I would test the car with a good mechanic. Certified means they allowed a high school dropout to look at the car for problems. Then hope your state has a 90 day lemon law. If you want to give someone $1300 I personally would give it to habitat for humanity, or Hiefer international. That is a tax deduction.
Like Virtually all the money in my life that was spent on insurance After 35 years I got nothing except a hole in the budget where the insurance goes.
Also take the VIN for this car to CARFAX for a free or low cost report on its history. Also If there is a problem before the state time limit runs out document it and hold the dealer to the letter of the law. So report any little thing and document it.