I'm not actually on a "tight budget" I have a good steady income - it's just that I was not expecting to buy a car right now and since I want to take it with me, I need to huy it outright rather than finance it (need to hold title to import car). In fact my budget will eb improving once I move back to Canada to a higher paying job with lower livin expenses :)

I could afford to buy a practically new car right now if I were to finance it with the credit union, but then I couldn't import it with me. And, since cars are about twice as expensive in Ontario even considering exchange rate (and good luck finding ones with no rust for a good price) it makes more sense to buy here.

So, I can afford to fix normal things over the next few years, I just didn't want to pour $1500 into a car that is not likely to live much longer and that I can't trust to get me 3000 miles. It's more a matter of sudden unexpected expenses - $850 spent last week, then at least $1500 more to fix this one or $5000-6000 for a nicer replacement. I don't know how many of you have $8k in cash lying around to buy a car on short notice, wish I did!

I looked through the listings, no good prices on japanese cars here - all older and higher miles than the Volvos, small and uncomfortable. Personally I just hate them. I like to feel comfortable in my car!

Actually here is the one I am going to see tonight, putting aside concerns for my finacial well-being (I appreciate the concern) what do you think of this deal?

Original owner, says he had timing belt done at 80k, and all regular maint. has all records, and 5 speed manual. Plus, it's already a Canadian car - easy to import - daytime running lights, in kilometers. Low miles. Guy says no leaks, problems or concerns (I will be getting a pre-purchase check at indie volvo place once I have decided on a car).

1998 Volvo S70
$6,900(Or Best Offer) (hoping he'll come down to 6k)
Mileage 94,000 miles
Body Style Sedan Transmission Manual
Doors 4 Condition Excellent
Drive Train FWD
Exterior Color Blue
Interior Color Gray

Features: A/C: Front, A/C: Rear, Cruise Control, Power Locks, Power Steering, Remote Keyless Entry, Bucket Seats, Airbag: Driver, Airbag: Passenger, Airbag: Side, Alarm, Anti-Lock Brakes, Cassette Radio, CD Player, Premium Sound, Power Windows, Rear Window Defroster, Tinted Glass
Additional Selling Points: Peppy 5 speed, rear spoiler, traction control, heated sets. Original owner, meticulously maintained. Canadian car, odometer and speedometer are in Kilometers. Driven in California last 5 years.
Condition Description: Excellent condition in and out.