Tips on Buying Cars: used car in the 5000 dollar range, oldmobile alero, mileage vehicles

Question
i hope you can help. i am looking to trade in or sell a 2000 ford ranger with 90,000 miles and get something of a comparable year or mileage. which do you think is more important in determining how long a car will be dependable. the amount of miles (high mileage=over a hundred thousand) or the age of the car. i have always felt that certain cars last longer than others.. for example a v-6 will last longer than a 4 cylinder. i have always had good experiences with pontiacs... i was thinking like a grand am or grand prix with high mileage would still last another 50,000 miles as long as it drives nice. I am just looking for something sporty that will last me around 5-7 years then i want to buy new.

thanks for your response
p.s.what do you think about oldmobile alero's.

Answer
Kevin,

It is always a touchy subject when you are talking about high mileage vehicles, or older vehicles.  I think it is always better to go with the least amount of miles.  BUT, I want to caution you in this:  Make sure you look over the vehicle, drive it, and have a mechanic look at it.  Just because it has lower mileage than another vehicle doesn't always mean it will last longer, likewise just because it is a year or two newer doesn't mean it will last longer.  You can never tell unless you have it looked at.  It is a Used Vehicle.  How the owners that owned it took care of it will determine how long the vehicle last.  Make sure that you have a mechanic look at it.  Pontiacs and Oldsmobiles are good vehicles.  If you can find one that you have checked out and that you like, then buy it.  Just make sure you have it checked out.

Thanks -

Jeremy