Offer your thoughts or opinion on the input financial query or topic using your financial background.

Is it better to buy this used car from Craigslist or from a dealership?
The 200K vehicle is likely the better deal.  Get your own mechanic to check it out.  If it doesn't have major issues, it will likely cost you less. Why?  Because you've wisely included $6000 in expected maintenance.  Yet it has the possibility of not needing more than $500 of maintenance during the 4 years you plan on owning it.  It's a gamble, but you have the chance to save $5500 of that estimated cost with that vehicle. Note that you will also need to factor in tires for either vehicle, unless that is included in your maintenance estimate.