It's been lived in so it could be hit or miss as to cleanliness, odors, etc. Inspect it in person. The minivan is certainly more stealth for city, down side is smaller interior and it has Arizona tags and that will stand out in California, especially in San Diego right now. You'd need to have it smogged to register in California if that's the direction you want to go, otherwise transfer into your name in Arizona. It depends on where you pay your taxes and where your driver's license is, because California is getting nasty about bleeding people for state taxes. Out of state vehicle registration is one thing they look for... Make sure the check engine light shows with the key on and engine off. Start the engine and the check engine light should go off and stay off, that's a real good indication things are Ok with the engine controls. If the check engine light stays on...well then there's a problem that will cost some money to fix. I see duct tape on the rear bumper cover, so there might be something going on there, maybe they got bumped in the rear. You'll still need to check fluids, brakes, suspension, maintenance items, tires, etc. before a long trip just to be sure. Negotiation etiquette... Based on that pricing they're likely expecting to sell at $1000, so I'd offer $800 cash, they may or may not counter-offer, they might hem and haw a bit, just be comfortable with some awkward silence and listen silently, tell them it's a reach for you and offer to meet somewhere in the middle... at perhaps $900 or $1000, of course they'll bite at $1000... Don't smile or accept right away... always always ask the magic question, "is that the best you can do?" and wait for their answer... Good Luck!
