What to look out for when buying a used car ?

[caremummy]

Me again
I've now got an even narrower shortlist of cars (c1/107/picanto/ka) and now it will be down to which is best value. What do I need to look for ? Obviously, not really high (60k+?) mileage, not dirt cheap and not cat C or D. I've been warned against Evan Halshaw, but don't know where to start.
I would've ideally let my dad do this sort of thing, but parents are very anti driving (for me),so not an option.
Independence time.
Also, I live in Edinburgh, I will have provision for parking, not 100% sure if permit/resident or what yet as we haven't confirmed flat, out of 4 us 2 will have cars (other is a nice fiesta).
Has anyone any tips for driving in Edinburgh ? I'm not as silly as to drive on princes street, the cars for work, placement and visiting the family.
Thanks xox

Obviously, not really high (60k+?) mileage, not dirt cheap and not cat C or D

Why 'obviously' ?

If this is your first car (and I'm inferring from your post you are relatively young), then I'd look at insurance groups first, as that will be your main cost.

My opinion is, if you are not able to afford a car that is only about 3 yrs old then you might as well get a very cheap car, rather than one you perhaps pay out £2 - £3k for, as, you have no guarantees that things won't go wrong with the car you've paid £2.5K for, but you won't have money left to fix it. If you buy one for £500, and it needs work - you either have money in the budget left to do the repairs, or, if really bad, and you decide to sell for scrap, you've still got the other £2k to replace it with.
Do you know anyone who can recommend local independent garages or a local mechanic? Ask in there if they know of anyone selling an old, cheap car - people will often have that conversation with them. Ask on your social media if anyone knows of any reliable but lower end cars for sale - you'd be surprised how many people do, and when there is a connection, people you know won't sell you a death trap / insurance write off etc.
This website will let you do some checks on cars you see.
I generally wouldn't buy from dealers that park on the street and just have a mobile number, but you may well pick up a bargain from genuine householders with a notice in the window of their car.