> They're so much trouble and yet, it's very difficult to live without one! I'm trying to buy a car(price range up to $1800) and was wondering ifanyone could give some advice on what kinds of cars are good(dependable, good mileage, etc.). I was thinking of buying this one(see link below) and would like advice on that, also. Please help; thanks!
> --mpython"lemon--that's a fruit, right?"girl

I can't give advice on what cars are good, but I can give you this advice: buying a car online is beyond insane. You shouldn't be making an investment like this unless you can see, test drive, and (most importantly) get the car checked out mechanically by somebody who knows what they're doing.

This goes double if it's going to be your first car. Learner drivers have enough problems with safety without adding a messed-up vehicle into the picture. Apart from the word of somebody you don't know, what sort of guarantee do you have that this car hasn't had its odometer wound back? Or that underneath the repaint it's 75% rust, 20% bog and 5% chewing gum? Or that the owner hasn't changed the oil since 1987?

Whatever car you end up buying, you should get it thoroughly checked out for mechanical and structural problems. I'm not saying it has to be perfect, just that you should know all the problems before you decide to put down the money. Here, the Automobile Association and various other independent groups will do a complete pre-purchase check for a minimal cost; this can also include finding out whether the person selling the car is the legal owner of it. I'm sure there will be similar services available in the USA.