"Yes, there are a lot of good cars out there in the $2000-3500 range. Who doesnt make $583 per month ?

Sounds to me like a lot of people like to rationalize their extravagences"

A LOT of cars in the $2-3.5k range? What planet are you on? Most of them under 7-8k in Wisconsin are starting to rust out around the fenders and doors, and the hidden rust that the dealer didn't bother to paint over is often almost through the body. They will need 1-2k repairs in the first year, and have 140-200k miles on them.

I can do my own repairs on most stuff, pu guess what? I'm getting too old for lying on my back in a snowbank by the side of the road fixing up a beater.

Just my experiences talking. I'll be looking for a better used car later this summer.