I wanted many opinions from the forums about my next car purchase. I have a 94 lesabre and my wife has a 99 Blazer. Mine is much easier to work on than hers. I am not that proficient in repairs but I know a thing or two and have done most of our repairs for the last few years. When I was thinking of buying another car (when my baby finally gives out), I heard many opinions about what I should buy and should stay away from. I prefer Domestic to Foreign, not just the parts price and availability, but they seem to be much more complexly engineered. So, basically from an engineering standpoint, since I would rather do most of my own repairs at home than take it to a shop, what would you recommend?
I know that the newer models are much more electronic and engineered so that only a real auto mechanic at the shop can work on it. Someone told me to go Ford, mostly because the parts are readily available in most of the makes and models and tend to be easier for the home mechanic to fix. Although, I just talked with someone at my doctor's office today that has a Crown Vic that he loves, but says that he had to replace the heater core three times in his 200k. I know those are a pain, and other cars are infamous for something giving out more often than others, but having to replace those must really suck!
So, I put this question to the masses. What car and roundabout years do you think the normal Joe should get that is long lasting, durable throughout the years and easiest to work on??
Thank you for all the opinions........