Hi - I usually come to this group in search of repair advice and you guys have always been very helpful. Since many of you deal with auto repair as a profession, I thought this would be the best place to ask for used car advice. Basically I want to get rid of my 1998 Chevy Prizm LSI and get something a little newer with fewer miles on it (my car has 135k). I want the car to be small and fuel efficient and would prefer 2000 or newer with less than 100k miles. I'd be willing to spend up to $5,000. Most importantly, I want the car to be reliable.
Are there any specific models to look for or any I should stay away from? I subscribe to Consumer Reports and they have their recommendations, which I guess is a good place to start. A local seller is selling a 2001 Chev Prizm with 50k for $4500 and that looks tempting. I'm a little weary of buying another Prizm though because mine hasn't been a good car. I bought it used for $6000 three years ago and have put $3000 worth of repairs into since then. The Prizm seems to get good ratings as a reliable used car so perhaps mine was a fluke?