The biggest problem that I am having is with the alternator.
I would recommend anyone to buy a Chevrolet Cavalier. It is a good first time car for a young driver. For being a 4 cylinder, that motor still sounds nice.
As for getting another, I really did! My first red 1993 convertible needed the top replaced after a hailstorm (it was very old and not exactly maintained to my standards when I bought it used. I think I got ripped of, but for my first car ever I loved it until I got my new one). The guy did a horrible job, then fell off the face of the earth. Tired of driving in a wet smelly car (thunderstorms are frequent in Florida- I couldn't keep up), I bought a blue 92 convertible with a white vinyl interior instead of cloth. I have had to replace the alternator on both cars. My grandad suggested that if the radio or AC is left on, that could keep a charge in the system which zaps the alternator. Whether its true or not, I now make sure everything is turned off before that car shuts off.