<prompt> Human: I was actually at the dealership yesterday with my wife as her 2003 Toyota Corolla is getting to that point it will cost more to repair than get a newer one. We found a 2014 Chevy Spark with 2.6K miles on it for 13,000.I have a flat file as Ive never taken out loans or had to make payments on anything. I avoid credit cards like the plague so I dont have anything built up there. As I understand it paying out a car will build my credit in the long run? We are financing through the dealership and they projected the payments over a 72 month period.Up until now Ive never had to deal with such and the thought of being in debt scares me. We couldnt attach my wifes name as she has 35,000 worth of student loans to eventually cover but does not work which is another post in the future entirely.I guess I just need reassurance that replacing the 12 year old car is the safer option. And if there are any pitfalls with getting a newer car I should be aware of.If there is any other information needed let me know and I will add it in an EDIT. Thank you for your time.EDIT: I find out all the details of downpayment and such Monday. I went and applied yesterday and am still being approved. My parents are covering me on the downpayment with 1500 plus the 500 for the trade in as we just moved and our savings was shot. Will have my parents paid back in a month or two even on top of the projected 250 a month payment I make more than enough a week and its a family business that is being passed down. We are secure. We are still recovering from a move so I opted to project a longer term for a lower payment initially. I plan to pay more a month to pay off the back of the title as well once things get more established.EDIT: AC Compressor went out, body damage, reservoir cracked, speakers blown, 144,752 miles, and a few electrical issues on top of it.EDIT: I would have preferred to go with another Toyota. However all the repair shops in town do not service foreign makes. The nearest drive for a repair on a foreign is more than an hour away. That and with my familys history at this dealer they are cutting a few corners for us as it is.EDIT: Only reason the AC is an issue is we have a 2 year old. I can sweat through it myself.EDIT: Opted to get it fixed instead. Thank you for the advice everyone!  <response>: I would buy anything other than a Chevy Spark. It was designed from the get-go to be a dirt cheap car and it has the build quality to reflect that. If you really need to stick with a U.S. make what kind of a mechanic cant work on a Toyota?, Chevy makes many other much better cars and Ford has a decent lineup as well. Avoid Chrysler and Dodge products.Plus, the new MSRP on a Spark starts at 13,000. I dont think youre getting a deal on this one. 