Resources

Some resources / references for purchasing a car are:

•  Consumer Reports, www.consumerreports.com. You don't have to be a subscriber to get lists of best and worst cars. You could subscribe online for a month to get more detailed information.
• CarFax 
• Cars.com also has ratings and a search function for cars in your price range, area, etc.
•  www.cartalk.com has a way to see what their listeners think about various cars.
• Kelly Blue Book, www.kbb.com, is another place to search. Pick out a price range and it'll suggest cars that are in it. You then can read owner reviews.
•  Consumer Reports Buying Guide, 2010 (or earlier) since you are looking for a used car. It includes ratings back to 2003. Your library probably has a copy you can use or check out.