[Dr. Jerryrigger]

But Ford now make cars of "equal quality to Toyota", HA HA HA. They sure dropped that slogan fast when that recall happened.

I have only good things to say about Toyotas, my mom had a 90, which is likely still running strong in a junkyard (rust ended it's long service to her), and she would have gotten another had it not been for their no AWD deal with Subaru.

I'm a believer in cheap old cars. I think you'll save a lot in the long run by buying a $2000 to 3000 car, rather than a 4000 dollar car (if you pick the right one that is). You will drop the value of the $4000 one to 2000 in a year or three, where as the $2000 one will never drop in value below $1000 if it keeps running. The key is finding a car that will never stop running, and is cheap to repair (not European).

What part of NY are you in, I'd be happy to suggest some cars on your area's craigslist.