Not for me, of course...the Bonneville will remain mine until it gets turned to scrap. But my girlfriend is looking for a new car, and has about $4000 to work with. We've looked up the basics, and the main thing I'm wondering is if looking up a history report on the car you want to buy is worth it, and if so, by what means? Carfax?

I come here since I know you are all so knowledgable, and definately 10x more mature than any other car forum I've ever trolled/frequented.

There is quite a bit that can be turned up in a carfax report,that'* one reason they're asked for so much around here

Also, what'* the proper way about inquiring about a car? Call the seller up and ask to see the car in person? I would never buy without driving the car first...but I've never bought outside of a dealership.

Sure,call the seller up and ask about it and take it for a test drive and deal on it if ya want
If they won't let ya take it for a test drive,take ya money elsewhere

Just so you all know, I tried to get her to buy a Bonnie, but she wouldn't give in...she needs the economy, and we both decided the Bonnie is too much car for her anyways
Also, my car would get jealous.

It would only get jealous if it were an SSE or an SSEi

Don't forget to look underneath the car for signs of heavy rusting, inside the trunk also.

Look inside the engine bay for mismatch paint(indication of accident)

Look at the engine/trans frame welds. Do they look like they were grinded down and re-welded?(another accident indication)

Look for handwritten letters and numbers on key parts like A-arms, engine, trans, etc. These are junkyard markings.

Could go on and on and on and on.....

Girls like Grand Ams. Take a look at the V6 versions around 99-02. I know a few girls that have them and they love the economy and reliability. But they like the styling the most.

Be sure to look the car over very carefully, you get no warranty from a private seller; its strictly as- is and buyer beware!

Back to the original question, there is a lot of stuff that may not show up on Carfax. Carfax knows nothing about the minor accident my car was in waaaaaaay back.