<prompt> Human: I have 8,000 on hand, and I can get that up to 12,000 in two weeks if I really need to without getting into any debt. I was looking at a couple year old jettas, dodge chargers and other stuff. my dad wanted me to get a cls500 for 7.5 K saying a mercedes would be more reliable, but I dont know if I should since any repair would cost me big money. But It wouldnt need anything as frequently as a cheaper car if the condition is good. what do you guys recommend? what would be the smart decision financially?  <response>: Everyone has already suggested the usual suspects. But I would definitely argue that in your price bracket there are decentreliable Fords and Chevys as well. Fusion, Focus, Cruze, Malibu, Impala.I will also echo that a CLS500 is not a good idea at all. Expensive anyway you slice it. At the price bracket you are shopping itll also be high mileage and or have some problems. Even at 12k, you arent spending enough to get a decently sorted example. On top of that parts are expensive and it will not be fuel efficient.At the end of the day, get a sensible car. Something known to be reliable, cheap to repair and fuel efficient.rwhatcarshouldibuy should be able to help you once you tell them what sort of car you want, what you are looking for it to do for you. 