midwest and south and some eastern states even have had massive flooding over the past 2 months. Lots of cars that were partially underwater...have had water in the transmissions and rear ends and were considered "totaled" by insurance companies are now being "cleaned up" and sold to unsuspecting buyers.