Ok, let's take it back to basics, shall we? Some 'tard who works in a plant and maybe sees 4% of the entire production, while paying a union to tell him how badly he's being fucked over, while they're setting up conditions ensuring that his job leaves the country within 5 years isn't exactly my idea of a reliable source. Let's leave that conversation right there, shall we?
To start with, including/excluding any car based on someone else's opinion is a mistake. I, personally, would take one good hard look at my financial situation, and go from there. Then, I would hit the car lots. All the car lots. If you're planning on having something for 10+ years, invest a few hours now, and do it right.
First and formost, isn't the look, the cost, or even the reliability. It's the feel. I hate minivans. No, wait ... I HATE MINIVANS. But, after driving the Venture/Transport ... I liked the feel. And let's be honest .... you're not buying a car to look at it. You're buying it to drive. I personally loved the feel of the '89 Colt/Mirage. I'd buy it again in a heartbeat, and recommend it to anyone. Neither HL, Bish, or Inky could even fit behind the wheel. See the picture forming yet?
Once you've nailed down the cars that you simply don't like the feel of, you go back over the list, using the consumers reports. For cars that haven't changed much in the past couple of years, go test drive a similar model at a used car lot. See how it ages. Do searches on the web for automotive self-help boards, mechanics online, etc. Plenty of info about stuff like the 3.4L GM intake leaks, failing alts, etc, for all makes. Plenty of crap to go around. There's not a car out there that doesn't have any failings to discuss.
Then look seriously at the options you want. I drive a stick in traffic every damn day, and it's really not that big a deal, unless you're looking for a reason to whine. Power windows and locks are more trouble than use in a climate with 4 months under the ice belt. If my windows freeze, I can jiggle them loose with the handle. Power windows leave you having to open the door and get out to take drive-thru or pay a toll. They're really fun when you have to get out of your car at the border. They simply love that. So do cops at any kind of check point.
Don't discount buying a returned leaser. I've had very good luck that route. First off, most of them are still under warranty, and you can pick up the extension at the same time. Gives you close to the coverage you'd get buying new. This is a car that's already had the lemonade knocked out of it ... but usually they're returned in great shape, one way or the other. Leasers have to (last time I checked) have two-way insurance. And they have to pay for any damages to the vehicle when they return it. The dealership will usually put these cars back to near demo quality. They're at least well inspected.
Now that you've done your homework, and know what you want, go back to the worksheet, and calculate the annual cost of ownership. Yeah, that's the bit most kids forget. What's that puppy gonna cost to insure? How much in gas? How much for winter tires? Is there a premium for the engine displacement? Is it on the top ten stolen car list? Is it gonna cost more to park it? How about parts and service? (That's where I finally had to give up my beloved Subaru. Simply couldn't get it fixed reliably)
Now that you finally know what to buy (note: I didn't say what you want) sit down, and go over every availible deal you can get information on. There's all kinds of deals going, from factory rebates, to zero financing, etc. You're a smart girl, run the numbers for yourself, long before you even think of talking to a 'salesman'. Remember, 'salesmen' aren't financial experts. They're not car experts either. Hell, the guy I bought the van from had only worked there a week. I was his first customer. He wasn't there two weeks later either. And, yeah, I got one helluva deal.
How about a trade in? I know one guy who paid a scrap yard $100 for an old car that barely ran at all. Drove it to the dealership, and swung $1000 on the trade in.
The long and short is that, noone else is buying your car for you. You do need to buy smart. But, at the same time, remember that you buy with your head, and own with your heart. You need to buy something you can live with too.
Speaking of Smart, have you considered them? With the price of gas ....
