Buying a Used Car

[SaintAnselm]

Let me first give you a little background. I recently graduated college(May 2004) with a degree in Sociology. I had ever intention of taking a year off and then heading back to start on my Masters and PHD. I had planned on working in whatever job I could find and mainly focusing on getting a paper published/presented and raising my GRE scores. However, I found a job that pays me much more than most people my age are making so I decided to take a second year off and focus on starting school Fall 2006.
With that being said, it has come time to buy a car. I currently drive a 1994 Ford Taurus with 170,000 miles on it that I have had for 4 years. This next car really needs to last for 5-7 years as I will not be in the financial situation to afford much while I am school. I also need a car that is cheap to maintain for the same reason. I am also very tall, 6'7", so leg room is important. I am willing to spend up to $15,000.

I have test driven both a 2002 Camry and a 2002 Altima. I fit in both and both just fall in my price range. I also fit into the older Camry body style so a 2000 or 2001 Camry is an option.

Anybody have any thoughts on either the Camry or Altima? Also, anyone have any other suggestions?

I have done a lot of research on both Edmunds and CR and am more looking for the personal experience side of things.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[WSUCougar]

You can't go wrong with the Camry. I owned a 2001 and was 100% satisfied with it. But take a look at the 2002 Maxima if you get a chance. She flies.

[st.cronin]

I have owned two camrys - they are very reliable.

I might also suggest you look into a used Infiniti. Not sure whether it exactly fits what you're looking for, but they are extremely comfortable.

[Swaggs]

I'd say both, along with a Honda Accord in the same age range, would be great for your needs.

[BigJohn&TheLions]

Buy American.

[gstelmack]

Buy American.
He is. The Camry is mostly made here now, isn't it?

[BigJohn&TheLions]

He is. The Camry is mostly made here now, isn't it?
OK, then do the right thing and buy one from Pearl Harbor Toyoda. And be sure to stop by and piss on the Arizona while there.

[SaintAnselm]

Suprisingly enough I do not fit into the Accord.

I actually test drove a 2001 Infiniti I30 that had around 60k miles on it and was listed for $12,900. It was a beautiful car but I did not fit comfortably enough. Is there a bigger Infiniti I should try?