I know I don't post on this board often but I thought I would come here and post my inquiry.

My 1986 car is an example of prayer at work. And just this week it's gained a new rattle when I turn right. Could be lots of thins. I'm thinking CV joint/boot/axel. I've put thousands (maybe 3) into nursing this car in the three years since I got it.

So, who has a Consumer Reports guide to used cars?

I'm driving, for the weekend, a really nice Lumina which my children love. One owner. Think I can get owners manual and maybe service records. It's a 96 with 102k miles.

Gonna have mechanic acquaintance look it over tomorrow. I can drive it off the lot for $3500 including tags, tax, and license. In TN, tax on a car runs 8percent or more. They were asking $3900 plus the others.

Went to look at a Maxima this afternoon. It is a 92 with 125K miles. Second owner. Think he has service records. His daughter is going off to college and he doesn't want her driving back and forth on weekends in it. Is buying her a newer car. But this car just didn't fit. Didn't like a lot of stuff about it. Any other Nissan would be about like it. That was not a good sign for them.

So, pearls of wisdom please. I don't know. How do you know?

Too bad you can't walk up and get matched up to the perfect-for-you, no-maintenance car you need. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

Cinderella, are you going to be making payments on the car or are you paying cash? The reason I am asking is that if you are going to finance anyway, why not get something newer that won't be a repair money hole? My fear is that anything that has over 75k is going to cost a hell of lot for repairs, maintenence. It might be cheaper to get a 2 year old car with low miles on 48 month note and not have to endure car breakdowns, etc.

Here is how I buy a vehicle and I save thousands doing this. I research the car I want by checking the Kelley bluebook price and comparative prices at other dealerships and the newspaper. I then settle on a price I want. [I will often check out who has the best financing options before I go in, too]

I then go to the car lot and test drive the car. If I like it, I tell the salesman that: "if you can get me this price [and/or monthly payment], XXXX, you have a deal." If he can't get it, then I LEAVE. If I have to leave without a deal, EVERYTIME I get a phone call the next day where they have "worked something out" with the sales manager blah, blah, blah and can get within XXX of my offer. This method has always worked very well for me and I have been driving new cars since I was 25.

Cash only. Mortgage, child care, tuition, bills, bills, and x that won't pay anything on med but insurance and one child has a psychiatrist and a counselor, and I work for state government which means I make peanuts.

I have cash on hand but with as much as $800/month for summer childcare and $450 per month tuition starting July 1, there is no way I want to take on a car note. It would probably be possible but we like to eat more than dried beans and potatoes..