When you got the car were there any maintenance records that came with it? What you are looking for is when was the timing belt and water pump changed.These two items are due to be replaced about every 100,000 miles. This car with proper care will go to 4 or 500,000 miles. The key is proper maintenance,do not use mechanics that you do not know,no short cuts if your car needs brakes make sure it is done right. Here is a wen site that will give you the approx price for auto repairs and will also give you a list of mechanics in your area.It is better to spend a few hundrend dollars in maintenance then it is to pay a few hundrend a month for another car.Here is that web site and I have nothing to do with it.www.repairpal.com Believe it I got this site from one of our local TV stations and it is really a good one.