The car tip is simple. Buy a vehicle made in Japan. But not any Japanese brand but an actual specific model manufactured in Japan and shipped over in a boat. This will need to be carefully researched for any specific model and year. In general, the upscale models such as Acura, Lexus, etc are still made in Japan.

Buying a four year old upscale made in Japan vehicle should be approximately the same price as a brand new domestic model. The end result would be a vehicle that will last almost forever with almost zero repairs.

For reference, I am driving a 1990 Acura that I bought in August of 1989 and has cost about 3k in expected repairs (timing belt etc) over about 20 years. There is really no need for people to experience the problems they have… I have a relative that will buy only Fords, another friend that swore by GM Mini-vans. etc. I was amazed that they couldn’t see the reality in front of their faces with their vehicles constantly in the shop for warranty repairs and then of course the out-of-warranty problems would start. I just smile now when I hear of car problems, since there is no longer any point of repeating my “tip” which for some mysterious reason just cannot enter the human brain…

you should check the Chevy cobalt coupe, there between 11,000 and 18,000 you can negitiate the best deal quickly, by going to gmbuypower.com and price quote a bunch of dealers in your area. 1750 rebate on an 2007 with a 5 yr 100000 powertrain.

also the dodge caliber, and jeep patriot by chrysler have lifetime powertrain warranty for the first owner if your looking for long term ownership. they also offer a bumper to bumper lifetime wrap coverage, cost on that is 1365 with $100 dollar deductable, not sure what they will sell it for.

I recommend buying american car, our economy is bad enough, kia’s have horrible resale value, and banks don’t like to finance them unless you have golden credit.

if you do go foreign, honda did about 2 billion in warrranty work last year, compared to about 3 billion for toyota, the big detriot 3 were around 4 to 6 billion.

best of luck.

service bill sounds high.