Just a ventalating rant about how much my life sucks

I bought a '91 Corolla from my buddy for a $1000 and drove it close to 10 years. After the first 4 years of me owning it, it burned a valve and developed a light miss at idle. Couldn't pass smog. So I went down and bought one of those low-mileage long blocks from Japan, a 4AF-E I think it was. You know how much? $105.00. Couldn't believe it....I almost bought a 2nd one just for the helluvit. By the way, my son now owns the car, and it's still dependable as all hell. 5 speed, of course.

Whatever car you decide on, realize that all its components are probably old and may need to be replaced piece by piece. That's just the price you pay for no payments.....so it's best to start with a proven reliable, fuel efficient car in the first place. At least you'll become a pretty adept mechanic.