After coming to USA, for myself got a dodge for 2k from a friend who got it from auction and I beat it till it met an minor accident and gave it to another friend as his first car for 1000. I used same car for 7 of my friends to get first driving lesson and getting license, so they all saved on rental cars which could easily be 10k over time.
Then i want to up in game, bought a Prius from dealer certified 4 years ago and last 4 years nothing but basic maintenance. Decided Prius before knowing mmm community and I had enough cash to buy a lexus in cash. I bought prius in cash and refinanced in dcu (1.25%).
Helped many friends on new, used from dealers, craiglist and owners. Telling this story since I was in your position with exact two car selection after driving all base to high end suvs.
Long story short, if you decide to buy hybrid, get precertified. Regular cars, just drive with a friend who is enthu about cars and also check with a mechanic. most decent owner folks will tell you upfront on what you need to change in car if you ask. And decide price before you meet up, be polite as they may be in a situation on need money or other things. If you don't like the vibe say sorry and leave.
It's 2018, so get something around 2010. And about craiglist, you would save some money but it really depends on the owner who is selling. Precertified also require ground work. Craiglist need patience, you got to go meet with strangers. Depending upon location it varies. You definitely don't want to go 'neighbor HOOD' or shady mechanical shoes where they reset odometer. In my personal opinion, you should get precertified one.