Tips on Buying Cars: Best Car Value, head gasket problems, ford taurus

Question
Hi there,
I am a volunteer in another category and  are looking for an automotive expert to advise and assist me in my search for a used vehicle. The car is for general commute about 1 hour /day freeway driving. It is for my wife and she would like something like an older Honda Civic. We live in Oregon so most older cars stay in nice shape here in the west.  Our budget is about $3000, and our problem is deciding between an older (91-94) Honda, Toyota, etc,, or a newer (98-99) domestic car., for about the same price. Everything we are looking at is at around 100,000 miles. What are your recommendations for a reliable, economical, and nice looking car? Saturn? Mitsubishi? Acura? ..we have no clue!
What kind of car will give us the most car for our dollar? Are there specific models and years you would focus on?  She prefers a coupe but is okay with a sedan, anything to surely stay AWAY from?
Any advice you could give us we would greatly appreciate your expert opinion.
Thank You!
IOU
Lou


Answer
Without a doubt I would much rather have a newer domestic than an older import. Keep in mind I am a Ford Dealer and may be partial but I do rely more on the newer technology of cars than the older styles. For $3,000. I would try and find an older Ford Taurus. They are mass produced so parts are very cheap and redily availabel. Plus the fact that they are mass produced makes it so they do not hold thier value as much. This helps you because you can buy a much newer domestic probably with a lot less miles than you could buy the import. Be very carefull if you do buy a 95 or 96 Taurus, they had head gasket problems that year and you need to make sure it was replaced. I wouyld also go to your local mechanic and ask he for a small fee if he would look over any possible purchases for you. He may charge you fifty bucks but it would probably be the best $50.00 you willever spend.