Good read. Lots of good input, I went ahead and bought a high mileage VIII gsr mainly because I can't swing good credit thanks to my stupid youth lol, so i buy cars cash.. From my experiences buying cars and trust me I've bought alot of "cheap" cars because I wanted one, prinny is right in a way, a stock or as close to car has alot of peice of mind, then again as someone mentioned a car built by a reputable person is probably best as the owner cared for those vestments.. It's always a gamble, I love wrenching so that helps in my cases, if it breaks I fix it.. I once decided to use a reputable builder to "refresh" a "built" engine I got and I personally felt ripped off.. All in all just go drive some in your price range, if you love it you'll enjoy it, trust me after you buy one you'll find others that you could of afforded so just pick one and enjoy.

Ps. Sorry if my post goes in different directions lol, trying to enjoy forums and pay attention to work at same time