I want to buy this bike and need some advice

that is what I thought, but wanted to make sure i was not missing anything.  I am new to this, and love forums for the wealth of info.  Thank you for your time!  I do have to say, I have been bittn buy the bug!

Paul, 

This looks like a nice bike - Trek is a quality brand and it looks to be in good shape (based on the little tiny pics).  

BUT I agree with the previous poster. $950 is a lot of dough for a 12y.o. aluminum frame with an old 9speed drive train - possibly you could end up having to replace the cassette and chain. I'd recommend shopping around some more. Also remember - a 56cm frame from one brand is not the same as a 56cm frame from anther. I rode a 56cm Fuji, now I ride a 54cm Cervelo - and both professionally fitted. 

I occasionally notice new 2010 and 2011 model bikes in stores on clearance for $900 to $1200 (you'll need another $150 for pedals, computer, bottlecages, etc). They may have Shimano105 groupsets but quite frankly there is little difference between 105 vs. Ultegra and I'd much rather have a new 105 than a used ultegra set. Plus the store will help you set up the bike. 

Ok, here is another one that I found, it's a little out of my initial price range, but wanted to see if it was a good enough deal to pursue.  

http://orlando.craigslist.org/bik/2857201557.html

Thanks for all the help so far.

I agree that the first bike is WAY over priced.  The second one has some pretty high end components and I would even venture to say if this is your first bike you can get a pretty awesome entry level brand new bike for around the $1200 mark.  Especially if you can find last years model in one of the LBS, you would proably be much happier and bike shops alomost always perform a fit with the purchase of a new bike.

Holy moly! That first bike is about twice what I'd pay. In my experience, there are two kinds of people who are selling their old bikes:

1. Those who want way too much for the bike.

2. Those who sell their bikes. 

Keep looking!

Thanks all, I have decided to buy new with a local shop.  One last (probably not) question...

what components should I look for?  Anything to stay away from?  Any brand that you prefer more than others for a beginner? 

We got my wife a 2011 Cannondale Synapse with the 105 and it was reduced to 1,200 at the LBS.

As someone (or a somecouple) that just bought our first bikes, we looked for a 105 (Shimano) or Apex (or better).

I have a MTB and motorcycle background and therefore did not like the movement of brakes, which put the SRAM more in a favor than Shimano.

But talking to the people at a LBS helped a lot, as they knew where I came from and what I was looking for.

I was a bit sceptic at their suggestion at first, but on a test ride they seemed to be spot on.

The key is to find a good LBS. We have been to a a few in our area before we found the good one.

I would go 105 at a minimum.  While I had great luck with my bike with Sora components, the difference to 105 isn't a huge amount of money but it does make a significant difference in terms of shifting. 

FWIW I just bought a brand new road bike with 105.  I have Ultegra on my tri bike - but the 105 is A-okay for me for a road bike. 

Note there is the new 105 from early 2011 or so and old 105 introduced a good eight or ten years ago.  New 105 is great, old 105 much closer to Tiagra.  New bikes may still be fitted with old 105. Ask and research.