[Laneco]

In my humble opinion, a 2000 Pathfinder would not have been on my drive it till it drops radar. I did have an earlier one, the body on frame model (yours is unibody) and it was a nice rugged little truck that served well for several years. Sold it with about 250,000 on the clock - zero running issues. I did put a starter into it and a battery when I first bought it. Nothing else.

Where I am going with that diatribe is that with a manufacturer, there are cars that are better than others. Even on a particular car, there are certain years that are better than others. In this world of global economy, the badge might say Ford, but it's really a Mazda. The Mazda6? Look under the hood - the V6 models are Ford engines. Want a Chrysler Crossfire? Look under the hood. Pretty German looking. It should be, depending on year it's a mercedes drivetrain for cheap.

That said, look at cars whose odometers have turned over 100K. Big price drop and most of them who are in sound condition at this point, will usually run another 100K. Budget a car payment every month for the vehicle. Let' say, $200Put that $200 into a savings account every month. At the end of two years, if you haven't used the dough for a failed transmission, etc., then you have almost 3k in your pocket.

It is very important not to get crazy repairing little things that do not improve the safety or use of the vehicle. That niggling rattle in the dash? Ignore it. Suspension bushings a little worn but safely driveable? Ignore it. This is NOT a new car. You'll will throw money down the drain fixing little easily ignorable things that will not gain you a single penny on a high-miles resale. Fix major components that affect service and those that are safety related only. That's how you keep a cheap car.

angela