MarkS and others are right that cars these days are much more mechanically reliable at high mileages. But note *mechanically*. The interiors are just as prone to squeaks, rattles, clunks, bits falling off or getting broken or just generally wearing out. So your 15-year-old car may go like a little tiger, but noise-wise it'll be going like a little Tiger Tank. ;-) Unless you've spent some serious time keeping it fixed up, of course.

Whatever you get second-hand, make sure you get a "major service" done and have everything replaceable replaced, unless it's low mileage (like less than 30k). Cam belt is the biggy, but all the other bits and pieces (spark plugs and leads, dizzy cap and rotor arm, alternator belt, brake pads, etc) are worth getting done too.

Pauline, the best way of getting a reliable mechanic is to stay right away from dealers! In the UK, the Consumers' Association found that dealers are generally worse than other mechanics, but still charge more - generally smaller garages give better service. And as you found, the myth that a dealer gives you a guaranteed quality of service is no damn good if the car breaks seriously. I've always bought privately, but I'm reasonably competent with a spanner so I trust my own judgement. In the UK you can pay one of the breakdown services (AA/RAC/whoever) to get someone out to check the car over, so if you're not sure yourself then this is worth a go. At least then you should get an honest opinion from someone who isn't trying to sell you something. Or find a friend who knows about cars.

As for your liability thing, I don't know how the US legal system works, but in the UK we can go to the Small Claims Court if we're looking for less than £5k compensation. Very little cost, no lawyers needed (and if the other side hires one then you don't have to pay the other side's costs), both sides present their case, and the judge decides. Do you not have anything similar in the US?

Graham.