How do you know a car is a good car?

If he vehicle is maintained properly, have a Mechanic check it over for you( knows what are cheap/expensive repairs). Test drive it( u and the mechanic). It is cheaper to completely rebuild a slightly older car than by a new car. Example: my 1993 Dodge Dakota pickup: can have the engine/trans. rebuilt replaced(if I didn't do it myself), new interior (even upgrade to leather aftermarket seats), repainted(frame off,even) and have a brand new truck(0 miles) for $10,000 less than you would have after 5yrs paying $30,000 for a new one. In the end you would have what I have now, which I paid $3500 for 12 yrs ago.