just moved, how to find a good mechanic?

[Billy Bibbit]

I just moved to a new city a couple of months ago and I'm probably going to buy a car in January. I've never owned a car before, and everyone tells me that if you're buying used, you should have an independent mechanic check the car out before you buy it. How would I go about finding a mechanic who doesn't suck? Unfortunately, asking friends isn't a good option, because all my friends in town are graduate students like me. Most of them just moved here too, and besides, our stipend is so [censored] that none of us have cars anyway. The only reason I can afford one is because I play poker.

Also, is it standard to have the mechanic check out the car before or after you decide that you want it and agree on a price with the seller?

Thanks for your help.