Thanks for your help and advice guys.
Unfortunately I cant sell my car first as I need a vehicle to get to work and its up for tax and MOT very soon so didnt wanna drag things out.
I went to see the car and drove it. Got the price down as you suggested and he is also changing the cam belt for me so only put very small deposit on it at mo. Did security checks on the internet re: finance, stolen markers, mileage check etc and also printed off the vehicle checks suggested on this board and on other internet sites. Carried out as many as I could.
I wish I had the knowledge, money, time and friends who can fit in with my shifts to look at 'x' number of cars but failing that Ive done the best that I can. Although I'm sure I've still paid somewhat over the odds I
think the car is sound, which for me is most important.
I'm sure if I need some advice about anything that crops up someone on here will help me out, for which I'm grateful.
You'll be the first to know if its a complete pile of pants!
Maz