I just bought myself a daily beater; a '95 Maxima. ($1250). The car has 136K miles on it, and I would like to get it checked out as I don't really know how well the previous owner maintained the car, as well as do any required maintenance. I'm not really a car person at all so I don't really know what to check for in an old car.

Also, are there any specific questions I should ask the mechanic?

Can anyone recommend any reliable/honest and reasonably priced mechanics anywhere in the tri-state area including Long Island?

Thanks.