[z28dreams]

Some tips:
(1) Buy private if you can. Not only will the vehicle be cheaper, but you won't pay tax either. Typical example: A car for $10k privately you'll probably get for $12k from a dealer with good negotiating. Add tax and you're about at $13,000, or 30% more than the other price. That's A LOT.

(2) Someone mentioned carmax. Do NOT buy here. Prices are around 25-30% more than you should pay because they are "certified". Guess what - that price doesn't include any warranty. You're better off skipping the certified cars and just paying for a warranty if that's what you want.

(3) For pricing, I use Edmunds TMV (true market value), and set the condition to the "average". I find this to be more accurate than KBB.

(4) Do not choose a vehicle strictly on "domestic" or "foreign". In general, yes, the japanese auto makers tend to be more reliable than our domestic counterparts, but it's not true for every model.

Generally, just pick a vehicle with a rock solid engine and you'll be fine.
Examples of good GM (domestic) engines:
- 3800 series engine, no piston slap, been built since the 60's. Not much power for its displacement, but very reliable. Easily a 200k engine
- LS1,7,etc engine. Found in corvettes, fbodies, etc, this engine can do 400hp and hit 28mpg highway. Find me an import that can do that.

Check out Ward's Best Engine list and go with something from there. Safe bets for cars also include Accords, Camrys, Maximas if you want to go import. I like the maxima - it's VQ series engine has made Ward's best list for around 8-10 years (previously the 3.0VG, now the 3.5VQ).