Thanks a lot for the input... as i am looking at them i think that I want one for me! have to think practical for my son. Gas milage is important for him as we are pretty poor most of the time.
He is an excellent driver but not big on fixin stuff, my husband is..

With electric guitars and amps we call it GAS, gear acquisition syndrome...
I get it bad sometimes

with this car i got it bad too!

so i'll look for a ford escape or explorer or something for my son... we have about 6 -7000$ to spend and i want something reliable and if it has to go to the mechanic where ever my son may be i don't want them going What the heck is this...? and mess it up.

all the used cars are expensive or high miles... was that the cash for clunkers messing up the used car prices i have heard about?