I'm considering purchasing a 8 to 12 year old car.(roughly) My
preference is European, and economical to own. Please name 1 to 3 cars
that you think are worthy considering my criteria... Mechanics
welcome! I'm not afraid of a few problems areas, but I'd like to at
least be aware of them while I shop. Thanks!

Here are some cars that fit your parameters:

1992 Volvo 240 244 GL 4-Door Sedan
http://carguides.autotrader.com/at/ucars/UsedCars_overview.jsp?ItemId=13052903&ResultPage=1

1992 Volkswagen JETTA GL 4-Door Sedan
http://carguides.autotrader.com/at/ucars/UsedCars_overview.jsp?ItemId=13053311&ResultPage=4

1992 Audi 100 4-Door Sedan
http://carguides.autotrader.com/at/ucars/UsedCars_overview.jsp?ItemId=13052893&ResultPage=1

1990 Saab 900 4-Door Sedan
http://carguides.autotrader.com/at/ucars/UsedCars_overview.jsp?ItemId=13050995&ResultPage=1

There were a number of other Volvos that fit your description.  There
were also some slightly more pricey BMW's, but you might want to check
them out as well.

I found these vehicles using AutoTrader.com's Decision Guide.  I
*highly* recommend it.  Go through the guide step-by-step and select
the vehicles that match your specification.  At the end of the
questionaire (about a 10 minute process), the guide outputs a list of
used cars that mathc your parameters.  It's a great tool.  Check it
out:
http://carguides.autotrader.com/at/ncars/car_guide.jsp


Thanks for using Google Answers and if need any further information on
this subject, please don't hesitate to ask for clarification!

xemion-ga

Thanks. That was helpful...

It depends what you're looking for - a small one (VW, Lancia, etc) or
a family car. However since you've been serviced in what seems to me
as a good answer except for the size of the Volvo, that might not fit
anyone.

If your'e lookin for an economic car, don't forget the Volkswagen
Golf:

http://carguides.autotrader.com/at/ncars/overview.jsp?ItemId=1007121&ResultPage=1

I looks tiny from the outside, but since I own one I can really say
that there is enough space for 4 people plus summer equipment ;)

Once you've narrowed your choices down to a few vehicles you
particularly like, it's an excellent idea to check them out in the
Lemon-Aid used car guide.  This book uses feedback from owners and
insiders to track recurring problems, as well as warranties, secret
warranties (if you know about it the repair's free, if not they'll
charge you) and recalls.  It's available from Amazon.com here:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=books&field-titleid=1001878&ve-field=none/qid=/102-1403434-2944955

(sorry for the long URL) or at your local bookstore.  A few minutes'
research here can save a lot of aggravation a year or two down the
road.

Good luck, and thank you for using Google Answers!

I own a 1994 Audi 90CS Quattro Sport.  It is smaller than the 100 the
answerer listed and more economical.  Also, the 80's, 90's and 100's
made from 1992-1994 gradually fixed engine problems.  Like cars made
in 1992, you can expect gaskets to crack, leaking oil and expensive
transmission problems.  But in 1994, they fixed everything and there
have been few problems.  From an owner and a fan of Audi's in the
early 90's, I strongly recommend the 1992 Audi 100 be changed to a
1994 Audi 90.