I remember the day clearly, I had already graduated from a two year Nursing program, passed the boards. I was on my to getting my BSN and a year into that program and felt I deserved a brand new car.

I preface with that information because you would think someone with a little education would have an eye for a good car. I wanted to buy American...don't ask, I was young and very proud to have volumes of opportunity.

After shopping for a few weeks I thought I found the perfect car. It was small but not too small, great on gas, mildly sporty, had a roof rack, automatic, and above all the perfect price. It was a Pontiac LeMans.

Well, PONTIAC is American, but the engine was made in Korea! Need I say more?

I refused assistance for purchasing my new car, I wanted to do it on my own. That dealership saw me coming.

I was proud of my accomplishment as I signed the contracts, I got my keys and was now the owner of a NEW car.

Within one week, the car was back in the shop! There was recall on the wiring within the engine and the rain storm I drove through triggered the stall. Fortunately I had purchased extended warranties and the towing was FREE. The car was back several times but each repair was free so I didn't think anything of it.

The braking system is poorly made, which leads to excess wear and tear on the brake pads which in turn ruins the rotors. I had this fixed and then just bought in the car every three months for inspection. I had purchased the new rotors and pads through a program where the pads are replaced free. This car was high maintenance.

The engine, was just the worst. Parts were difficult to find if I didn't go directly through the dealer and the dealer charged a small fortune to fix. The car had no pick up. You could hear everything.

I learned from this experience though, research is the key! I was in too much of a hurry. I later learned that this car may have 'qualified' to be a lemon.