So like. I was looking at a car on craigslist.org And like it looks and sounds nice, but how can i be sure? Do i just ask if he would be willing to take it down to a mechanic and have it checked out? And like who would pay for it? Like where would be a good place to take it. The car is in fremont. SInce i don't live there, i don't really know any good places to take it. here's the link if anybody would like to take a look: http://www.craigslist.org/eby/car/22577892.html

i'll move this to the ca regional forum for you. customarily, if you want an independent mechanic to give a used car a once over, you pay for it yourself, some sellers might be willing to split the costs if they haven't had a mechanic go over it recently, but don't count on it.

Well, it should be the seller's responsibility to get it checked/inspected for you but that really depends on the situation. My seller paid for the inspection but I located the shop. Of course, he was in NC and I was in CA. I found the shop online and called them. Got a quote and directions and informed the seller. He then agreed. Everything worked out great. The seller then shipped over the car (I paid, of course) and I received the car without ever looking at it or driving it. I was also VERY lucky to receive a PERFECT car. :)