There is no way around inspecting those cars personally before making a judgment as to which is a better option. You have to find a way to inspect both cars for worn bushings, bad mounts, leaking parts (exp power steering pump), etc. Those things matter a whole lot more than the way the exterior looks for example.

To set realistic expectation, may I ask you how much do you have to spend on your new car?

 

Of course i plan to inspect it, lol. What i ment by risking it is spending the time and money to drive up there and hope it wasnt a waste of time.

around 12k is my limit, but if i go low low like 2-3k i can spend money on fixing it up, if i go more, i have no money to mess with the car for a while.