Time for a new car

[hsapiens]

Looks as if it's time to purchase a new (to me) car because the repairs that the car needs are more than twice its value. I want to spend no more than $15K -- and less if possible. (I know, I know. I'm way too cheap.)

I will, of course, be poring over my latest Consumer Reports car buying guide but I'm also soliciting suggestions. My priorities:

1-5. Reliable: I'm serious. No garage bunnies need apply.

6. Fuel efficient: I'm currently averaging 30mpg and I do not want to lose ground.

7. Manual transmission: Better gas mileage, less expensive transmission repairs, more fun to drive. I only list this because I know there a few models that don't come in manual.

8. Reasonably peppy: I know, this is in contrast to #6 but I do have to get onto Houston freeways. My current ride is a 12 year old Mazda 626 and I've been very happy with its acceleration.

9. Addendum: If I go for a used vehicle (almost certain given that I don't want to spend much), is it worth it to pay a little more for a "certified" car or is that an expensive marketing ploy worth only the paper it's written on due to exceptions and other weasly words?

I would prefer a sedan type car but I'm open to other shapes that meet the above. Anyone love their car? Hate it? Any and all advice will be gratefully received.

Comments

[la-directora.livejournal.com]

I don't have much to offer in the way of suggestions on specific cars, since I've been out of the car shopping/owning market for so long. But I did want to say that the last car I bought was a Certified Used Vehicle, and I'm glad it was. I had a warranty and service as though it were a new car, which came in very handy. I also had a better sense of security that the car was in the shape that the seller (Sterling McCall Toyota) said it was in, especially since they agreed to back up those claims for a year after the purchase.

It was worth it to me, and made it feel as though I were buying an actual new car, rather than just one that was new to me, without the instant depreciation you get with the purchase of a new car.