What do you mean by local dealer?
If local dealer means the car dealers in your local area like toyota dealer than you should be fine. But I think you means small shops where they have some cars for sale, right? They usually are not very good. You might be lucky to find a good deal but I have heard many complaints abount those places.
I would only buy cerfified cars from dealers or from direct owners.
If you are not buying a brand new car, always take the car to a body shop to check it.