I say the gang is right on. My vote goes to a larger sedan with a 4cyl like a camry, accord etc which can be had for 3 to 5K. In me grad schl days had a camry, I gifted it to another when I was done at transfer it had 167K only maint was plugs, oil changes, light bulbs, tires, belts and a batt. I put about 100K on it, bought it off an ole proff after he had put the timing belt on, I never had to or shall we say did due to Mula issues. The next owner took it to 226K and then traded in on a new isuzu van!

Yep when in school you will be busy, may not have a chick magnet car in the 3-5K cheapie but hey you can attract the chicks under your own power eh!

The chicks flocking to the MB would be high exp/maint any ways!!

Have your dad keep the car and use it till you get out and keep sending him info on what you would fix next.... that way in 4 years or less you will be ready to reclaim a fully rebuilt car. Dads love to do that kinda stuff for their kids.

Good Luck