<prompt> Human: Im currently drive a 2007 Nissan Altima 3.5, manual transmission, with 260k miles on it. Ive had a check engine light on for about a month or so, and for about a week its been making a concerning grinding sound under the hood. Ive been aware that it has a small oil leak, though Ive been extra cautious of it - i.e. oil changes every 2k miles and the occasional topping off. Two mechanics have told me the light is from a front and rear timing issue in the crankshaft, and a catalytic converter. The mechanic yesterday told me that the noise is coming from the timing chain in the camshaft needing to be replaced and with about 15 hrs of labor would be about 2500-3000. Today the car broke down and will not turn over Im assuming because of the timing issue.Some other problems to note: camber on rear wheels in tilted in slightly - possibly due to a bent axle according to a mechanic leak in power steering pump unfortunately not a line cosmetic: rear bumper and left tail light are pretty trashed after a collision with a brick mailbox, front windshield has a spiderweb crack and needs to be replaced, car has been smoked in for about two yearsBasically, Im wondering what my best option would be for getting a new used car. I bought this car in 2014 primarily because it has a manual transmission. It was the first car that I found, tested, and bought on my own, and Im hoping to make better decisions when buying this time. If anyone has a suggestion on a good car that I could find for 6k or less, or reading material on the subject of buying and selling cars that would also be greatly appreciated. edit: thank you all very much for the responses, theyve been helpful. a lot of these options i had not considered.  <response>: With that mileage and litany of mechanical issues, I would junk it.Honda civics and accords tend to age well and you can get them in manuals as well. A 2009 civic with 90,000 miles and a manual should come in around your budget. 