savethetransithotel

and I know what to look for when it comes to cars

Mind sharing?

Hi, I will be a first-time car owner soon. I will be buying a used vehicle, so first off, what should I look for to know if it's in good condition?

Second, what make do you recommend? I have no mechanical skills whatsoever, and I will be taking a road trip (12 hours each way) and will be going over mountains for most of the way, so whatever I get, I need it to be solid.

It also needs to be mid-sized. I don't need a huge truck or van, but it has to be bigger than a car. Something like an Outback would be sufficient, in terms of size.

Lastly, what basic maintenance skills do you suggest I learn to take car of my car? Stuff like changing my own oil, etc.

Thanks.