Ok, so you also need advice on the dealership sharks. Many members in this thread have gave you advice on various models/brands that are typically reliable. Dont leave out Toyota's as they are generally bullet proof. Also, any of the Ford or GM smaller type cars are reliable as well ( finally) as of recent years so don't overlook them either if you see something you like. Now a days pretty much any newer car, 2008-2015 from the top import or domestic brands are reliable. Now, that said, figure out what you like and pick something. Use the internet as many have said to learn about the car and get an idea of what it will cost.
PAY ATTENTION HERE. If you are already approved thru a CU or other Bank and you feel its a reasonable rate that you're happy with, DO NOT LET THE DEALER RUN YOUR CREDIT or you can end up with a ton of INQ's. This is extremely important if you find yourself at a used car dealer or even the used car department of a regular dealership. You also need to walk into a dealshership knowing the car you want and just as important, knowing exactly what you're willing to pay for that car. YOU dictate the price. Not them ! YOU control the process of buying this car. Not them ! Its your money. Do not let them intimidate you !!!! If they make you uncomfortable and continue to do so, thank them for their time and walk out. There are other cars and other dealers. Arm yourself with knowledge and you will have a good experience with this process.
As for your boyfriend and the cosign thing, I think enough folks have chimmed in here and you get the idea. Be your own Woman and do what you feel is right for you . Do some research, spend a few hours on the computer to figure out what you like, what its reliability rating is and how much you're willing to pay for it .
Keep in mind you do have the opportunity to take your time with in reason as you mentioned you can borrow his car. A few weeks should be more than enough time to research and make a good purchase. Check out Edmunds.com and Kellybluebook.com both are good sources to learn the value of used cars . Good luck with this and keep us posted along the way. This forum will help get you thru this 
NFCU Visa 30k | NFCU Platinum 30k | Cap1 QS 12K | Cap1 QS 11.5K | Barclay MC 9k | Delta Gold Amex 30K | Discover IT 14K | CFNA FS 3200 | CareCredit 20k| Paypal Credit 5k |
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:Many of your foreign brands are now assembled in plants right here in the US. Choose a car that is from a reliable brand & model. Check it carefully. Bring a mechanically inclined friend or relative with you. (BTW, that's NOT your boyfriend who has a hard on for one or two brands.) Be aggressive with the salesmen. Sometimes I get accused of being a b because I make it clear that I'm not talking to them. I'm browsing.
Just an excuse people use to buy foreign cars to make themselves feel better. Follow the money trail.
If you don't support American products and American companies, you cannot complain about the economy because you are part of the problem. Period.
An opinion worth noting but perhaps for a different forum or thread. Lets not hijack the OP's thread and debate the economic interests of America.
I hope the OP does her research and buys what will suit her for this time in her life. We are here to help her make a sound financial decision whether she chooses to buy a Ford or Nissan.
@Anonymous wrote:
@Creditwiser wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:Many of your foreign brands are now assembled in plants right here in the US. Choose a car that is from a reliable brand & model. Check it carefully. Bring a mechanically inclined friend or relative with you. (BTW, that's NOT your boyfriend who has a hard on for one or two brands.) Be aggressive with the salesmen. Sometimes I get accused of being a b because I make it clear that I'm not talking to them. I'm browsing.
Just an excuse people use to buy foreign cars to make themselves feel better. Follow the money trail.
If you don't support American products and American companies, you cannot complain about the economy because you are part of the problem. Period.
An opinion worth noting but perhaps for a different forum or thread. Lets not hijack the OP's thread and debate the economic interests of America.
I hope the OP does her research and buys what will suit her for this time in her life. We are here to help her make a sound financial decision whether she chooses to buy a Ford or Nissan.
I do apologize if anyone felt that my comments seemed aggressive or if it felt like I was 'hijacking' the thread in any way.
It is just something I am deeply passionate about, so I hope you can understand with that being said.
I wanted to provoke some thought as it is an important investment.
Good luck either way, OP.
http://fortune.com/2015/06/29/cars-made-in-america/
We live in a world of multinationals: if Honda/Toyota can make it work in Tennessee among other places, why can't Chrysler or Ford? Supporting an American company does not necessarily mean supporting our direct economy... I agree Made in America means something, but many things from American companies, simply aren't.
@Anonymous wrote:Thanks for all of the advice! My boyfriend isn't too happy about my choice, so I can't really ask him ..
Does anyone have any tips on going to car dealerships? I went to the Mistubishi Dealership in Arlington Texas and it was a nightmare. I had a copy of my credit report and a paper from my credit union agreeing to finance a used car for me at 5% (Not great but you guys know how it goes) and I brought my report in case they could match the financing.
Anyway, I felt like they were pressuring me to buy a car right there like I couldn't even look a few minutes by myself, and they kept bringing managers by everytime I wanted to leave. I want to take my time to get a car, I mean I'm gonna have it for awhile. I like the idea of improving my credit with a revolving loan since I have such a thin profile, but I don't know if I can go through that pain again.
I'm in Dallas & I would tell you to check out Don Davis Auto Group or CarMax in Arlington just off I-20 ! I'd be willing to bet you can find decent for what you want to pay for. I puchased my 2009 Honda CRV in 2012 & never looked back.....13k miles - certain accessories already added by previous owner - NEVER had any trouble to this day. Before that I had a cash car that was a 1988 Nissan Stanza Wagon 5 speed that I ran 263k miles; if my mechanic didn't pass away of pancreatic cancer, I'd still be rolling in that sucker....
And before that I had a 1978 Datsun 510 4 speed - paid $800 dollars for at a local auction, needed a paint job like 5 years ago, interior was ROUGH to say the least, but Froggy could jump ( that was her name because it was green like Frogger). From there is when I learned how to work a manual transmission)
Good luck in your search !