I forgot to make one very crucial point in my last post on buying a car. When you finally find the car you want at the right price, product yourself before you buy and have it inspected by an independent, ASE-certified auto mechanic. This is not optional: once you buy this car, all its problems are yours, regardless of anything a dealer may tell you. Just look at the notice on the car that says, “as-is, no warranty.” Take that warning seriously.
When I was looking for a new car for my wife, we found a very nice Honda Civic with no miles and a very good price form a local auto dealer. Then we took it to the mechanic next door, who found about $2,200 worth of repairs that needed to be made ranging from a water pump about to break to problems with the suspension. That $100 was a very worthwhile investment.
Bear in mind that there is no fool-proof protection against auto problems, however, so once you buy your car, put aside money each month for future repairs. As long as you’re driving your car, you’re wearing something out that will need replacement down the road.