Looking to buy a decent used car

[oarch]

I am looking for a good used car for short distance travel. I mainly want something that is reliable and gets decent to good mileage. It would have to be an automatic (I am willing to learn a manual, but as of right now I don't have the time to learn and I don't want to learn driving on the way back if I have to go out of my way).

Others things I am keeping an eye out for:

• Room - Since this car is mainly just for personal travel I don't need a lot of seating room for passengers. However being 6' I do want something where I don't have my knees against my chest.
• No soft tops - Even though I think it would be nice, I don't want the safety and insurance issues.
• Front-wheel drive - I would like this for wet or icy conditions.
• Insurance costs - I would like to try & avoid insurance costs for something I wouldn't need.

I'd be willing to spend up around $7,500. What would be good cars to look for in that price range? So far I've been a bit partial to BMW (reliable and stylish).

p.s. Would you guys recommend Blue Book or NADA and what is a good site for car reviews (I've read consumerrating isn't too great)?

[oldblu65]

Try the Consumer Reports web site or go to a book store and look for the current used car edition of the " Consumer Reports " magazine . Good luck !

[Ray paulsen]

A Beamer in your price range " risky business "

A Ford Focus is your ticket,,, and 6,1 np