if you could have any tool for a christmas present...

if you want a mig, look into the hobart line up. they are great machines made in usa, excelent warranty and customer service. they are made on the same line as the similar miller migs. you cant go wrong with a miller, lincoln, or hobart. hobart will almost alsways be the cheapest. for a beginer you dont need infinite adjustable voltage control. its just a preference. i am a certified welder and i actually prefer taps over infinite adjustable. a 140 amp 110v machine will weld anything on your car. oh yeah and you can almost always find a deal on the hobart stuff at TSC, or norther tool.