An Addendum to the previous post...

The current Front Runner in our top pick of cars. 2009 Toyota Yaris 4 door hatchback (w/rear wiper)

We are still in need of a new car, but... We are going to tough it out. We found a place that will fix our inner tire rods and help us get the car in a safer driving condition for a not so insane amount, so we can drive it to Iowa. In Iowa my dad will be doing a major overhaul to get the car in the best shape possible. I'm even going to try and hunt down the trim that fell off, so I can have it replaced. We will be driving the car... as minimally as possible from now until next fall. This way the car will have a better trade in value, it won't be a death trap on wheels, and we'll have more time to save up for that car we're really wanting. I want a car with 4 doors, cruise control, ac, and power locks that's small and gets great gas mileage. Jesse is a bit pickier than me. He agrees with me, but insists on it being a foreign car, he wants a cd player, and he is against sedans it must be a hatch back which must have rear defrost and possibly even a rear wiper. We're hoping to have several thousand each saved up and a good condition 1999 Ford Taurus at trade in can get you around $1,000. Being able to put at least half down in cash will give us more options and less debt. I am excited to say that our car will be repaired on Thursday of this week and we will be in Iowa on March 13th as planned and we will have a new car by October at the latest. We are still open to hearing any car buying advice since we are novices. Thanks to everyone who has been helping us out with well wishes, prayers, advice, and help with repairs. We don't know where we would be with out you.