just ab out in the same boat. $3000.00 later my car still makes the same noise it went in with, doesn't "feel " the same and just went over 100,000 miles. I have a Ford Escape 2005 purchased new in 04.
After both DH and I each being out of work 18 plus months there are no $ for a new one.
Good luck with your new purchase, hope you have many years with it:)