If a person don't have a reliable vehicle, then there's no point in really owning it. You might as well take the bus or walk, for that matter, if you can't purchase something that you can depend on.

ALWAYS go to the library and check Consumer Reports reliability ratings before purchasing a car.

You'll be glad you did!

I'm not buying another failed experiment from the lab that couldn't get the car right in the first place.

If it isn't reliable- sell it to another sucker. But you won't get my (declining in value) dollars.

Extremely important, but be sure to consider the sources that you are getting your information from.  Consumer Reports favors foreign brands.  American builds reliable cars as well too.  You just need to do your homework.

I'm so disappointed with how Pac-2000 and Tiger Deals of Kirkland WA told me they couldn't get in the tv stand I wanted, told me by phone they were cancelling my order since it wasn't worth it for them to get into stock, and then a month later they ship the stand to me after I cancelled! So I don't accept the package, have the carrier take the package back, and then Pac-2000 and Tiger Deals of Kirkland WA has the nerve to write me an email how I opened the tv stand, damaged it, assembled it, when (1) I never opened the stand (2) I NEVER EVEN ACCEPTED THE PACKAGE!!.

The person that runs Tiger Deals of Kirkland WA is dishonest. I'd assume half the time when the orders are correct everything is fine. But I'd assume that whenever something is wrong, Pac-2000 and Tiger Deals of Kirkland WA basically just throw the blame on the consumer and see how far they can bully the consumer before we start to defend how it is their fault.

It's always good to consider the hidden costs of a vehicle. If a car breaks down many times with expensive repairs, the bargain car is suddenly is not a bargain anymore. Plus, its no fun feeling stranded during the ordeal and having to work out transportation during the fix. No one wants the hassles of a lemon.

Pretty high on the list of factors to consider. I wish I had looked a bit more deeply into the VW reliability ratings before I purchased my 2001 Jetta. I think that in the future I'll stick with more reliable makes like Honda or Toyota.

If your not in the mood to have it fixed every week then this should be top priority tied with Safety.