The Frustrations of "New" Car Buying

We have a Buick that is close to its end. It has been a good car and really hasn't cost us much in excess repairs. We paid 2200.00 for it 5 years ago. At the time it had 70,000 miles on it. It now has 175,000 miles on it. We wouldn't be considering getting rid of it yet, except for the fact that you can no longer get parts for this car. It has been out of production for some time and Buick no longer has or makes parts for the car. So the last time we had some work done it our mechanic had to make some parts. These were little things so at the time it was no big deal, but we got to thinking that it eventually would be a big deal. We decided to make it through 2014 and then start looking for something newer with fewer miles that might be a little better on gas. My husband drives 100 miles a day round trip to work. So we started looking this week. Well, let me tell you...the price of cars is ridiculous these days. I mean really...they want 9000.00 for a car with close to 200,000 miles on it. Really!? I just can't see paying that much for a car that is close to the end of its life. There are not many cars out there that will make it to 300,000 miles without major work. I had 2 saturns that did and then my third Saturn kicked the bucket at 75,000 miles by blowing a serpentine belt. What should be fun...who doesn't love something new and shiny....is a royal pain in the neck. I just don't get where car dealers and even private sellers think these old well used cars are worth so much money. Is it a scam to keep you paying financing over and over? You know, just as you get the car paid for, it is worn out and dies so then you have no break from a car payment and have to finance again. I guess we have been blessed in that we have not had to finance a car since 1994. I don't want to finance now, but I don't have 10,000 grand sitting in our bank account. We have a reasonable amount that can be used as a down payment or preferably pay in full. I have even seen vehicles advertised with close to 300,000 miles for over 5000.00. Seriously?! Will somebody really pay that for something that is just about ready for the junkyard? It just amazes me at what people are selling cars for and apparently they are selling at these ridiculous prices otherwise they wouldn't be advertised at those prices. So, pray that we find a reasonably priced car in decent condition. Well, that is my rant for the day. Everything is going up and up and paychecks are staying stagnant. Our state just announced that they are pushing for tax increases so they can keep paying for Medicaid and welfare, yet my husband works for the state and hasn't gotten a pay increase in 5 years. Why should those who do nothing get more than those that work?! That is a rant for another day. But when I see folks that I know are on welfare driving Cadillac escalades and we can't afford a Honda civic, I get really really angry. I know, I know...I am not the only one. I'll get off my soap box and get back to car shopping. Blessings, Kat