I have a car buying question...

[ScrimpAndSave]

Disneysteve, I understand what you are saying. I guess what helps with our usual mechanics is the fact that many of them work at the dealerships for their day jobs...and they help out friends on the side.

[ScrimpAndSave]

I actually posed the question to my fiance..on whether we should buy a different car when he gets out of school...and he said, "No way! I am never having another car payment again...it doesn't make sense to pay a $3,000-$4,000 over the course of a year when the mantainence costs on my current car are so much lower.

Awh, he's so smarty. I lubs him.

[bigsaver]

If that car keeps breaking down on you, you may want to look at a new 2008 toyota yaris. Good gas mileage, cheap, and they have 0% financing. Can also get 0% financing on a 2009 toyota corolla.

[Bimmer]

Repair and maintenance are two different things. I'm with M3racer, more info on the problems is important. Cars require maintenance, usually more as they age. Bushings wear out, wires get frayed/cut, water gets where it should'nt, etc. Things happen.

Brakes are bad, but they could be due for service even if you have had a brake job already (think about the work and stress brakes are subject to when doing their job!). This is normal wear and tear.

Electrical is really generic. Simple annoyances or problems that affect driveability/reliability?

How is the car driven? Jack-rabbit starts/stops or like grandma drives?

Perhaps most importantly, how much does your SO like the car? Enough to work through some problems and keep it? Or is it simply point A to B transport and any old car will do?

[Bimmer]

I actually posed the question to my fiance..on whether we should buy a different car when he gets out of school...and he said, "No way! I am never having another car payment again...it doesn't make sense to pay a $3,000-$4,000 over the course of a year when the mantainence costs on my current car are so much lower.

Awh, he's so smarty. I lubs him.

D'oh, did not see this post before I posted. Looks like the question has been answered, and by the only person who really counts!