So I'm planning on buying a car and a new one is well out of my price range. So far I have two people willing to sell me their car (both of whom I know personally, meaning it's not just some random person I found in a newspaper) and I know absolutely nothing about cars so I was hoping for some help.

One is a Ford Taurus and she wants 2000$ for it. The only repair she said it needs is that there is a wierd "airy" sound in the back when the car is running. (I will post more when I know more) She thinks it will be expensive enough to get fixed.

The other is a Honda Civic and he wants 800$. The windshield is severly cracked on the passengers side and it needs a new muffler.

Both are in so-so condition and are older cars. They also both need winter tires.

I'm going to speak more with them both about the cars and since I know nothing about cars I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions of things I should ask them or check myself. I don't want to end up making the wrong decision here and I don't want to buy the cheaper car if the repairs are just going to cost me more. I also want to be sure I have as much information as possible before making the decision so any suggestions of things to ask/check will be extremelly useful.

Thank you.