What do you look for while buying a new vehicle for yourself ?

I am in the market too, to buy a car. I won't be buying brand new though. I have a limited amount of money to spend on a car and it isn't near the amount I would need to buy brand new. So I am in the market to buy one second hand. I have never owned a brand new car so I know where and how to find a used one. I won't be buying one off of a lot because they just charge way too much. I am looking for a second hand one sold by an individual. I have had luck with buying used cars, in the past, so I hope my luck continues. I live in Calgary, Alberta and it seems to me that lots of people sell cars for cheaper than anywhere else I have lived. My first car that I bought in Calgary, I only paid $1 for it. I bought it off a church and that is all they wanted for it. It lasted me about 3 years before I had to get rid of it and replace it. My second car I bought in Calgary I only paid $65 for it and it lasted me two years without putting any money into it. My third car I bought in Calgary I paid $400 for it, and it lasted me about 4 years. I paid a little more for that one but it was a good car. Now I am looking for a car in Calgary for about $1000 as I want this one to last me 5 years. hehe

For me, the most important thing is to make sure that the frame is not bent (I have only purchased used cars). Lucky for me, my husband does body work (repairing, painting) on cars and can always tell if a car has been painted...which would be a sign it's been wrecked. I don't mind that, but car dealers will lie to you to get you to buy it. They'll tell you it's not been wrecked when you can tell it has. So, we ALWAYS check to make sure the frame is straight. Next for me would be consumer safety ratings, since I have a 2 year old daughter. It's gotta be safe!