Wow! People here are amazingly helpful! Thanks, thanks a lot...
Yes, yes I'm keeping each point in mind. I'm compiling all the points I've read in a document for review. This is all new to me... The 350k might be used as dp if I buy a new car, btw.

renzo_d10, i'll see how patient I could be and wait for bnew. I
have a feeling this is like the "marshmallow test". I'll check out
your recoms...

starex_gold, yup definitely not a 350k bnew car no Cherys. Why would
Chevys suit me? Is it bump and dummy proof? =)

KERSMcRae, thanks for the advice. I've thought of having a 2nd hand
practice car first too. Just that am planning to use the car I'm
getting now for a long time. Kaya lang as my friend said "ibabanga
ko lang naman daw sya" she's knows me well...

granro01, yup my worst fear is that a 2nd hand car will stall and stop
in the middle of traffic! noon, and cars honking yikes!

testament11, you're very encouraging but unlike you I might not
be able to improve on my auto trouble shooting skills. I tried having
my bro teach me mt on top of my paid instructor, he was shouting so
we stopped having those. I'll take your tip and buy the car finder. I'm
also trying to familiarize myself with the make/model/year = value.

mda, yes the ideal situation would be a hassle free bnew. as you said
I have to make some computations on how much I could afford.
I'm just anxious about committing to the monthly payments.

Jackflash, the tips are very smart they're going on my compilation =)

I've been doing a lot of research one with excel sheets of car brands and prices. I've noticed that one of the cheapest AT is a Sentra GX 1.3... This will suit my budget if I wait by dec I think. I'll be reading more about it...

When I think about it, the cash diff between bnew and 2nd hand might just be too big. I have a female friend who drives a 2nd hand and she seems fine aside from timing belts and noises. Hmmm... her car's a good size and it still looks good naman.

Guys, I have so much to think about your replies will help me sort them out. :grouphugg: I plan to keep looking at second hand listings and talk to the SA for the best deal on the sentra. Process ko muna infos...