Advice on buying 1.9

[ThoraB]

Salesman rang tonight, said he would do the 3 main jobs but it would cost him money... I reminded him that he'd have to do them in order to sell it to anyone. He still wants £1250 & micra (15 years old, paint peeling but automatic, reliable, cool colour!) No way I'll do that. He absolutely wont go to £900

I rang my usual garage who said if he does those jobs then I shouldn't have to worry, the car's in good condition. But I agree with Opensauce- why would they advertise it for sale with all those faults?

You're all talking sense on here, I just cant see how a no-nowt like me could buy privately. I had a look on Auto Trader but I think I'd be in the same boat. Research & bluffing I can do but it's no substitute for the knowledge that you guys have! I can't pay garages to look over every one. So now i really dont know what to do! I told them to ring me when they've done the work & I would see how it felt to drive. But as you say, how would I know they've done the work properly. :S