While I mentioned the rent-a-car option, I suppose I should mention that recently I bought a car from a mechanic I had used, who was looking to sell the car on behalf of a former client. He gave me a year-long warranty on the car--it covers everything except oil changes and the tires. It looked like a good deal and my regular mechanics told me it was a good deal and that I should take him up on it, so I did. So far, so good.
If you know a trustworthy mechanic or body shop, you might consider getting a car from them, esp. if they give you a decent warranty.
